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Fiction inspired by real events.
Visby on the island of Gotland Sweden, 1361
MARGRETE Queen of the North
Hardangervidda Norway, 1402
Margrete I has gathered Denmark, Norway and Sweden into a peaceful union
which she single-handedly rules through her adopted son, King Erik.
For the first time in centuries, there is peace between the Nordic countries.
We created the Nordic Union together.
We agreed and created it in peace.
How was that possible, after hundreds of years of bloody wars?
It was because we believed that the people of the North are connected.
Peace, Your Majesty, we can agree on. But now you want to assemble an army?
Yes, Asle Jonsson.
A Union Army so strong the Germans won't dare to attack us.
And in spring, my son, King Erik, will be engaged
to Princess Philippa of England.
A Union Army will allow us to negotiate a military alliance with England.
No one will dare wage war against us.
What do they ask in return?
We don't need England. Norway has always defended itself.
Norwegian farmers against German crusaders?
You'll be slaughtered.
Mr. Sparre. We just drove the Germans out of Stockholm
for you, if my memory serves me right.
As I remember it, Danish soldiers drove the Germans out of Stockholm.
- How many troops did you send? - You call those dirty pirates troops?
Gentlemen, please. Five years ago, we created the Nordic Union together.
We proved that we were able to rise above the animosity of the past.
And think of our people.
We can do that again. Together.
An army is expensive, Your Majesty.
Peace has made us wealthy. We've never been more prosperous.
We have all experienced war.
The brutality and destruction.
In war, there are no winners.
A Union Army will ensure peace.
I will finance 400 soldiers and the Church will provide 800.
What does the Norwegian Council say?
What does the Swedish Council say?
The Danish?
300 infantry, 50 cavalrymen, 100 archers.
For peace.
I can arm 100 infantry and 20 cavalrymen.
200 infantry, 150 archers.
For the Union.
100 archers, 150 infantry.
150 infantry.
- 100 archers. - 250 archers.
200 infantry.
Kullen in Scania Denmark
-Greetings, my Queen. -Thank you, Roar.
-I've brought the King with me. -Greetings to you too, young King.
-You've had a lucrative spring, I see. -I can't complain.
Nor can I, as long as you stick to German ships.
-A deal is a deal. -I want to make a new deal.
Visby. I want no ships travelling to and from Gotland unscathed.
-Especially the Germans. -You want to close off Gotland?
Yes, to keep the Germans out.
You've taken female captives?
The winter nights are long and cold.
-She's coming with me. -Pardon?
Need I remind you of the Union's laws? It's forbidden to rape women.
The punishment is hanging.
That applies to pirates, too.
Fetch her.
Where does she come from?
You'll have to ask the Germans.
She's Swedish, but we found her aboard their ship.
I'll take the girl, and you'll seal off Gotland.
Right away, my Queen.
Roar? See if you can find a woman who obliges out of her own free will.
-It's very arousing, I've heard. -Huh...
-You're safe here. -You can come with me.
- God's grace to you, Peder. - My Queen.
That's a lot of soldiers.
-And the Swedes gave the most? -Yes. They were skeptical, as always.
But Sparre is a smart man. He rules his people well.
We owe Sparre a debt of gratitude.
I wish you had come with me and seen all that I have seen.
Everything is growing.
Towns are flourishing. There is peace.
Think of all you've achieved.
We, Peder. We did it together.
Only you could have created the Union.
But you had faith when everyone else doubted me.
Without your loans, they'd be right.
We would have gone bankrupt before I could unify anything at all.
Yes...
And remember, you still owe me.
You don't give me a chance to forget.
Kalmar, Sweden three months later
Where is Asle? The head of Norway's Council?
I haven't seen him.
Princess Philippa of England with entourage.
What an honor it is to stand before the famed Queen of the Nordic Union.
The honor is ours entirely, good Sir Bourcier.
The King speaks a beautiful English.
To all doting princes and noble knights, may you be armed with courage.
And to those who dedicate themselves to love, all goodwill.
And to all lovers learned in this art, here and elsewhere
to whom courage spreads.
To all ladies of good standing and beloved demoiselles
to all honorable women, wise, polite, agreeable
I offer a humble recommendation of loyal, true intention.
