‘Vinland Saga: Season 2’ Episode 11 Recap & Ending Explained: How Is Canute After Having Seized the Throne of Denmark?

Welcome to the Recap and Ending Explained for Vinland Saga, Season 2, Episode 11, titled “The King and the Sword.” The pacing of season 2 is very much in contrast with Season 1, and some people have felt betrayed somewhat because the show is now character-centric, and the battles and bloody fights have taken a secondary spot in the story. This reaction is understandable, but it is difficult to say that it is a mistake that the story has taken this direction. Instead, this might be one of the bravest and most interesting moves in recent anime history.

In previous episodes, we saw how Thorfinn managed to awaken from his depression, and now the young Viking has found a new purpose in life. Alongside his friend Einar, Thorfinn has become a full-fleshed farmer; learning the art of creating something instead of destroying it might have saved Thorfinn’s life, as he was surely on the path of taking his own life. Meanwhile, we have also visited Canute, whose character has taken a drastic turn. Canute is now full of ambition, and he will do anything to get what he wants—even killing his own brother.

The following paragraphs contain spoilers for Vinland Saga, Season 2, Episode 11. Read at your own risk.

How Is Canute After Having Seized The Throne Of Denmark?

In previous episodes, we managed to follow Canute on his journey. The young, girly boy from the first season is dead, and in his place, we now have a more mature Canute, one that has become both king of Denmark and England. We have seen Canute during his military campaigns, and he is certainly ruthless. Especially because he doesn’t just go into war with killing in mind but also with the total dominion of both the people and the resources. In the previous episode, we saw that King Harald died of poisoning and that Canute was responsible.

It is a sad tale, as Canute believes he can create a utopia, and to do that by any means is justifiable. Canute is haunted by ghosts but also by the responsibility of ruling over two kingdoms. At the beginning of this episode, we find him in the yard, practicing his swordsmanship with his Captain of Guards. Canute is all clad in armor, while his opponent has better mobility. Many of Canute’s retainers are watching the fight and are impressed by it. Canute is a good and cunning fighter, although he doesn’t look like it.

Estrid, Canute’s sister, is also watching. The fight frightens her. She knows they are only training, but it looks like a real fight, and they look like they could hurt each other if they are not careful. Canute uses his Captain’s crush on his sister to take the upper hand and win the battle. Canute needs to display intelligence and strength in front of these retainers. They must understand that Canute is a strong king from every angle and that they must serve him or face terrible consequences.

However, Canute’s strongest enemy isn’t an army or any of his retainers. Canute’s biggest enemy at this point in his reign is finance. He needs to fill his coffers with gold. Why? Because to rule two kingdoms as big as Denmark and England might be too much for just one king. He needed to raise taxes in England, and he was using those taxes to maintain a Danish army in England to keep control of the situation. Canute understands that he is still a conqueror and an outsider in England. To maintain that army, he needs the money he doesn’t have.

Canute offers a solution to his money problem. He will keep the high taxes in England but must also requisition land from his vassals in Denmark. It is a dangerous move, but Canute is confident that by having an army, he will be able to get away with it.

How Do Ketil And Leif Meet Each Other?

In a previous episode, we saw Ketil leaving his farm. Before leaving, he promised Einar and Thorfinn that they could be free once they planted the seeds for the coming harvest. Now Ketil has arrived in Denmark, only to find that King Hagard is dead and that Canute now rules. Ketil is accompanied by his sons, Thorgil and Olmar. Ketil is worried that he has lost the support of King Harald, and that he must now establish a relationship with the new King. Thorgil says he will set up an audience with the king immediately.

Meanwhile, we see Olmar doing exactly what Ketil thought he would be doing; getting into fights with other people on the streets. Olmar gets into a fight with a carpet merchant. It seems they bumped into each other, and the merchant carpets ended up on the ground covered in mud. Olmar teases the merchant and unsheathes his sword to act as a bully in front of the merchant and other people. Ketil arrives, hits Olmar in the head, and pays the merchant for the inconvenience.

The merchant’s father appears at that moment, and he introduces himself as Leif Ericson. This is Thorfinn’s old friend, who has been looking for him for years. Ketil and Leif share a beer, and Leif introduces his son, whom he adopted some years ago. His name is Thorfinn. Ketil announces that one of the people working on his farm also goes by that name. Leif hears the worker’s description and convinces himself that Ketil’s Thorfinn is his lost friend. He tells Ketil everything, and the farmer tells him Leif can follow them back when he returns to his farm.

Leif tries to convince his transport to go to Ketil’s farm, but it is too late in the season. They will only find frozen waters soon if they don’t leave for Greenland immediately. Leif will have to find other means of transportation. Ketil has his audience with Canute, and everything goes as planned until Olmar requests Canute to become part of the king’s guard. Olmar is tested, and he can’t even slice a pig. However, Canute seems to think Olmar could be useful, and he announces that Ketil’s farm will be the first piece of land he requisitions.

Will Canute manipulate Olmar into doing something horrible to make his father lose his farm? It is quite possible. This will also affect Thorfinn and Einar directly; their freedom might be farther away than they think.