Canute was in the midst of a grueling training session with Wulf when Estrid happened upon them.
Vinland Saga is a Japanese historical manga series written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. The anime adaptation of the series is produced by Wit Studio, the studio behind Attack on Titan and The Ancient Magus’ Bride and directed by Shūhei Yabuta. The series premiered on July 8, 2019, and ran for 24 episodes. The anime covers the first arc of the manga, which focuses on the life of a Viking warrior named Thorfinn and his journey to avenge his father’s death. The series features an all-star voice cast, including Yûto Uemura as Thorfinn, Naoya Uchida as Askeladd, and Akio Ohtsuka as Thorkell. Vinland Saga has been highly praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, as well as its compelling characters and story. Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 11: Kings and Swords Overview
Canute was in the midst of a grueling training session with Wulf when Estrid happened upon them. She was surprised to see Canute moving with such agility, given the weight of his armor. Gunnar, noticing her concern, assured her that Wulf was skilled enough to not inflict serious harm on the young king. However, Estrid remained unconvinced, knowing that the stakes were high for Canute as a king. Gunnar explained that in Norse society, strength was paramount, and as a king, Canute needed to be strong to gain the loyalty of his men.
As the training session continued, Canute began to tire. Wulf pointed out that Canute had a bad habit of retreating when exhausted, and reminded him that as a king, he needed to keep advancing and pushing through his limitations. Canute noted that Estrid was watching him, which may have been the reason why Wulf began to attack more aggressively. Wulf checked to see if Canute’s claim was true, but in that moment, Canute threw his shield at Wulf. Though Wulf managed to block the shield, Canute used the opportunity to swiftly move in and put his sword to Wulf’s throat, forcing him to concede. While Canute had only won one out of five rounds, he had still managed to impress his men with his tenacity and skill. However, they were left wondering why Wulf looked away in defeat.
Gunnar later joined Canute and presented him with documents pertaining to the investigation he had been assigned. As they reviewed the documents in Canute’s room, the young king pondered the lessons he had learned from his training session. He realized that as a leader, he must not only be physically strong, but also mentally strong, capable of pushing through obstacles and achieving his goals. Canute knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to face it head-on and emerge victorious.
Canute, now the King of England, faced the daunting task of finding funds to maintain his Danish force stationed in England. However, the only viable option was to raise taxes, which could potentially trigger the English populace to rebel. Gunnar, his advisor, suggested a wealthy farmer named Ketil, but Canute wasn’t convinced, and demanded to know the military force of Ketil’s family. However, this request raised concerns of a possible backlash if the taxes were increased shortly after the previous king’s death. Canute is now left with no other choice but to secure funds from Denmark, or risk having to downsize his army in England.
Canute and Gunnar discuss options to acquire more funds. Canute suggests acquiring farmland through requisition instead of raising taxes to prevent discontent among the people. Gunnar understands the plan, realizing that developing the land will take some time. Canute emphasizes the importance of maintaining his army in England to govern the region.
Ketil arrives in Jelling to meet with Thorgil, King Harald’s son, who informs him of his father’s death and reveals that Canute is now the king. Ketil requests Thorgil to arrange a meeting with Canute to establish a good relationship with him. Meanwhile, Ketil grows anxious about Olmar’s absence, and learns that he went into the town alone. Olmar bumps into Bug-Eyes, who drops his cloth, and gets into a heated argument with him. Olmar draws his sword and Bug-Eyes prepares to fight, but Ketil shows up and angrily scolds Olmar for his reckless behavior. Ketil gives a pouch of coins to Bug-Eyes to compensate him and Leif criticizes Bug-Eyes for his dishonesty. Leif apologizes to Ketil for his son and introduces himself.
As Ketil prepares to meet Canute, he wonders how he can establish a good relationship with him without having any gifts to offer. Ketil’s thoughts are interrupted by Thorgil, who comes to inform him that Canute is ready to see him. Ketil is amazed by the opulence of Canute’s throne room, where he is greeted by Canute himself. Ketil presents himself as a wealthy farmer, but Canute sees through his words and asks him how he really became rich. Ketil tells Canute that he acquired his wealth by seizing lands, which pleases Canute. Canute offers Ketil a deal in which he will protect Ketil’s lands in exchange for Ketil’s loyalty and a portion of his wealth. Ketil agrees to the deal, and Canute assigns him to manage the farmlands of England. Canute then offers Ketil a gift – a sword – which Ketil accepts gratefully, recognizing its value as a symbol of their newfound alliance.
Leif introduces Bug-Eyes as his adoptive son and asks him to introduce himself. Ketil is surprised to hear that one of his men is also named Thorfinn and wonders if he should have given that name to Olmar instead. Leif asks if Ketil’s Thorfinn is a slave from Iceland with blond hair and brown eyes, and Ketil confirms it. Leif then reveals that he’s been looking for Thorfinn because he’s a friend’s son who was enslaved. Ketil is taken aback by Leif’s interest in his slave and wonders what he wants with him.
Mols suggests to Leif that they head back as soon as possible since the Greenland Sea may freeze over soon. Leif disagrees and asks Mols to take a detour to Ketil’s farm, which would take five days. Mols complains that they would waste 10 days, but Leif is sure that they are on the right track to finding Thorfinn. However, Mols still insists that he cannot go with Leif this time.
Ketil is thrilled to learn that he will meet Canute so soon. When Ketil and his sons are called to meet the king, Thorgil explains that Canute was impressed by the gifts Ketil had brought. Canute asks Ketil if the crops were grown on his land, and Ketil confirms this. Canute expresses that he has no intention of disrupting the current arrangement between Ketil and his father and Harald. He emphasizes the importance of strong farmers to Denmark’s wealth and wants Ketil to continue serving the nation. Ketil expresses his gratitude to the king.
Olmar then stands up and asks to join Canute’s forces. He brandishes his sword, but Ketil stops him, reminding him that he should not draw his sword in front of the king. Canute, however, is amused and requests to see Olmar’s sword-fighting skills. A roasted pig is brought in for the soldiers’ dinner, and Canute asks Olmar to cut it. Olmar starts screaming and struggles to cut it, making those outside wonder what is happening. Canute stops him, admitting that bones are hard, and tells him that he will consult with his captain and inform him the next day if they will accept him.
Ketil sobs uncontrollably in his bed due to the humiliation Olmar has brought upon the family. Thorgil advises Olmar to be cautious not to repeat such a mistake, but Olmar is also weeping. Wulf informs Canute that Olmar is one of those men who are arrogant but lack skills, and they die first in battle. Therefore, Wulf recommends that Olmar should not be included in the squad. Canute, however, wants to hear the other side of the story and seeks Wulf’s alternative opinion. Wulf suggests that Olmar can still be of use. Canute regrets the cost of their actions but assures that they are necessary for peace. He concludes by stating that Ketil’s farm will be the first to be requisitioned.
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