Way up north, in the dark, cold North lies the kingdom of Västra Götaland.
A small, scattered kingdom with three powerful families...
fighting for control.
In these dark times the light of the christian...
faith is spread from churches and monasteries.
But for one woman, the convent sometimes feels like a home without God.
She was locked up against her own will, and separated from her love,
who was sentenced to serve in the holy land.
Cecilia.
You have a visitor.
Cecilia! It's so wonderful to see you!
- Has something happened? - No.
You haven't come here in several years, Brosa.
Your time of penance will soon be over. Have you thought of your future?
You are a Folkung maiden and friend of the queen,
so there are probably many suitors whom you could marry.
You need a husband.
It would strengthen your position and strengthen us all.
I've sworn that I'll wait for Arn.
- You ought to prepare for the worst. - He lives. He is a lord in Gaza.
That information is years old.
I'll wait for him.
And if he does not come...
Then I shall have no husband.
ARN The Kingdom at Road's End
Based on Jan Guillou's writing
After them!
My name is Arn Magnusson from Västra Götaland.
Who would've thought to meet a Folkung down here?
- And a friend as well? - Thanks.
It was my family who helped your king Knut hide in Norway.
Knut Eriksson is king?
Well you must have been away for a long time.
Knut has ruled and kept the peace for many, many years.
Do you know of a Magnus Folkesson at Arnäs?
Sure! You bet I do! Well, Magnus Folkesson has sadly passed away.
- When? - He passed two winters hence,
his son Eskil is lord of Arnäs now.
And you? How did you end up here?
Magnus Folkesson was your father?
I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.
Västra Götaland...
Cecilia, come.
God has sent you so that you might forgive me.
What should I give you forgiveness for?
My sins... My sins against you.
I wanted to ruin your and Arn Magnusson's happiness.
Give me my child!
I punished you so that you wouldn't feel love...
Life in the convent
I've never liked it.
It was my father's will.
He sent me here.
Behind these walls.
You're a good person, Cecilia.
Kind-hearted and forgiving.
Your prayers may shorten my time in purgatory.
Won't you forgive me?
Only God can forgive you.
Damn you, Cecilia Algotsdotter!
I curse you and Arn Magnusson!
He asked for it.
You're going to fail, Harald. Firstly; your sword's too heavy.
This? Should've had one bigger!
Secondly; you fight like a viking.
Respectfully Lord, I have never learned to fight differently,
I seem to have gotten by so far.
We've been given orders from Jerusalem.
The Grand Master wants us to join a force out in the desert.
I want you to join me as my sergeant.
Thank you, Lord. My humble thanks, Lord!
It will be an honour to serve a Folkung!
We have a long ride ahead of us.
You have come to the right man, my Lord!
You will not be disappointed!
It's already very hot.
If only we'd had some beer, eh?
Save your energy, Harald.
Beer, beer, beer, beer, beer...
Enemy troops are moving north.
They must have something in mind.
So what are these sarasen like? Are they as evil as people say?
They are like us.
Some are evil, others good.
But that leader of theirs, that Saladin, surely he is a cruel devil?
Is it true that you are the only one who ever defeated him?
Saladin's far from defeated.
No but, it's only a matter of..
.. time, isn't it?
We must have faith, Harald.
- We must have faith to defeat evil. - And if you don't defeat the evil?
Then you die.
Searing heat in the day, freezing cold at night.
I already miss the woods and.. the fjords.
- Don't you ever long for home? - Yes.
But my time here is almost done.
I may return home, come the next turn of the moon.
I'm sorry for your loss of your dear Mother Rikissa.
But even when in grief, one must try to focus on what lies ahead, right?
I've spoken with the king's jarl, Birger Brosa.
He speaks well of you.
I have no reason to doubt his judgement.
I would like seeing an abbess from the Folkung clan in one of our convents.
And now there is an open position for one.
Abess of Gudhem, what do you think of that, in your own convent?
Thank you. That's a great offer..
But I neither can nor want to take the monasterial vow.
- No? - My time of penance is almost over.
I have served my sentence.
At the next full moon I will leave Gudhem...
and go to the queen at Visingsö.