What a lovely poem.
Cheers!
Astrid?
Look at Raberlin.
Our German trade envoy.
His wine glass is still full. What does that mean?
It means the man is at work.
So we keep our eyes open.
Splendid ball, My Queen.
Very exotic indeed.
Yes.
Astrid?
I was just wondering...
You're Swedish, right?
It doesn't matter where we come from.
We're all God's dandelion seeds, carried off by the wind
until we land on foreign fields.
And bloom.
- Sparre! - My King.
What a celebration!
Now you're to be engaged with England?
We've got to scare the Germans out of our back garden.
Since the Swedish Council can't manage, we've got to step in.
Let's not spoil the party with politics.
I presume Your Majesty has other commitments this evening.
Your Majesty.
Why is the head of Norway's Council late to the King's engagement ball?
My apologies. I came straight from Graudenz.
Go ahead, Asle.
I met a man there.
-A Norwegian. -A Norwegian in Graudenz?
It was Oluf. King Oluf.
-My son? -Yes.
-Asle, my son is dead. -Your Majesty, I saw him.
Oluf died 15 years ago.
I saw my King. Oluf is alive.
- Where is this man? - I brought him with me.
-Is he here? -No, at the inn in Smedby with my men.
- Who knows of this? - Only you and my men.
Do you think it's a coincidence that this man appears tonight of all nights?
-All I know is that my King is alive. -You're being used as a pawn.
By the Teutonic Order, in an attack against us.
I stand here with eyes open, baring my heart.
- Yes, Malin? - Your Majesty, the dance is beginning.
I'm coming.
-If you saw him, you'd understand... -Asle.
-Bring him. I'll see him tomorrow. -Your Majesty.
But don't mention this to anyone.
-Your lips are sealed. -Of course.
-Allow me to get rid of the man. -We can't ignore Asle's request.
Norway has just pledged more than 1,000 men to the Union Army.
-I fear this will get out of hand. -I'm not afraid of anything.
There's rumors your son Oluf has appeared in Prussia.
Are they true?
Excuse me for asking, but who told you this?
Frankly, everyone is talking about it.
Surely you don't listen to gossip.
Eat now. It will be a long night.
-People claim it's her real son? -Her only son, who died. King Oluf.
-The Queen's only son? She has Erik. -He's adopted. From Pomerania.
He's her sister's grandson.
Look down.
We've had plenty of whores. They get sent packing. Eat.
-Rumor says she killed Oluf herself. -Her own son? Why?
Power. He grew up and wanted to be in charge.
But she would never do that. The Queen isn't like that.
Poor man, turned around and run after the girl.
Thank you. Excuse me.
Honorable Queen, permit a humble servant to ask a question.
Of course.
Any news on the events in Graudenz?
-Which events, dear Elvar? -The ones everyone is speaking of.
That our dear deceased King Oluf is not in fact dead.
I can assure you that my son Oluf is dead.
A Prussian man claiming to be my son is treason against the Union.
Is it true that he's here now?
He's on his way.
He will receive a fair trial, as the Union's rules state.
Everyone is welcome tomorrow. But let us not waste more time.
Let's celebrate my son King Erik's engagement. Cheers!
A virelai, please!
-A public hearing? -Everyone knows. I have no choice.
-What's going on? -Someone is out to get us.
They don't know who they're up against.
Ask Jacob to keep an eye on Raberlin.
It appears Your Majesty has her hands full.
Always.
-It's late. -Your Majesty.
Allow me to escort you to the Queen's chambers.
It would be the perfect inclusion to an already unforgettable night.
If you escort me to my chambers tonight I will be regarded as a whore.
The Queen says,
if you escort her to her chambers, she will be seen as whore by sunrise.
Or a witch who copulates with the Devil Himself.
I look forward to starting our negotiations, dear Bourcier.
As for the dowry, I believe you have received our offer.
Yes.
And give or take one or two minor exceptions, it seems acceptable.
Acceptable? That's splendid.
We have reservations obviously.
But all in all, when it comes to the financial aspects we're very flexible.
You are flexible.
And in return, I believe you need us to be flexible in other aspects?
