Original subtitles

This is the story of Prince Oleg.

A fearless Viking prince.

Oleg struggled to protect the honor of his kingdom.

During these battles...

...Oleg loses his life.

And his brother, Vladimir, becomes the central figure of the story.

After Oleg's death,

Vladimir sets out to avenge his brother.

While continuing the struggle to protect the honor of the kingdom.

I close my eyes...

...and I see the winter forest.

The cold and white snow make me think of death.

What happened here...

...shattered the foundations of all our lives.

Polotsk lands.

[birds chirping]

[wings fluttering]

[wild tur grunts]

[screaming]

[wild tur bellows]

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [horse neighs]

- [wild tur bellows] - [indistinct chatters]

[vikings horn blaring]

He'll come from over there!

Right, only you heard that.

I've always served the house of Rurik.

Why did I choose Oleg out of 3 brothers?

Because he was fiery like his father.

Just not as bright.

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [horse neighs]

He is going to that side!

Go!

[wild tur groans]

Finish him!

We weren't alone in the forest.

Go after them!

Come on!

Here strangers were waiting for us.

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [screaming]

- [wild tur groans] - [wild tur bellows]

- [galloping footsteps] - [wild tur bellows]

[horse neighs]

[footsteps]

[screaming]

[groaning]

- Throw it over here! - Careful.

[wild tur bellows]

- [galloping footsteps] - [screaming]

[wild tur bellows]

Hey! What are you doing?

Where did it hit you?

Prince, look!

Where is the axe?!

Hey, what are you doing!

Easy, easy...

[wild tur grunts]

Calm down, calm down!

We're your brother's men!

This is our hunt and our trophy!

Here.

[horse neighs]

[spits]

Which brother?

I have two brothers.

Huh?

The youngest?

Vladimir?

We're from Kiev.

Stop, stop!

That's enough!

He serves Yaropolk!

We can share.

We're not greedy.

Share?

[birds chirping]

Share?

Yaropolk has the best men.

The best city.

And it's still not enough for him!

[grunts]

[grunts]

- [horse neighs] - [clatter]

Come on, strike! Don't just stand there!

Strike!

- [screams] - [horse galloping footsteps]

[dog barking]

Halt!

Yaropolk!

[horse galloping footsteps]

Prince!

They slaughtered Lyut!

Make a deal with your brother.

We'll pay him.

And we'll put an end to this matter right here!

You killed my man!

What should I do with you now?

It was a gift!

A wedding gift for my bride!

And your men wanted to snatch it!

I was also preparing a gift!

Right.

For your wedding!

Come here!

I didn't invite you!

Come, let's go to Polotsk.

My bride is waiting.

It's easier to agree across a wall.

Let's go!

[gibberish]

Let's go!

[screams]

Tie them all up.

Go!

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [screams]

Let's go!

Come on!

Yes, come on!

[screaming]

[bell tolling]

Look!

Rogovold!

More of the strangers are galloping over there!

I can see for myself! Hurry!

[screaming]

Come on, make way!

- Come! - Come on!

Make way!

Rogovold!

Hurry up!

- I'll figure it out! - Come!

Close them!

Open up!

[screaming]

[horse neighs]

Spilt blood calls for revenge.

So Yaropolk decided to sacrifice me to the law.

Right here.

In the house of his foe Prince Rogovold.

So that everyone knows that Yaropolk is innocent of Oleg's death.

But he was stained with his brother's blood.

Yaropolk!

Answer!

Was it me he was fleeing?

Was it me who threw him onto the stakes?

Give it to me!

Your people were chasing us!

You served my father.

He's dead.

And you're alive?

You served my brother over there!

And you're alive.

Maybe I'm alive...

...because you haven't come to serve me?

Right.

This is your place.

Execute Sveneld!

He didn't keep my brother safe.

If you disagree we'll go outside the gates.

Or shall we fulfill the law here?

Is that your last word?

Come on!

Move!