There I shall wait for my betrothed. You may tell Brosa this with my regards.
Lord? Lord..
Stay out of this, Harald.
Al Ghouti, we'd like to thank you.
God sent you to aid us.
He can see that you are troubled.
But God has a purpose with all our torments.
When do we go on, Lord? Where will the battle be fought?
- You will not ride with us, Harald. - I ride wherever you ride.
Go to Gaza and take the first ship home. I relieve you of your duty.
I will fight by your side!
Harald, that is an order.
- I'm not afraid to die. - I do not doubt your courage.
I had hoped we could go together. Now I send you on ahead.
One day we will meet again there.
Beg your pardon, The Knights Templar will break camp at dawn.
They have gathered a large army south of the Horns of Hattin.
- They want to face us in the desert. - The fools will die.
After a great defeat follows a great victory.
I swear I will come back for you.
I'll wait for you.
- And if he does not come... - Then I shall have no husband.
It's not much you bring with you...
out into the world, Cecilia Algotsdotter.
The King and Queen are awaiting you at Visingsö.
I have also sent Magnus there.
- So, does he know? - Yes, he knows.
I heard you did not accept bishop Erlands offer.
Maybe you need time to think about it?
I have had all the time I need.
I am very happy to see you.
- Good to see you again, Cecilia. - King Knut.
This is for you. Come meet our sons.
- This is Erik our eldest. - Welcome.
This is Jon. and little-Knut.
Don't stand in the rain. Inside with you.
I am telling it like it is, though it is uncomfortable to hear.
We have to be one step ahead of Sverker. Soon he will lay claim to the crown.
- Then he will bring the Danes as help. - Let him come.
We can not beat him now We can not fight the Danes now.
I will bow to no one, neither Sverker Karlsson or the Danes.
You don't need to but we need to take care of ourselves.
Have a look, there is the guest of honour.
Come, have a seat.
You look magnificent, Cecilia.
The future would look magnificent, if she just listened to advice.
Brosa wants me to become abbess in Gudhem.
It is an honourable position, Cecilia.
The power of the church is great. As great as that of the king.
We must try to have a Folkung in every important...
post to diminish the Sverkers' influence.
If Brosa is that interested in monasterial life I...
think Varnhem would accept another brother.
My wife has a sharp tongue, but she and I know you mean well.
Cecilia, welcome to Visingsö.
- Am I interrupting? - No....come in.
Have a seat.
You must have thought about it.
Your father...
- Your father and I... - I know.
You don't need to.
- Brosa says he is dead. - He knows nothing.
He lives.
- He lives in my prayers. - In mine also.
God is great!
My name is Ebbe Sunesson. I come from Denmark as a friend.
The Danish king wants peace.
Also in your Kingdom.
He would prefer that you mend relations with the Sverker clan.
If he thinks I will voluntarily give up the...
crown to Sverker Karlsson, he is mistaken.
If Sverker Karlsson wanted to take the crown,
he would have done so long ago.
As you long ago took it from his father.
So you want to talk reason.
Our families have feuded, for generations
and we have all lost kin.
I don't think anyone wants more bloodshed.
Does the king not feel well?
He would have felt better if he hadn't had so much beer.
Tell me, who is the queen's friend?
- I am Cecilia Algotsdotter. - Novice in Gudhem convent for years.
A nun? She doesn't look like a nun.
It is my mother you speak of.
You don't say, my friend? Where is your father then?
He is a Knight Templar in the holy land.
My condolences.
What do you mean?
Jerusalem has fallen. The Knights Templar...
were butchered like dogs.
They died. All of them.
Every last one.
YOU LIE!
It has happened that I have sinned, but I do not lie.
If you defeat me in combat, you can call me what you like.
Magnus, calm down.
The defeated salutes you, my victorious king.
Salutations,
my worthy opponent.
Sit.
It is an honour to serve Al Ghouti.
We will remain friends, even if I am abbess.
I can't just stay here.
I must make something of my life. Life in the convent is all I know.
Welcome back.
Cecilia..
It is you...
It is you!
Mother?
Arn Magnusson, Cecilia Algotsdotter,
it is with as much joy as with relief
that I finally give you my blessing.