Well...
Let's not play games.
You have an agenda beyond money and property for your King.
Go on, you can tell me.
Maybe Your Majesty is right.
But I do sense that she too has an agenda of her own.
Very well.
We want a military alliance with England.
If England is attacked, we step up immediately and vice versa.
That's negotiable.
Now tell me what you want.
My King wants hereditary rights for his daughter.
- Absolutely not. - Excuse me?
I will not be compromising the future of the Nordic Dynasty.
If King Eric, god forbid, falls ill
I will under no circumstances hand over the Nordic Union to the King of England.
That's not a very respectful response.
It's not a very respectful proposal.
I'm sorry but these negotiations will be very difficult
if we don't get anything in return for a military alliance.
We will return the favor.
We will return it in abundance.
-Trust me. -Trust?
That's quite a word just now.
What do you mean?
Here we are negotiating the marriage of a king
whose predecessor might suddenly still be alive.
That you don't need to worry about.
King Erik is unchallenged.
Not if you ask the Norwegians.
Well, I don't.
The German man and the head of Norway's Council, Asle Jonsson.
Gentlemen, welcome to Kalmar.
Permit me to ask your name.
You know it.
And you are?
I am King Oluf Håkonsen.
Please repeat that with your hand on the Holy Bible
in the name and hearing of God the Almighty.
What is your name?
I am King Oluf Håkonsen.
Your Majesty.
Do you recognize this man?
Is this your son?
My son died in 1387.
Your Majesty.
It is my King I see standing there.
Order!
- Asle, sit down. - Is the Union not merciful and just?
Listen before you send him to the gallows.
We've heard enough.
The Queen has spoken. A mother knows her son.
Tell them about Esge Vind.
Tell them about the summer of 1387.
The sun was shining.
I-- I was travelling through Scania.
The wheat fields...
You were in Ystad...
...trying to convince the Swedish Council to choose me as King.
Do you remember?
- Tell them what happened at Falsterbo. - Asle. I must insist.
I felt ill after the banquet. I shouldn't have drunk the wine.
My taster felt fine, but I was dizzy and wanted to go to my room.
- Then Esge came. Esge Vind. - Esge Vind?
Yes. He was afraid. He had been ordered to kill me.
Esge Vind, who's dead and cannot deny this absurd story?
How convenient.
Who ordered Esge Vind to kill you?
I don't know.
Why are we listening to this swindler? The Queen has spoken.
Esge Vind was unable to kill the King, Jens Due. So he brought him with him.
- Brought him where? - I was chained...
I was chained...
There was... a spider.
I had a...
Everyone's looking at me.
I--
- It was dark... - Go on.
- They were speaking German. - Germany?
Yes.
Ich bin auf einem Steinboden aufgewacht. In einem... Kloster.
Now he's speaking German. You all heard it. He's German.
I haven't spoken Norwegian in a long time.
The King was imprisoned for 15 years, Jens Due.
What is this...?
You must remember who I am! Or what?
-Quite the dramatic flair, I must say. -Look at him. Listen to him.
-You know who I am! -I've heard enough from that swindler.
Careful, Jens Due. In front of you sits the Queen and there is King Oluf.
The only true King is sitting on that throne right there!
Who is he? Tell me.
Who is sitting on my throne?
Who are you?
You were captured, you say.
How did you get away?
A man came. He freed me.
What man?
It was dark...
I don't know.
He disappeared.
The man disappeared. Then what did you do?
I was... I was dropped... I was dropped off at an inn.
That was how I found my King.
The hearing will continue tomorrow.
Why didn't you sentence him?
A king doesn't leave his throne room like a sulking child.
-He claims he's the King. -I need to get to the bottom of this.
-Do that after he's been hanged. -His presence alone stirs chaos.
May we be alone?
-Mother... -That wasn't a question.
-Since when do you contradict me? -Our negotiations are at stake.
We aren't tyrants. We won't hang a man whose identity we don't know.
-Still, we need to think of the Union. -That's what I'm doing.
I have to find out who our enemy is before we kill our only witness.
I was in Ystad. Remember? He was so close.
But I rode on. I never saw him dead.
