Snake

The leader of the "guests." He is a fair individual who disciplines the guests when they go too far with the slaves and interacts amicably with slaves like Thorfinn. While he values the lives of his subordinates, he seems to get along well with Sverkel and often spends time in his hut. Among the "guests," he is skilled and appears to have taught Thorgil swordsmanship. He is educated and reads the Bible to Sverkel, who is bedridden. He is also insightful, having quickly recognized Thorfinn's nature as a warrior. When the runaway slave Gardar took Arnheid away, he was furious that the lives of other "guests" were endangered and confronted Thorfinn, who was trying to help Arnheid. He is acquainted with the real "Iron Fist Ketil" and had realized that the landowner Ketil was using that reputation for show. However, during Canute's invasion of Ketil's farm, he took command of the gathered retainers to oppose Canute's army, understanding it was a losing battle, to repay Ketil for employing him. Later, he expressed gratitude when Canute decided not to seize the farm due to Thorfinn and others' advice, revealing his true name, "Roald Grimsson" (Roald, son of Grim), to Thorfinn and others. Afterward, he helps with farm work alongside the other "guests" under Sverkel's guidance.