Thorsson , also nicknamed Karlsefni , is the main protagonist of Vinland Saga. Afterwards he became a trader and adventurer attempting to settle in Vinland. He was born in Iceland as the only son of Helga and the late Thors Snorresson , the most famous Jomsviking warrior until his defection. He is also the younger brother to Ylva and is related to the leadership of the Jomsvikings through his mother, who is daughter of the third Chief, Sigvaldi.
He spent more than a decade attempting to take revenge on Askeladd, the man who killed his father, even following him into battle to stay close to him, and grew cold and merciless, killing countless people. After he attacked Canute in a moment of shock and rage for killing Askeladd, the death of whom was Thorfinn's goal for most of his life, Thorfinn was enslaved as a punishment.
Four years later he gained his freedom and changed his life. He created and founded the Arnheid Village on Vinland. Thorfinn's appearance is consistent throughout the story. He has choppy and messy hair, old clothes and two knives. He is also short, as stated by multiple characters in the story.
When Thorfinn was a child, he had a happier face, round with bright, curious eyes, and well-kept hair. Thorfinn's entire body is littered with scars, most of which were caused by blades.
His face remains unmarred until he gains several obvious scars on his face in adulthood, mostly because he refuses to fight with weapons and tries his best to defend himself and neutralize his opponents without causing any lasting harm. In , an apathetic Thorfinn does not budge when one of Ketil's guests, Fox, goes at him with a sword to try to make him fear for his life, slicing off the tip of his left ear.