[grunts]

[indistinct noise]

Ready?

Wait, hold on!

Help me with my hair.

I don't want his father to see me with soiled hair.

Tell my father I buried his god of war.

Tell him yourself!

[screaming]

Take arms!

You don't behead someone twice!

Stop it! Stop!

Stop!

[footsteps]

The law says you can't behead someone twice!

He his telling the truth.

Get back!

Varyazhko, I said get back!

Get back!

Let him go.

He his telling the truth.

[horse galloping footsteps]

Shouldn't have released him.

Look Yaropolk!

You're to blame for Oleg's death!

You love the law?

They'll take revenge on you by the law!

Your younger brother Vladimir is still alive!

[grunts]

Look.

VIKING

[background music]

There's Polotsk.

[dog barking]

- [footsteps] - [birds chirping]

A very good marriage proposal has come for you.

I followed the prince to Novgorod.

Then to the North to get the Vikings.

I'm no foe to Yaropolk.

Not his friend either.

You wanted the two brothers to fight so you helped me.

It's not my war.

It is now.

Is this why you came?

Father!

Who's the suitor?

I am!

Vladimir!

Don't rush it.

[sighs]

Prince of the house of Rurik!

Vladimir.

I've heard of you.

[birds chirping]

Is it true you feared war with your brother so much

you fled to the north?

Didn't even avenge Oleg?

I went to get the Vikings.

Why did you bring them here?

Your brother isn't here.

I came for you.

I want to bring you joy.

To give you the keys to our house.

Here.

Come on, it's the custom!

You do your work! Go look there!

Yes!

[laughs]

Where's the joy in going to war?

It's more fun together.

Are you afraid?

If you want you can bring your warriors!

Should I take that as a yes?

I guess she doesn't like chickens.

[laughs]

Wow!

[birds chirping]

You just came for the warriors.

I don't want the warriors, I want your companionship!

- [wind howling] - [birds chirping]

Father he's come to see you, not me!

Wait, let's talk!

Hold on!

We talked enough.

Let the rooster go! Nothing's happening.

You don't even know me!

I know all about you!

What do you know?

Shall I say it?

Go ahead!

Shall I?

Say it.

Don't you dare!

You're the son of a slave woman.

- H... how could she say that?! - How could she say that?

That was completely wrong.

- She shouldn't have said that! - She shouldn't have said that!

This is wrong!

What does she even know about...

I won't marry you because I won't remove the boots of a slave's son!

Shut up!

Isn't he a prince?

He is a prince.

Maybe I would have listened to your brother, he's a prince!

Who are you?

Yes!

[indistinct chatters]

Sure about this?

She insulted my mother!

Go ahead.

[screaming]

We are going to burry you!

Take my son away.

Take revenge!

It was his first battle.

For his brothers he was not a prince, but a son of a housekeeper.

A halfbreed.

The law gave him the right to go to war with his elder brother Prince Yaropolk.

And thus become his equal.

More smoke into the ditch!

More smoke!

Burn it!

For this reason, Vladimir wanted to join forces with the prince of Polotsk.

Now we're at war with him.

Because only cowards and slaves do not seek revenge!

[rapid arrows firing]

[screaming]

[rapid arrows firing]

Get the berserker ready.

I'm going with the Vikings.

Now we attack the old gate.

- [screaming] - [clatter]

Move!

Over here!

[thud]

[speaking in foreign language]

Let's go!

[grunting]

[fire crackling]

[sword sharpening]

Look at me.

May the sacred fury and the strength of the beast enter you through this chalice.

Take revenge on them!

Kill them all!

[screaming]

Go!

You weren't invited!

Give him the chalice of fury!

You can become one of us.

You must drink it!

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Come on!

[sword clashing]

[speaking in foreign language]

Let's attack!

Attack!

Let's go!

[screaming]

[rapid arrows firing]

Don't spare them!

[grunts]

Come on, move!

Come on!