You had to move on. We needed to assemble the Council.
The nation needed a regent. Otherwise, it would all collapse.
But I never saw him.
You could have stepped down, with your dead son, and watched it all crumble.
You gave him a beautiful burial.
Yes.
-Everything all right, Your Majesty? -Yes, Sparre.
-Did you enjoy the performance? -No, I had enough.
Too much talk for my taste.
The carriage is ready. The chest will be loaded now.
Oh, no.
Maybe we should just let him go. Let things settle.
-Is everything in order? -Yes sir.
-William, my dear sir. -Your Majesty.
I think we ought to postpone our negotiations
until you have your dynasty in order.
Don't leave.
I cannot expose the princess to this mess.
Let alone her father.
Naturally, I will express my gratitude generously
if only you would stay a few days.
If you need land, we'll find it.
If you need money, we'll pay it.
You will not regret it if you stay, dear sir.
Five days.
May God bless you, Bourcier.
We'll see.
Erik!
I know it's hectic, but you don't need to worry.
- I promise you-- - Your Majesty.
Raberlin has gone.
He's gone?
To Germany.
You have to go. Find out what Raberlin knows about this.
-Find Roar. -Roar?
-The pirate. Bring him along. -The pirate? Roar the pirate?
You're going to Germany. You'll need him, Jacob.
Raberlin has gone.
-Is he behind all this? -Not on his own.
-With the Germans? -Perhaps.
- Good evening. Are you lost? - I wish I were.
-What does it say? -Can't you read?
Your Queen asked me to bring you to Germany to find a German traitor.
-Us two? -I'm afraid so.
I'm not going to bloody Germany.
Then you are defying your Queen, and I will kill you.
You're planning to ride straight into the Teutonic Order?
For what? To be hanged?
For my Queen.
It's a long ride. Can a pirate's ass handle it?
I guess we'll see.
-Astrid? -Yes, Your Majesty?
-Have you settled in? -Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you.
I want you to serve in the King's chambers and tell me how he's doing.
-You may go. -Thank you, Your Majesty.
-Goodnight. -Sleep well, Your Majesty.
- Pardon me. - No, stay.
"Like dandelion seeds, carried off by the wind..."
I guess I was a bit...
poetic that evening.
And drunk.
But you're right.
Both of us were brought here.
I'm from Pomerania.
My name was Bugislav.
But when my mother brought me here, she named me Erik
so the Swedes would love me and make me their King.
Funny, isn't it?
Won't you eat with me?
-You summoned a meeting? -I need to know what happened.
-They already told us. -Why didn't we discuss this first?
- Gentlemen. - Your Majesty.
-What is this about? -You were with Oluf the day he died.
- May he rest in peace. - Yes.
I ask you to tell me exactly what happened.
He fell ill?
After the banquet, he turned pale and nearly fell over when he stood up.
The taster felt nothing.
-Go on. -He got a fever and fainted.
Two days later, Esge Vind reported that the King was dead.
-Who treated him those two days? -Esge Vind's servants.
Was a physician called?
No? Why didn't you demand a physician?
The Plague, your Majesty. We were denied access.
It was for fear of contagion.
-Your King was on his deathbed. -Are you suggesting we were involved?
I'm trying to find out what happened the day my son died, Jens.
Who saw the King before he was laid in the coffin?
We feared the Plague, Your Majesty. We trusted Esge Vind.
-So no one saw him dead? -That sounds like an accusation.
In the middle of an absurd situation
caused by a mother who cannot recognize her own child.
I had one son.
How many do you have?
I doubt you can recognize all the bastard children you've left behind.
You let my son die right in front of you.
And you did nothing.
You're losing focus.
-Your anger should help, not hinder you. -One more time!
I understand your frustration. But surely the Queen doesn't believe him.
-I'm her real son. -Naturally.
Your Majesty. Sparre.
Glad to see the King practicing his battle skills.
-Was that all Jens Due came to say? -I've come to express my sympathies.
On what occasion?
The throne room. No one deserves such humiliation, least of all a great king.
Thanks for the sympathy, but I doubt that's what brought you down here.
The Queen seems obsessed with the thought that Oluf isn't really dead.
