Roald, known as Snake, serves as head guard at Ketil's farm in early 11th century England. Appointed by Ketil, this man in his mid-to-late thirties oversees security for the farm and its enslaved laborers. Snake possesses a medium build, dark medium-length hair, an oval face, and no distinguishing marks, typically dressed in a belted mauve tunic, light grey pants, and brown laced boots. Despite enforcing authority, Snake demonstrates compassion and reason, frequently intervening to protect enslaved individuals like Thorfinn from brutal treatment by other guards. He prioritizes fairness and order, warning guards against mistreating workers. Yet he adheres strictly to the era's societal norms, viewing enslaved people as inherently inferior and accepting masters' absolute power over them. He shows no objection to children being beaten for stealing food, even for survival. Snake rarely displays emotion but becomes enraged when his comrades are killed, perceiving them as expendable pawns. He harbors a strong, unspoken bond with Ketil and Ketil's father, Sverkel, dismissing inquiries about their relationship by referring to questioners as strangers. His sense of honor compels unwavering loyalty to Ketil's family out of gratitude for refuge during a time of need, persisting even against impossible odds like Canute's forces. An anime-original line implies Snake was formerly a warrior in Miklagard (Constantinople), suggesting possible service in the Byzantine Empire's elite Varangian Guard, a unit often composed of Norsemen; his equipment, including an oriental saber, supports this background. His combat skills are exceptional; Thorfinn assesses him as a fighter equal to or surpassing Askeladd in certain aspects. Snake combines speed, strength, and strategic acumen, making him formidable. Thorfinn finds him faster than any previous opponent and struggles to close distance during their duel. Snake delivers lethal blows with precision, such as decapitating foes in single strikes, and demonstrates tactical understanding during reconnaissance. Snake's development centers on his confrontation with violence and duty. When the escaped slave Gardar kills several guards attempting to free his wife Arnheid, Snake pursues vengeance, refusing to see Gardar as anything but a slave despite appeals for mercy from Sverkel and Thorfinn, ultimately killing him. Later, during King Canute's assault, Snake leads the defense knowing defeat is likely. Surviving the battle, he witnesses Thorfinn's transformation into a pacifist and his successful plea to Canute to spare the farm. This experience, coupled with the conflict's futility, prompts Snake to reevaluate his path. He reveals his real name to Thorfinn and Einar as they depart to seek Vinland, expressing respect for their mission. While he does not join them, he implicitly abandons his life as a warrior, choosing an unknown future away from violence.