- [screaming] - [clatter]

Attack!

[screaming]

We won't spare you!

[grunts]

[speaking in foreign language]

[swords clashing]

[fighting grunts]

Let's go!

Let's go!

- [thud] - [clatter]

[sword clashing]

[water sloshing]

- [clink] - [thud]

[grunts]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Vladimir!

Keep moving!

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Vladimir!

[screaming]

I think we should spare them!

[screaming]

[footsteps]

[indistinct]

[thud]

[speaking in foreign language]

[laughs]

[gasps]

Go, she changed her mind, she wants to pull off your boots!

[gasps]

[grunts]

[thud]

Let everyone see...

...who is the master here!

- [chain clinks] - [grunts]

[thud]

[chain clinks]

[thud]

[grunts]

[sighs]

[fire crackling]

[fire crackling]

[gasps]

[gasps]

[footsteps]

[birds chirping]

[chain clinking]

[screams]

- [grunts] - [thud]

- [wind howling] - [sobbing]

- [footsteps] - [chain clinking]

Stop, come here, come to me!

They killed them!

[spits]

Here's the brother!

- Where did you hide? - Let me go!

- The whole family's here. - Leave, let me go!

- Let her go! - Enough! Don't move!

- Let her go. - Let me go!

- What? - Leave me!

She'll come with me.

Are you sure?

She can take revenge.

Him too.

Will he also go to war with you?

- There'll be no war. - Please, let us go!

I'll end it in peace.

- [sword sheathed] - [crying]

Get out of here.

What peace?

My brother and I will be equal.

Yaropolk will pay for Oleg's death.

And that too with blood.

To me and my people...

Yaropolk killed Oleg.

Did you forget it?

People don't change.

We're going to Kiev.

In peace.

[footsteps]

You will come with me.

You'll become my wife.

[sobbing]

[gasps]

I'll cherish you with love.

- [water sloshing] - [birds chirping]

[screaming]

- [swords unsheathes] - [screaming]

Kiev.

[speaking in foreign language]

[screaming]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Where is everyone?

Where did everyone go?

- [gibberish] - [sighs]

[thud]

- [clatter] - [thud]

- [screaming] - [crickets chirping]

[footsteps receding]

Loban!

Go to the sorcerer!

Follow me!

[birds chirping]

[crickets chirping]

[sword unsheathes]

Hey!

[wings fluttering]

I am the brother of your prince!

Call Yaropolk, I want to talk to him!

[footsteps]

Let's go.

[door opens]

Where is everyone?

Why don't you answer?

Everyone left!

[footsteps]

[rooster crowing]

[birds chirping]

[rooster squawking]

Come have a look.

Your father's axe.

The throne has been taken.

Want to know why people don't change?

Because they don't want to.

[horse galloping footsteps]

One day's journey away from Kiev.

Yaropolk made camp "A sentry post in front of Yaropolk's camp."

He was gathering a large force to crush us with one blow.

Vladimir sent his men and offered to meet.

Yaropolk answered that he couldn't be judged by a halfbreed.

Kiev became a trap.

But the fortune smiled upon us.

What's this?

A toy?

[birds chirping]

Where did you get that?

I found it here, a toy ship.

Let's go!

[laughs]

They thought their ships were faster than mine!

[screaming]

We won!

[sword unsheathes]

Nice sword!

We saw Yaropolk's flag.

We thought it was him but turns out it's a woman.

[laughs]

I'm your brother's wife.

My brother?

Why are you here?

Your husband sent you?

Yaropolk sent me home.

To Korsun till war ends.

Father Anastasius brought me a permit to enter the empire.

To Korsun?

[birds chirping]

Everyone heard about Polotsk.

- [goat bleat] - [birds chirping]

Why did my brother let her go with you?

She's with me.

We're giving this one a lift to Glina.

He wants to dip people in water there.

[laughs]

Send this warrior to my brother.

[birds chirping]

Look at me.

Let's go talk.