I suggest you leave the gossip to the maids.
In a way, I understand the Queen. It's terrible to lose a child.
Fortunately, she quickly found a new son.
But it must make you feel a bit insecure.
How easily she replaced her true-born son.
Couldn't she just as easily replace you?
Should I believe my mother?
The greatest and most pious regent the North has ever known?
Or a Danish nobleman known for his greed and scheming?
It's a difficult choice, Jens Due.
Think about it, Your Majesty. My offer to help remains standing.
Anger, Your Majesty.
Use your anger.
My mother and Peder told me never to trust the nobles.
I'm a noble.
Come on...
When you saw Oluf, what did you think?
-Margrete... -No one saw him dead.
I know you still grieve.
But someone is trying to take advantage of you.
Someone wants to obstruct the alliance with England.
I cannot kill him.
-We could smuggle him to Bergen. -You just began a public hearing.
All of Europe is watching. Wouldn't it be suspicious if he disappeared?
And what about the Norwegians? What will they do? And Bourcier?
You and Erik have the support of the entire North. And the people's trust.
Do you want to throw that away?
No. But this makes me weak.
Yes.
Prussia State of the Teutonic Order
Remember this is enemy territory.
The horses aren't warm. Raberlin isn't here.
Hello, boy. Have you seen a man in a coach pulled by two horses?
He was probably a lone traveler.
The horses are still warm. They can't have gone far.
Who came on these horses? Where are they?
- Who are you? - What?
- Papers. - Papers? Of course.
-Remember, this is enemy territory. -Don't point that at me.
So...
Do you know where the man was going?
Today, at the hearing...
If we get him to admit that he's lying and that the Germans sent him...
-Why would he do that? -We'll spare his life.
-Offer him royal protection. -The man is a traitor.
He will be punished. But we'll let him live.
I know you want to save his life. But we cannot show weakness now.
-It's a fair sentence. -Do you believe he is your son?
Is that why you don't want to kill him?
If he admits to everyone that he is a swindler
there will be no doubt who is the King. Or who should sit on that throne.
It will be yours.
And we can close the case peacefully.
Even Norway will have to back down if he confesses.
And what about you?
Will you find peace, too?
Yes.
I will find peace, too.
And we can continue our negotiations with Bourcier.
I'll go make him the offer.
I'm coming with you.
Only I can grant royal protection.
Mother...
Do you remember me?
I cannot save you.
But you can save yourself.
Today, at the hearing, you must admit that you are not King Oluf.
Say that the Teutonic Order forced you to make your false claims.
And that you repent.
You will be sentenced.
You will receive punishment.
But you'll be alive.
Once things settle, we can lessen the sentence.
-I'd rather you kill me. -This is your only chance.
I've been imprisoned for 15 years. I know who I am.
And I want justice.
You cannot be my son.
Do you understand?
You can't come here...
15 years later...
claiming to be my son.
My son is dead!
Mother...
I am King Oluf Håkonsen!
Crowned King of Norway and Denmark!
And rightful heir to Sweden!
I will not be caged like an animal
by a little boy from Pomerania sitting on my throne! You hear me?
I will have justice!
And all those who have defied me will burn in hell!
You hear me, you rat? You will burn in hell!
I seek your countenance.
Lord, your countenance I seek.
Lord my God, teach my heart where and how to seek you.
Where and how to find you.
Lord, if you are not present here, where shall I look for you
when you are not near?
If you are everywhere...
why then do I not see you?
What is it?
It's Erik.
I'm worried about him.
I worry what he might do if we don't soon put an end to this.
Erik is young, but he isn't stupid.
He's impatient.
He's hurt.
He might take matters into his own hands.
Malin!
Fetch Astrid.
Tell me about Erik.
What's going on in his chambers?
I don't know.
Has he spoken to anyone?
It's all right, Astrid.
You're helping your Queen who saved your life.
-He spoke to Due. -About what?
I didn't hear everything.
It's very important that you tell me exactly what you heard.
Something about some negotiations.
Erik said he knew what Bourcier wanted.
That's all I know.
That's fine, Astrid.
Find him and tell him I want to speak to him.
I won't mention you, I just want to speak to him.