Cheers!
Look, everyone's enjoying themselves. Brosa would have enjoyed this.
Magnus tried to persuade him, but he would not come.
I didn't think he could resist this much food and drink.
It is a great...
It is a great honour to be here tonight.
With such good and fine men and women. Finest of all,
is that man. The greatest warrior of the north.
If you ever should have need of a skilled archer, my friend,
you know that Harald Øysteinson will always be there.
So on behalf of, well.. all of Norway,
Dear Arn, dear Cecilia; Congratulations.
- And cheers! - Cheers!
- Are you cold? - No.
- No, this is much too warm. - Yes.
Have we changed that much?
Our souls are the same. You are the Cecilia I remember.
Our new home, Cecilia. Here we will build and work for peace.
I didn't imagine that it would be this big.
All are free men with knowledge of many new things.
You couldn't have chosen any better. This is a wonderful place.
- This is Sune Folkesson. - Welcome to Forsvik, Lady Cecilia.
I'll show you where we will stay.
- What do you think? - Birch trunks.
Very nice.
Look.
A gift from our Sarasen friends.
We must be the first people in Västra Götaland with a stream in the house.
And a birch wood in the bedroom.
Six years later
Father!
Father! Father..
You're going to practise shooting with Sune?
Then your dad will keep training the men. Off you go.
Sigge!
Your turn. Aim for the middle.
Good.
That's not bad. Now it's my turn.
You get to go find that arrow. Get going.
Don't come back before you have found it. Naughty girl!
- Sten, have you seen Alde? - I saw her just now.
Women and children, inside.
Go get Lord Arn.
Is that your beautiful mother?
Let her go!
The famous Knight Templar.
If you wish to say something, say it without dismounting.
We were passing through here when we ran into your daughter in the woods.
I was nearly hit by a stray arrow.
Sometimes it is hard to distinguish a friend from a foe.
You should take better care of your family.
The woods of Västra Götaland aren't that safe anymore.
Especially now that your king Knut is dying.
Why didn't anyone tell me?
I didn't want it to get out. I didn't want any unrest.
- Unrest? - Yes, unrest!
Knut is my oldest friend.
While you argue, Sverker Karlsson may have already taken Visingsö.
For six years you have done nothing but be offended with one another!
It's about time you two made your peace.
How much time does he have?
I don't know, but he shits blood. And that's never a good sign.
Sverker Karlsson has named Ebbe Sunesson his marshal.
He has the Danish king's support, and the entire Danish army with it.
We are not prepared to face the danes on the battlefield.
- We must buy ourselves more time. - There is only one solution.
What did you say?
I said there is only one solution. We must let go of the crown.
Erik, take me to your father.
We have no choice.
We offer Sverker Karlsson the throne provided
that Erik will be his successor.
If we can get Knut to agree.
I came as soon as I heard.
Why would God want to punish me in this way?
- Letting me die in my own filth like a damn dog.
Do not blaspheme, father.
Don't worry, my son.
The bishop is on his way.
He will get me to the other side.
I know why you have come.
You want Sverker Karlsson to have the crown.
Am I right?
It is the only way.
- That, or war. - And Erik?
What happens with him?
Our terms are that Sverker Karlsson's heirs are disinherited
and that Erik becomes his successor.
You must stand by him, Arn. No matter what happens.
If Sverker Karlsson touches a hair on Erik's head,
do you swear you will be behind him with your sword?
You have my word.
Good...
The king's sword.
May I introduce my nephews:
Eskil Magnusson, lord of Arnäs.
Arn Magnusson, lord of Forsvik.
Your reputation precedes you.
Yours has not caught up with you yet, Sverker Karlsson.
I have heard that you are a man who follows his own path.
I follow the path of my clan, my king.
I appreciate our friendship with the Folkung clan.
And so does my jarl. Right, Erik?
I have to return to Forsvik.
I'd rather have you and your sons come with me.
Tell Cecilia not to worry for me.
I promised Knut I'd look after Erik.
Erik is jarl, and heir to the throne.
His place is here at Visingsö.
I will not please Sverker and his marshal by escaping.
