Thorkell

Thorkell is a huge general of the Jomsvikings, an elite band of Viking warriors. He stands well over two meters tall, and one spear he hurls from far off can pierce several enemies in a row. More than anything, he loves a good fight. He even leaves the Danish side to battle for England, simply because facing other Vikings gives him tougher foes.

Despite his hunger for war, Thorkell is cheerful, honest, and often funny. He respects strength and courage wherever he finds them. Long before the story, he fought alongside Thors, Thorfinn's father, and admired him deeply. Thorkell is also family: Thors' wife is his niece, which makes him Thorfinn's great-uncle.

Thorkell faces Thorfinn in two duels and wins both. Even so, the young fighter takes two of his fingers the first time and one of his eyes the next, and Thorkell comes to like the boy for his fighting spirit. When Prince Canute suddenly grows into a strong leader, Thorkell is impressed and chooses to serve him. In real history, a Jomsviking lord known as Thorkell the Tall lived in this period, and he is the model for this character.