Come on.

Come on.

Let's go.

Show me your arm!

[birds chirping]

[chuckles]

Have a seat.

Don't look for the coffers here.

Yarik took it all with him.

Why?

[goat bleat]

He's gathering warriors.

No...

Tell me, why should I spare you?

I'll bring Yaropolk here.

[sighs]

Why would he follow you?

You have Irina.

She's carrying his child.

What?!

[fighting grunts]

Guard post near Yaropolk's camp

[horse galloping footsteps]

Stop it!

Stop!

I said enough!

That's enough!

Varyazhko, that's enough!

Enough!

Ask him!

Ask where your wife is.

Is she alive?

She's fine...

What does he want for her?

Nothing.

He's waiting for you to talk about peace.

We can't go there.

We need to bring an army to the city.

Then we can talk.

Where did you get this?

Vladimir sent it to you.

They'll see an army...

...and hang her from the wall.

They have Irina.

[birds chirping]

We'll make an agreement.

[horse grunts]

- [birds chirping] - [gibberish]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Wonderful!

[speaking in foreign language]

You are doing great!

Good one!

That's the spirit!

Over here!

Hey, please bring the horses here!

[footsteps]

[birds chirping]

- [goat bleat] - [speaking in foreign language]

Why...

...didn't you name my son after me?

[water sloshing]

You never came back.

- [dog barking] - [grunts]

[water sloshing]

Hey!

Listen!

He is here!

[sighs]

- [dog barking] - [birds chirping]

You are doing great!

- [laughs] - [indistinct]

That's wonderful!

Where is my wife?

Irina your husband is calling.

[footsteps]

Are you alright?

Please wait outside.

Where is my brother?

Waiting for you.

[footsteps]

Stand guard...

You're going without me?

Here, take this!

You dug up my whole yard.

Did you lose something?

I've already found it.

You're coming with me.

Very well!

[thud]

- [door opens] - [fire crackling]

[door creaks]

[footsteps]

[clink]

Where did you find it?

I can't tell you that!

I thought Oleg stole it...

You are right!

Grandma took it away.

Buried it in the yard.

And I found it.

Grandma...

What shall we do?

Talk.

- [laughs] - [door opens]

[screaming]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

- [laughs] - [footsteps]

- [gunshot] - [stabbing]

[grunts]

- [grunts] - [gasps]

No!

No!

[thud]

[grunts]

[sobbing]

[inhales]

[door opens]

What happened?

Where are you off to?

- [sword unsheathes] - [screaming]

Stop!

Let's go!

Easy, easy, easy!

Wait!

[footsteps]

Rejoice!

Prince Yaropolk sits at his forefathers' table.

- Rejoice! - Yaropolk!

[screaming]

Oh no!

Calm down, calm down

[thud]

Go away.

Let him go!

Let him go!

Let me go!

Tell your men to go home.

The war is over.

[thud]

Where is Vladimir?

Vladimir?

Vladimir is the grand prince.

[thud]

He's a halfbreed!

The son of a slave woman!

People like him shouldn't be allowed to live!

Wait!

[birds chirping]

Fyodor!

Promise you'll protect Irina.

[horse galloping footsteps]

[fire cracking]

If she's still alive.

[grunts]

Hold tight.

- [birds chirping] - [horse galloping footsteps]

[horse neighs]

Everyone's gone to Kiev.

Vladimir promised it will be like under his father.

They can't all be traitors.

So we against of all of them?

He's right, there are far too many of them.

[fire cracking]

If so many of them are involved,

...then aren't they traitors too?!

[birds chirping]

Come on, let's avenge ourselves with Vladimir's blood.

I'm dying for the old life.

Only the halfbreed's blood can bring me back.

May God have mercy!

Only the halfbreed's blood can bring me back.

[serious music]

[birds chirping]

Vladimir ended the war.

And people accepted Yaropolk's death.

But they didn't accept Vladimir.

He remained a halfbreed.

