There, there.
Oi! Look, warships!
We oughtta tell Gorm.
Hang on. Don't panic!
Those are Askeladd's ships.
We finally made it back to the village.
Looks like we managed to survive another year.
And you still haven't died, Bjorn.
We went pretty far.
Huh?
Whoa, look at the sheep! They still got them out grazing.
Gotta fatten the livestock while you can.
That's Uncle Gorm for ya. Always the miser.
Well done on another year of service, lads.
Enjoy your winter!
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?
Over there!
NOVEMBER 1012 AD JUTLAND PENINSULA, VILLAGE OF FEUDAL LORD GORM
Look at all the treasure.
Beyond the Edge of the Sea
They made a killing down in Frankish land.
That Askeladd knows his work!
I hear a few more dropped dead on this voyage.
Really?
Think they'll recruit from the village to fill those spots?
I can feel my blood boiling already!
When I go raiding, Askeladd's ship is the only one for me!
You idiot. Three days and you'd be off to Valhalla.
Hold up. Where are your manners?
Wh-What's wrong with that kid?
Ready?
Yeah.
One, two...
Askeladd!
Welcome back!
Hello there, pretty girls!
Aren't you all just adorable.
Now, who wants some necklaces?
I'll take one!
I want a ring!
Ahh, Uncle Gorm.
Our women are so lacking in modesty and discretion. I love it!
I'm here to talk about serious business.
Pay attention!
I'll start again.
The cost of a day's worth of food for one of your men is one and a quarter pieces.
Times ninety-seven men,
that's 121 and a quarter per day.
Always about the money, eh?
The value of pigs rose this year.
If you want to eat pork every day, then you would need...
Beer would be separate.
Add in the cost of lodgings and firewood, and...
Don't worry about the money, Unc.
We had an excellent haul this year.
Give my men all the food and booze they want.
It's on me.
That's all I wanted to hear.
I'll buy you a drink.
We're going to celebrate with drinks.
We still have some of that fine wine, right? Bring that out.
One, two, three...
Uncle. Do you really love money so much?
Who doesn't?
Money is a wonderful thing. It brightens the heart just to gaze upon it.
Hey, Hordaland! What are you doing?
I told you to bring me my wine!
Yes, sir.
Oh, dear. What a troublesome woman.
Strange name that slave's got.
Hordaland?
Like the place in Norway?
Yes.
I bought her recently.
She's the daughter of some lord in that area, but they lost a war, and the family went into ruin.
She cost solid coin for those pretty looks, but she's slow at work.
Rich girls are useless. They just have a lot of pride.
By the way, Uncle...
What?
Could I ask you to witness for me?
I've got a duel scheduled just before supper.
A duel?
And...
It's not the slave's fault that she's been useless.
It's your poor handling.
What did you say?
You can make use of anyone...
with the right approach.
What?
What's going on?
It's a duel!
You can do it, kid!
Do it! Don't lose to him!
We gather here in the name of almighty Odin
to observe this duel between Thorfinn and Askeladd!
You are free to your choice of arms.
If you fight with honor,
should you die, your soul shall pass through the gates of Valhalla.
Are you kiddin' me?
That little kid's in Askeladd's band?
Maybe he'd let even someone like me sail with him too.
Is it just me, or is he kinda cute?
No way.
Askeladd's stronger, and he has more money.
The grounds for this duel being Thorfinn's desire to avenge his father's death.
Are there any objections from either party?
No.
Nope.
And now... begin!
Jeez. Thorfinn's so stubborn.
Go!
You can do it!
Do it!
You're... growing like a weed, boy.
How old are you now?
Back then, you were barely up to here.
He's fast!
Thorfinn's gone first!
He's in close!
Can't you humor an old man with a little...
small talk first?!
He's on his feet!
Not even a scratch on him!
I've never seen a man send someone flying with a single swing...
Thorfinn jumped back, you idiot.
He knows if he'd stood his ground, those short blades would've snapped.
The boy's grown strong.
Nice one, kid!
Askeladd!
Do it!
Brilliant!
Damn.
Good shit!
Get him!
Hang in there, kid!
Hey, Thorfinn.
About your old man...
Oh, damn. What was his name?
It was, uh... To... Toe? Tho—
Thors!
Thors! Right, that was it.
My memory isn't what it used to be, sadly.
Look...
I really hate to bring this up during your long-awaited bid for vengeance and all,
but I've killed more than my share of men, y'know?
And I just can't remember your father for the life of me.
Did I really kill this... Thorill fellow?
Tell me. How did I kill him?
I'm just trying to make sure this isn't all some dreadful misunderstanding, that's all.
