In the 11th century,
the invasion by Denmark's army and the Vikings continued to intensify.
ENGLAND 1012 AD
In October,
VICINITY OF JELLING, DENMARK
the attacks, which had continued for several years,
reached a turning point.
KING SWEYN'S ESTATE
Are you telling me to withdraw my troops from England?
We're not withdrawing. We're letting them rest.
Marching in the winter weakens them.
Let the soldiers rest.
As you wish, my liege.
The summer.
We're going to strike next summer.
I, too, shall lead an army in battle.
So, suddenly we get a break?
ENGLAND COAST DANISH ARMY BASE
I wanna go home.
We don't need those pirates for now, either.
I thought I'd be able to earn a lot this year.
We can't do anything, now that the army is staying put.
This is why I hate being a hired hand.
What's Askeladd gonna do?
Askeladd.
It'd be a shame to spend all winter like this.
And we already raided all the good villages.
True.
What's the plan?
We can't do anything about it.
We'll do what the birds do.
We're going to where the food is.
FRANKISH KINGDOM VICINITY OF LOIRE RIVER
Don't just stand there!
It's a battering ram!
Crossbows to the fore!
One! Two!
Shoot in alternating rows!
Nock!
Loose!
It's no good! Retreat!
Looks like it's a skirmish between Frankish tribes.
The fort's defended by only a few men.
I'd put the attackers at about eight hundred.
I can't believe they attacked the fort head-on.
So, this is the local stronghold.
Whaddya think? I can practically smell the treasure.
Oh, so that's what you're after.
Let's do it, Askeladd.
We'll side with the attackers.
Let's smash the chests open and seize every last coin within.
Hell yeah!
I was wondering why we came to the boonies.
That's our Askeladd!
Your predictions were spot-on.
Let's make up for our loss in England.
Okay, Thorfinn.
You're up.
We're going to war.
In order to survive, it's sink or swim
They've always said it's a dog eat dog world
What went wrong?
Survival of the fittest, the strong eat the weak
If it's the world that our wisdom will lead
Well tell me what went wrong
What went wrong?
I've paid my dues, I've sold my soul
So tell me what is left for me
When I've given up everything
So, what was I envisioning?
No matter how picturesque it was,
I never felt anything
You see, even if I reassessed my outlook
I was only longing for that scenery
I'm probably emotionless
I wonder what was I envisioning?
But no matter how picturesque it was,
I never felt anything
You see, even if I reassessed my outlook
I was only longing for that scenery
I'm probably emotionless
Is this world so far torn from the truth?
To maintain a balance between good and evil
Is it just kill or be killed?
Is the world so simplistic?
Could someone please try and fucking tell me?
Normanni
We're going to war.
Send a message to the leader of the attacking army.
Here's the tack we take.
"Your tactics are pitiful!
They are a sight to make one retch!
Therefore, our band of warriors offers its aid.
Consider this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity wisely,
for we will surely guide you to victory.
All we ask in return is half the spoils of war on the day of the fortress's fall.
Resume the siege in the morn."
Once you've given them the message, remain among them and observe the tide of battle.
Understood? Now go.
What's wrong?
Go, Thorfinn.
Do you have any idea how many people I've killed?
I went scouting,
and I also brought up the rear.
I've accomplished enough.
But you...
What? You want a reward?
If you close the deal, I'll give you three gold coins.
I swear in the name of Tyr.
Who asked for that shit?
How long are you gonna run away?
Whoa, now that's a scary face!
Just a bit of humor, that's all.
But if that's what you want...
I'll need you to bring me the head of a commander, at least.
Little bastard's got such an attitude.
Are you sure it's okay to let him handle the negotiation?
The losing side will be on edge.
The envoy might be gutted before anyone even gets to the table. Happens all the time.
And who cares if we lose one measly brat we picked up along the way?
Who are you, boy?!
This is no place for children!
I'm a messenger.
Can anyone here speak Norse?
What's his deal? What's he speaking?
He sure ain't a Frank.
Is he a spy from the fort?
Seize him.
I'm a messenger.
Can anyone here speak Norse?!
And you want half the spoils?
Oh, you mercenaries have grown too bold by far.
"And you want half the spoils?"
But such boldness implies confidence.
Normanni boy.
Normanni?
Those people from the north attacking England?
Even a boy can see it.
If you keep attacking the main gate, you achieve nothing but the slaughter of your own men.
Their defenses are weak on the lakeside.
That's where we'll strike.
Your plan is ill-considered.
The river that leads to the lake gets steeper upstream.
There's even a waterfall.
Our ship sunk downstream.
That's what would happen if you attacked from the lake.
"That's what would happen if you attacked from the lake."
So you won't accept our offer?
Then Askeladd will take his hundred men right to the defenders instead.
He'll do the same if I die.
If I don't signal that the deal has been closed,
you will instantly be up against a hundred hardened warriors of the North.
Do as you wish.
My lord!
But...
If your words are shown false, I will have your head.
But if they are good and true, in the name of Jesus Christ, I'll share my bread equally.