A stranger to all.

To prevail, Vladimir had...

...to become greater than his brother was for everyone.

And only his father had been greater.

That night in the city they were expecting the dead prince to come to him...

...to get revenge.

[door close]

[bangles chimes]

[gasps]

- [bangles chimes] - [heavily breathing]

- [water sloshing] - [crickets chirping]

- [bangles chimes] - [heavily breathing]

[fire crackling]

[dog whining]

[door opens]

[footsteps]

[creaks]

[heavily breathing]

- [screaming] - [thud]

- [crickets chirping] - [dog barking]

Tell me who did it!

He is taking revenge from you!

[footsteps]

The dead guy!

[heavily breathing]

- [birds chirping] - [footsteps]

- [footsteps] - [dog growling]

- [scary scream] - [fire crackling]

[heavily breathing]

- [crickets chirping] - [fire crackling]

[dog whining]

- [grunts] - [metal clinks]

- [sword unsheathes] - [grunts]

[footsteps]

[grunts]

Hands off!

[heavily breathing]

Were you trying to raise him this way?!

- He's dead... - Lie!

You were reading over him?

I was.

And soon he'll rise.

Don't you know?

All the dead will rise!

They'll rise and walk.

He will rise later?

[footsteps]

So it wasn't him.

[soft background music]

[footsteps]

There's nothing to be afraid of!

I'll raise his son like my own.

Trust me.

I'll be strong like my father.

[footsteps]

- [screaming] - [thud]

The old gods could not defend Yaropolk.

So Vladimir threw them down the hill.

He dug up his father's god in order to get his strength.

So that everyone saw...

...that he was just as great a prince as was his father.

But Svyatoslav's god loved human blood.

That's why it was buried when the old prince died.

- [birds chirping] - [creaks]

[thud]

[footsteps]

I'm alive.

He's hungry he wants to eat.

I give my brother to my father's god.

[wind howling]

He needs living blood.

That's exactly what he needs.

- [wind howling] - [birds chirping]

Answer this are you worthy?

Worthy of your father's god?

[birds chirping]

We'll make this sacrifice!

[footsteps]

[upbeat music]

Everyone, stay with me!

Let's get out of here.

My father's God is the God of fortune and glory.

He will protect us all.

[upbeat music]

So, stay with me!

[gibberish]

[footsteps]

[upbeat music]

[gibberish]

[gibberish]

[fire crackling]

[gibberish]

[fire crackling]

[birds chirping]

The frontier with Pecheneg lands.

[crickets chirping]

We'll kill the halfbreed.

Put Irina on the throne.

And we'll be near.

[horse neighs]

Here are the nomads.

I thought they wouldn't come.

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [grunts]

[eagle screech]

I need your warriors.

Warriors?

[horse galloping footsteps]

Yaropolk is dead.

I have his coffers.

You'll be rich!

But in return you'll help me kill the Russian prince!

- [eagle screech] - [wind howling]

[horse galloping footsteps]

[indistinct]

- [whistling] - [indistinct]

[indistinct]

Remember the rotten wall in the Lower City?

I do.

Wait for me there.

Very well.

- [rooster crowing] - [water sloshing]

Come on, lift it up!

Have you got it?

[birds chirping]

Run!

Save your lives!

The Pechenegs!

- The Pechenegs! - Run from here!

Leave as fast as you can!

- [water sloshing] - [horse galloping footsteps]

[screaming]

Go inside quickly!

Attack!

[grunts]

[thud]

- [water sloshing] - [horse neighs]

[horse galloping footsteps]

[footsteps]

[screaming]

[speaking in foreign language]

Don't spare them!

What're you waiting for?

Hurry, hurry!

We won't spare you!

The gates are closing!

Come on, fast!

[grunts]

Let's go!

Attack!

Hurry!

Over there!

- Surround them! - Let's go!

Kill them!

[grunts]

Come on, get in fast!

Come on!