You filthy bastard...
If you had fought him with honor,
my father would never have fallen to the likes of you!
During that fight,
you...
You took me hostage!
Oh, yes! It's all coming back to me.
He was the fool who gave up his life in exchange for his boy's.
What did he just do?
Can't lose control now, can we?
You've got a lot to learn, boy.
Fuck you.
Pop his shoulder back in, Bjorn.
You got it.
I've worked up an appetite.
Oh, that's right.
Uncle.
I'll take some mutton breast, if you don't mind.
Roasted with herbs.
I've been waiting for this.
I'm friggin' cold.
Oi. Ain't you supposed to be standin' guard on the ships?
I lucked out. Thorfinn doesn't wanna change shifts.
Huh?
You mean he's in a bad mood because he lost?
He's always been like that.
He likes it better out there.
It used to be his father's ship, after all.
Just leave him alone.
Not bad, not bad.
Hey, Askeladd!
Your fight today was incredible!
Huh? You think so?
You threw him at the end, right?
How did you do that? Gee, it sure was somethin'!
But Boss...
Why do you keep that kid around? Isn't it dangerous?
What if he ambushes you in your sleep or something?
Not to worry.
He'd rather die than do something like that.
How come?
Well, he's a warrior, for one thing.
He won't be satisfied unless he wins an honest, man-to-man duel.
He's bound by pride and his own past.
Not you again, Horda!
You're in everyone's way. Hurry up and clean it.
Your days as a noblewoman are long gone!
Stand up, you clumsy girl!
I don't know much about such things.
But if I had to live without pride, I reckon I'd rather kill myself.
What's up? Did I say something funny?
I'm not laughing at you, boy.
Just look at him.
Oh, what a sight this is.
Don't forget, you're just a slave!
A man, slave to gold, holds a whip,
and he beats the slave he bought with that gold as if to claim he is the master.
He just doesn't see it for himself.
Every living human being is a slave to something.
You upset?
F-Father!
Aww, look at the little crybaby!
Are you angry, squirt?
Do you want to get revenge?
Well, you are my son.
If I told you not to seek revenge, you wouldn't listen.
Oh dear.
How should I put this?
You'll have to find out for yourself.
I told you, right?
You don't have any enemies.
No one has any enemies.
A true warrior needs no sword.
Ah... Um, Lord Gorm told me
to bring you some food.
Hey, are you a thrall, too?
What?
I mean, you're eating out here.
I'm a warrior.
Unlike you, I can eat wherever I like.
Really?
I just thought we seemed similar.
I wouldn't know how a slave thinks.
If I were you, I'd kill Gorm and run. And I'd kill any man who followed me.
How awful... I could never kill someone.
Then enjoy your life as a slave.
It's your choice.
If I ran...
If I ran as far as I could...
all the way across the sea...
what would I find there?
There's probably nothing there, right?
No matter how far I go, it'd be the same as here.
Just filled with wars and slave traders.
Far, far to the west,
across the sea,
there's a place called Vinland.
It's warm and fertile.
It's a faraway land free from slavery and the fires of war.
No one would be able to find you there.
Does such a place truly exist?
AUGUST 1013 AD VICINITY OF JELLING, DENMARK
The finest warriors from clans all over Denmark are gathering.
In addition, four of our Jomsvikings brigades are hastening to join them.
Everything is proceeding as planned
for the upcoming campaign.
The time has finally come.
We must show those insolent English scoundrels
the power of the king.
Yes, Your Majesty.
We will fight without yield to achieve your goal of capturing England.
Where's Canute?
He's here, right?
Yes.
His Highness has already arrived in Jelling.
He's resting to prepare to march.
Your Majesty. Are you sure you don't want to change your mind?
Lord Ragnar.
There's no need for Prince Canute to come along.
He's a potential heir to the throne.
He must display his valor on the battlefield so that he doesn't lose to his brother, Harald.
His Highness lacks the experience needed on the battlefield.
Ragnar.
I, too, am concerned for Canute's safety.
We, however, are leaders of the Vikings.
If we don't demonstrate valor, the people will not follow us.
We shall sail tomorrow morning.
In August of 1013 AD,
the Danish Viking fleet, led by King Sweyn,
invaded the northern part of England, starting from the River Humber.
At Gainsborough, the five nearby towns quickly surrendered.
The main force marched south over land with great speed.
They overran the region as they continued their advance.
However, their steady advance came to a temporary halt...
at the trading town of London.
OCTOBER 1013 AD LONDON, ENGLAND
What's wrong? Bring it on!
This is a fun war!
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