I'm afraid he isn't here.
Where is he?
Fascinating this winged predator.
I have a proposition, Sir Bourcier.
Since my dear mother is so busy at the moment
why don't you and I continue the negotiations?
Shouldn't we rather wait?
It's the King's wedding. It's only natural that the King negotiates it.
Of course.
However, I was sent here to negotiate with the Queen.
My mother is not her usual self these days.
She's confused.
It's my duty to protect her interests.
I know that you discussed the hereditary rights with my mother.
I understand that you want a fair position for Philippa
and her family in the Nordic Dynasty.
You're a very sensible man.
Your Majesty...
So...
Let's begin.
Very well.
First the easy one.
If Philippa delivers a boy...
My King.
Gentleman, hello.
-Good idea with a bit of fun, Erik. -I thought I'd entertain our guest.
Let's not sit around and talk then, let's hunt.
Yes, let's.
-Give me your seal. -What?
-Your seal. Give it to me. -Mother...
You have no right to meddle. What you wish to give away isn't yours.
You've borrowed it. At my mercy.
Come now.
Shall I ask the guards to search you? No? Then give it to me, now.
Thank you.
Now let's hunt.
She's the granddaughter of a falcon my late father gave me.
So beautiful.
I hope you understand the negotiations have taken a new turn.
He has killed hundreds of geese.
The King has just promised me hereditary rights.
That is not going to happen.
Had I not happened to discover it
you would have handed the entire North to King Henry of England.
The future of our children and the generations to come.
-The Queen's hesitation hurts us all. -How could you go along with this?
We need an agreement with England because of the Teutonic Order.
I know.
But there haven't been any negotiations since the false Oluf appeared.
No. And you haven't made it any easier. Now Bourcier has raised the price.
To complete this deal, we all have to contribute.
This thing...
is not about money.
Bourcier will continue to raise his demands.
And King Henry? When he hears what's happening...
England needs us, too.
Do you think they want a crumbling Union? We don't even know who is King.
Your Majesty...
Everyone is talking. Everyone is watching.
Who is King of the Union in the eyes of Europe right now?
I apologize for the delay.
I will hang the man.
The accused is incoherent and is not recognized by the woman,
Her Majesty, whom he claims is his mother.
Please, I recognize my own King.
- True. - Guttorm recognizes him, too.
Calm down, Asle. We've heard enough.
Stop!
We've reached a conclusion. And I will now...
The rumors claimed I killed my own child.
I could never have done that.
No. You couldn't.
But you could.
You charged Esge Vind with the task.
But you didn't succeed.
I gave you what you needed. Didn't I?
You would never have achieved peace with Oluf.
Sweden would not have accepted him. He would have divided the North.
You know it's true, Margrete.
The North would have become a battlefield.
I need to be alone with him.
-You can't. -I must be alone with him.
- I can't smuggle you in to him. - Then smuggle him out.
-To the church, to confess tonight. -Margrete, please...
How dare you ask me anything!
After all that you've done.
I did it for you.
Think of all the sons we've spared on the battlefield.
Think of all those families.
Maybe you did it because you were afraid of losing what you've attained.
All that wealth.
All that power.
That's not true.
Who would have thought you would become such a powerful man?
You were an insignificant catechist.
I took you in. And I promoted you.
I regret that now.
But it's too late.
Isn't it?
Bring him to the church tonight.
Hello, Raberlin. What brings you to Malbork?
- Business. - What business?
I buy and sell wares. It isn't illegal to trade with the Germans.
And what were you doing in Kalmar?
Stop! Stop! I'll talk...
What do you know about the man who came?
King Oluf suddenly appeared.
Where did he appear?
No, don't. He was kept hidden in a monastery.
-A monastery? Where? -In Rügen.
Jacob?
-A letter to the German Grand Master. -Raberlin is a messenger.
"Oluf Håkonsen's arrival has gone according to plan.
The Queen is shaken. Negotiations with England have stalled.
I am winning King Erik's trust.
He's young and easily controlled.
You can prepare the troops.
Yours faithfully, Johan Sparre."
The Germans will conquer the North. That woman is taking over everything.
May she go to hell. Everyone curses her.