Blanka is too brave for her own good.
Sverker Karlsson can not be trusted. He would not hesitate to harm Erik.
No, that's what worries me.
We can't just leave her and the boys at Visingsö.
We have to send someone to look after them. Someone we can trust.
You will leave Forsvik this evening.
It is not a small thing I ask of you, but we must protect our heir.
They despised me at Forsvik, for my danish blood.
I never got to show what I'm capable of.
What are you capable of?
I'm a good guardsman.
You couldn't even guard a girl in the woods.
Maybe I didn't want to guard her.
A traitor.
I should have you hanged.
But the king would enjoy having a Folkung in his guard.
Welcome.
Look at him.
Stand up so we can see our jarl.
Look at him.
Look at him!
Look at Erik, our jarl.
He looks like a drunken... arrow.
- Is that how the king addresses the jarl?
You are not queen any more.
Sverker Karlsson has shown you great generosity by letting you stay here.
What does he receive in return? Ingratitude?
You're very beautiful.
But what my marshal says, is true.
I have no reason to show you gratitude or hospitality.
You can go.
Come.
Alone!
Your sons are old enough to be without their mother.
One, two, three...
Good! Five, six...
I've seen so much wickedness,
so much death.
I prayed for God to not have me experience war again.
But if Sverker draws his sword, then the war will be here.
I am also here.
I am with you every single moment.
- God has a special task for you. - To go to war?
To make peace.
My marshal believes you serve two masters.
What is the king's opinion?
I haven't quite decided yet.
You have served me well, but I trust my marshal's judgement.
I have only one master.
And that is king Sverker.
Good.
Then you will have to prove it.
This evening you will go to Knut's sons and tell them
that you are of the Folkung and will help them escape.
Tonight you take them out of the castle.
Down by the water two men with a boat will be waiting for you.
Take them out far...
...then drown them.
The two men will have orders to kill you if you fail to cooperate.
Then I shall decide
what to think of you, Sune Folkesson.
Here ends your journey, young masters.
Sit down!
- Don't touch him. - Quiet!
Damn traitor!
I'm doing my duty.
He's injured!
Let me see.
He'll be all right.
Where is little-Knut?
Sverker Karlsson has forfeited his right to the crown.
Now he fears our revenge. The danes will be here soon,
and it will take more than our will and courage to defeat them.
But I promise you: We will be ready.
Form ranks.
Move your feet.
May God be with you, Magnus.
I know you will return.
I am too old for this.
But you have my men.
Every thrall and stablehand who can use a bow is here.
We'll never make it. The danes have five times our numbers.
We'll beat them with unexpected force.
Sverker Karlsson is a dead king. I will take his head myself.
It is no small matter to slay a king, however unjust. Revenge breeds revenge.
Would you lose another brother?
He's as wilful as his father.
Just like you were.
I want peace, Eskil.
That is what my prayers are about.
I'm proud of you, little brother.
First rank, prepare!
All is prepared.
I don't know. Our men are afraid.
Listen.
Do not doubt.
Have faith.
Have faith in our victory.
We chose this place, not the dane and not Sverker.
We chose this time, not the dane and not Sverker.
Have faith.
God is with those whose faith remain strong.
And so we shall win peace!
- Bring forward the heavy cavalry. - Cavalry...
Forward.
First formation, forward.
So how do you intend to win this?
Don't you think the danes will see through that?
Remains to be seen.
They're trying to scare us now.
Wait for my signal, Harald.
Get ready!
Attack.
Prepare.
Wait.
Now!
A trap.
Now!
Get ready again.
- Ready! - Attack!
Now!
Attack!
Norway!
Behind you!
Kill him.
Do it!
- He killed my brother - And your father killed his father.
You're the king now, Erik.
King.
Ride away from here!
I will never leave you again.
Are you hurt?
Our Lady did not abandon us.
I love you...
Arn Magnusson's wish for peace was fulfilled many years later
by his grandson, Birger Jarl.
He unified the kingdom under the name Sweden.
ARN The Kingdom at Road's End
English translation by: Terje, Spalt, Alastair and Rune.
Slightly edited by rogard