"I'll share my bread equally."
I want my short swords back.
They're a memento of my father.
That'll be Thorfinn.
One high arrow, and two low arrows.
On the double, lads.
We must be over the peak before the moon rises.
We're stuck standing ship guard all the way down here.
I wanna fight too!
Damn that fat-ass general.
Look up there.
It's a dragon!
It's on top of the mountain!
A dragon?
A dragon climbing the mountain?
Yes, my lord. The ship guards sent a report last night.
I see.
It's an ill omen, my liege.
I want to see it too.
Hey, boy.
Your friends are no-shows.
"I want to see it too."
The sun is out and rising.
"The sun is out and rising."
Just get on with the attack, fat-ass.
You'll see soon enough.
You just insulted me, didn't you?
It seems your head will be the centerpiece of our victory feast tonight, boy!
Prepare to attack!
Charge!
Uh-oh, show's already started.
We're late to the party, lads!
Put some spirit into it!
The battlefield awaits!
It'll be the same every time!
Come on.
I want ladders on the west face.
Casualties be damned!
Hey. Which one's the enemy leader?
See the one with the feathered helm?
That's him.
A commander.
You bastard!
I knew he was lying! Kill him!
Kill the brat!
How dare you!
The boy runs off, and the fortress still stands!
What's wrong with this stupid army?!
Let me be clear. We are not going home when the snow comes!
Like hell we would!
We're here until this fortress has been captured!
What?
Heave-ho!
Row! Full speed ahead!
First one there gets their share doubled!
Put your backs into it!
That's it!
They're our allies!
All forces forward! The fortress will fall by sundown!
Never imagined they'd carry their ship over the pass.
Don't hesitate!
I want eighty men from the right wing to the landing!
Crossbows, with me!
Is that all you got?
The lake's not a barrier.
It's a shallow pond that makes for a perfect attack.
Great! We're going in!
What the hell?! They split my shield from that far?!
They got Olov!
We're fucked!
Askeladd!
Crossbows?
I suppose we'll have some casualties.
They're sitting ducks in the water!
Take out as many as you can before they disembark!
A child?
What?
The attack's over?
Did they run out of bolts?
Prepare to land, lads!
Now's our chance!
Shit!
Kill him!
Avenge the captain!
That kid's crazy!
Get him!
Go! Roll over them!
Nice! Raise some hell!
They've got their hands full defending the gate.
Get rid of 'em, and make it snappy.
Heave-ho!
Mon dieu, these Normanni...
This fortress was no match against my brilliant military tactics!
The defending commander died in the battle.
Our captives claim it was the work of a mere child.
You mean that boy?
Those Normanni are a deadly bunch...
If we let those savages leave this place, they may one day return as enemies.
What shall we do?
They traveled over the mountains to get here, right?
They'll need to go back the same way carrying their ships.
That's when we'll strike.
A sailor on land is as helpless as a babe.
Your Highness!
Reporting to General Jabbathe, sir!
What is it? Speak.
The treasury...
Where's my treasure?
They also plundered the church and the houses of all the leaders.
They took everything.
What?
I see.
Attention, leader of the Franks!
What?
In interest of a fair split,
we grant you the victory,
while we humbly accept the treasure!
I trust you have no complaints?
All in all, I think it quite a reasonable compromise on our part.
After all, you're now the proud owner of your very own fortress!
You filthy barbarians!
Oh no.
They'll descend the waterfall.
Savages!
Get the boats!
Pirates!
All boats in the fort have been destroyed.
Beasts!
Swindlers!
Yokels!
What's that? Sorry, my Frankish is a little rusty.
But enough fun. Shall we call it a night?
Thorfinn has yet to return.
You don't say?
Such a shame. He's bound to be dead.
More treasure for the rest of us.
You're alive?
Gotta say, the kid's tough.
You hurt?
Askeladd!
That was their commander.
Oh, so you did get him.
We had a deal.
You can't back out now.
I, Thorfinn, son of Thors, warrior of Iceland,
upon my father's blade, do seek a duel with Askeladd.
To avenge my father's death.
Whoa.
He wants to duel now?
He's got guts.
I, Askeladd, son of Olaf,
upon the name of my ancestor Artorius, accept Thorfinn's challenge.
But...
not this instant!
Right now, we've got to fly!
Man the oars, you ugly shits!
Hey!
Quick, before they close off the river!
You son of a bitch, quit fucking around!
Who cares if there's a dragon?
I ain't scared!
Right, right.
But y'know...
It's here!
Farewell,
land of the Franks!
Let's go home!
We struck it big!
We'll survive the winter!
Hell yeah!
It’s just like a burning torch in the storm
Like a little flower blooming in the home
Bear a strong, unwavering volition
As long as you still show some kindness
A misty moon
I’m missing you
Lap up the sprawling scenery
As the beat of your heart runs free
Listen to me, sail away again, again
I pray you light the way through uncharted seas
The voices of those behind you are torn towards the unknown world
Unfurl your sails, you're not alone
So brave the stormy seas
Face that darkness