-Who are you speaking for? -All Germans.
And all sensible men in the North.
She's a witch.
I'll sentence him myself right now.
It's the only thing to do, Your Majesty.
I agree, but we need the church, the nobility and the people with us.
- And Asle and Norway. - We can't wait any longer.
You mustn't appear as a rejected tyrant.
People need to see you as the righteous King.
The Queen's natural heir.
How will you get Norway to agree?
If the King permits... Allow me to think about it.
You have until tomorrow. Otherwise, I'll sentence him, regardless.
Yes.
It will work out.
For you.
For me?
Pray for us sinners. Now and in our hour of death. Amen.
You forgot me.
I tried.
What did they do to you?
I waited for you. Every night, I waited for you.
Every time someone passed my window, I hoped it was you.
But I didn't know...
- I didn't know. - I don't know who I am anymore.
I don't know who I am.
Let me look at you.
Tell me about the man who freed you.
Do you think it was the same man who tried to kill me?
No, it wasn't him.
Would you recognize him if you saw him?
Think carefully. Everyone who is close to us is here.
They were in the Throne Room.
No, I haven't seen him.
Tomorrow at the hearing...
take a good look at everyone. See if you can spot him.
Are you aware of the consequences of your actions?
-Yes. -What about Erik?
Your position requires you to stand behind me, no matter what I decide.
Astrid, calm down.
Astrid, Astrid. Look at me. Don't be afraid.
Stay here. Yes?
Terrible news, my King. Malin?
The Queen has announced that the German is her real son.
What?
We have a new witness in the case.
-What witness? -One who will hopefully close the case.
Fine.
-We just need to discuss that girl. -Astrid?
Your mother is using her to spy on you in a plot to dethrone you.
Is it true?
Did my mother ask you to spy on me?
Answer me!
Malin.
Get up, whore.
I was there when the Queen asked Astrid to spy on you, Your Grace.
Have you seen Sparre?
Have you seen him at any of the hearings?
He hasn't been here.
Welcome.
Her Majesty the Queen will open the hearing.
I shall ask questions only the real Oluf can answer.
First I would like to summon a witness.
I'm certain it will shed new light on the case.
Hildur?
What is your name?
Hildur Eiriksdóttir.
What is your connection to the accused?
I was the wet nurse for Her Majesty's son Oluf.
Can Her Majesty confirm that?
Can the Queen confirm that?
Yes. I can confirm that.
The man sitting there...
Is that King Oluf?
No, it isn't him.
How do you know that?
Because I taught him all he knows.
I taught him to play the role of the dead King.
I taught him the lullaby.
How could you lie about that? Hildur?
Does the witness have more to add?
How did they make you do this, Hildur?
-God will punish you, Hildur! -We will now pass sentence. Peder?
Hildur is lying.
She could not speak freely. Anyone can see that.
Anyone can see that this has gone too far. Please, continue.
-I wish to summon a witness. -Who?
Johan Sparre.
Johan Sparre?
Has anyone seen Sparre at a single one of Oluf's hearings?
No, Your Majesty, but he has...
Oluf saw the man who freed him.
-So why hasn't Sparre been here? -You're proving just how mad you are.
Summon him. Let's hear what he has to say.
You expect me to believe a swindler over the Swedish Councilor?
Sparre was much more powerful under the German King.
He has never been on our side.
He wants to destroy the Union from within.
You are destroying the Union.
You're so blinded by your own grief that you can't see clearly.
Had I dragged a donkey in here
you would have believed it to be your son.
Let us pass sentence.
I swear...
I swear upon my father, King Valdemar Atterdag...
that this is my son.
You yourself said he wasn't your son. Everyone here heard it.
How do you expect us to take you seriously?
With God as my witness, I sentence...
God and the Church know the truth.
I am standing beside the true King of the Union.
Peder?
- We only have one King. - One king. Oluf.
He's standing there, beside our Queen.
The rightful King of the North is called Erik.
That is the position of both Denmark and Sweden.
Peder?
What does the Church say?
The Church chooses what is best for the Union.
I sentence the swindler to death. He will be hanged at dawn.
And arrest his supporters for contempt of the Crown.
Let the Queen be placed under close guard.
My beloved mother...
will step down.
Leaving the power to her only son, King Erik.
You don't know what you're doing.
If you don't trust me, I don't see my role here, or Sweden's.
She called me a traitor.
After all that I've done for the Union.
-She doesn't know what she's saying. -Perhaps.
But everyone heard her accusation, and people listen to her.
She'll say no more. I'll make a public apology.
Words are no use. It will take a strong signal.
Go on.
-I'll make you Minister of War. -Your mother abolished the position.
Maybe so, but now I'm in charge.
It's not that simple, Erik.
There's a reason why your mother removed the title.
You know how much you mean to me.
But I need people who will support what I do.
In the name of God.
You are a great man, Your Majesty.
A great man.
Yes...
I'll be damned.
-A whole army. -And mercenaries too.
Oluf?
-Someone will come and fetch you tonight. -Where am I going?
To Bergen. Asle and the Norwegian Council will accompany us.
-Will you come? -Yes. There's nothing more to do here.
- What will we do in Norway? - You're not going to die here.
We're together. We'll figure out the rest.
We'll figure out the rest...
My son...
Asle.
The cells are empty. The prisoners have escaped!
It's time to go, Your Majesty.
Look everywhere! Check the north court.
Asle...
We're here to search the Queen's chambers. King Erik's orders.
-Your Majesty. -Jacob.
A letter from Johan Sparre to the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order.
We found it on Raberlin.
"Oluf Håkonsen's arrival has gone according to plan.
I am winning King Erik's trust. He's young and easily controlled.
You can prepare the troops."
There's more.
But that's...
A detailed description of the entire Union's coastal defense.
If this had reached the Teutonic Order...
They're putting together an army, with French mercenaries.
An invasion army. How many?
At least 3,000.
My Queen...
-We must leave now. -Yes.
My Queen? Your Majesty...
I'll meet you behind the stables.
-But, Your Majesty... -Go.
Jacob?
Sparre.
Forgive me.
Erik.
-They will crush him. -Yes...
I can't help him.
Not without you.
You have handed the power to Erik.
Are you leaving?
If so, I wouldn't be here.
-What do you want? -You must give him the letter.
Even if he read that letter...
he wouldn't listen to you.
You humiliated him in front of everyone. And you tried to depose him.
No, he won't listen to me.
Not as long as Oluf is alive.
It's time to finish what you started back then.
-We need to get to the ship now. -We're waiting for the Queen.
-There are soldiers everywhere. -Do as you like. I'm waiting for her.
-She should have been here long ago. -She's coming.
Listen, we'll leave when it gets light.
There...
There she is.
Oh, God.
Oh, God...
Have you caught him?
Mm.
Alive?
Yes...
-I want to kill him myself. -We'll spare his life.
You can use him to control the Swedish nobles.
He's very cooperative, my King.
I'll hang the false Oluf at sunrise.
-He should be burned. -I won't burn a traitor.
Cleanse him of his sins and grant him entry to God's kingdom.
I won't make him a martyr.
We'll burn the case records with him.
All this will be forgotten.
We'll pardon Asle and the Norwegian Council.
I don't take orders from you. You betrayed me.
You tore me away from everything I had. Planted me here.
Let me grow. I was five years old.
For what? Just to tear me up by the roots again?
When I brought you here, you were a small, pale boy.
Look at you now. Now you're King.
Erik?
You need your mother's support.
-And England? -It will be a big, beautiful wedding.
Skanør in Scania, Denmark, 28 September, 1402
You weren't strong enough.
I was much too strong.
Get me down. Get me down from here.
The mystery of the false Oluf has never been solved.
No one knows who the man really was.
The documents from the trial were burned along with him,
creating one of the most fascinating mysteries in Nordic history.
In 1406, the wedding of King Erik and Philippa,
the daughter of the English King Henry IV, is held in Lund Cathedral.
They do not produce any heirs.
Despite internal dispute, the Kalmar Union lasted for 126 years.
Sweden left the Union in 1523
while Denmark and Norway remained twin kingdoms until 1814.
The special bond that connects the three countries to this day
is to a great extent thanks to one woman: Queen Margrete I.