- [grunts] - [screaming]

- [grunts] - [horse neighs]

[screaming]

Kill them!

Come on!

[sword clinks]

Please, no!

Don't do it!

Get your people away!

Half-wit! You think there's another prince in Kiev?

[screaming]

Wait!

Do you want me to give him to you?

Throw him right now?

She will ripen in the sun!

Let's go!

Get back! Get back!

- [grunts] - [sword clinking]

Go inside quickly!

Kagan!

Order them back!

Please let me go!

I'll tear your arms off!

- [footsteps] - [screaming]

Get back!

Give me Irina!

Everything is okay.

We'll leave right away!

You will save the city!

If you don't trust me, then trust dead Yaropolk!

I have his coffers.

I'll pay them and they will go back into the steppe!

No one else will die!

Give me Irina!

[horse neighs]

Vladimir!

I gave you your life back.

And what did you do with it?

If you change your mind you know where to find me!

[horse neighs]

The new prince chose war!

Let me go.

I'm begging you.

Do you hear me?

Save me and the city

I beg you!

Let her go.

Give us hope.

I can protect you.

Trust me.

[chain clinking]

- [goat bleat] - [fire crackling]

- Why are you here? - This is mine.

The enemy is outside!

[indistinct]

Bring all the weapons over here!

[indistinct]

- Put it in this box here! - Take it away!

Anyone who breaks their word becomes the enemy.

- Come on, move! - Move!

We don't fight for free.

I advise you to hurry up and pay!

There should be no delay!

[screaming]

[laughs]

- Yes, just like that. - Hey, what are you doing? Don't be afraid of him!

That's a lot of goods. Very good! Well done!

Come on, give me a hand, quickly!

Excellent!

- That's it! - Come on, move quickly!

- Just like that... - Get ready quickly!

Well done!

That's not enough.

We need more!

Come on, help me quickly!

Come here!

Come on, come!

Come on...!

- Hurry up! - Pull it!

Take this!

- Now that's more like it! - There should be no delay!

- Wonderful! - We must get ready quickly.

- Well done. - Move!

Move!

Roman gold!

Sharpen all the swords!

[indistinct]

What do we decide?

I thought you were warriors.

But...

...you are traders!

Move!

Move!

We must stay prepared for the attack.

- Keep your armor on! - Get ready quickly!

You owe us much more.

Yes, like that. Not like this, like that. Yes, just a little more.

Give them the berserker.

Well done!

Quick!

Hey!

Hey!

For your gold, we'll give you just one warrior.

But he's the best!

[chuckles]

The Pechenegs were raring to go out on raids.

And Varyazhko gathered the entire steppe under Kiev's walls.

So Vladimir decided to send warriors beyond the gates to lure their...

...cavalry towards the wall.

Everyone knew they wouldn't be coming back so they went of their own will.

Hurry! Prince's orders!

Pull it!

At the signal, go straight to the wall

I got it, I got it.

Fyodor, Yaropolk's former military chief, took charge.

He was of another faith from us.

But he was a real warrior.

God, save and preserve us.

Come back alive.

Show me your hand quickly!

[chain clinks]

Give this to my son, Ioann.

- That's it! - Come on, move quickly!

- This is how we must fight. - Get ready quickly!

- Well done. - Good luck.

It's in my Father's hands.

Put it in this box here.

Are you a son of God?

I am God's servant, and no one else's!

Come on, hurry up! Pull it!

[footsteps]

- Now that's more like it! - There should be no delay!

May He help you.

Quick! Quick!

I'm doing my best!

Come on, quickly!

Faster!

Smear it on!

[vikings horn blaring]

It's started.

[screaming]

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [horse neighs]

[rapid arrows fire]

[horse galloping footsteps]

[rapid arrows fire]

To the wall!

- [horse neighs] - [horse galloping footsteps]

[camel grunts]

[arrow wooshes]

[screaming]

[grunts]

[sword clashing]

- [grunts] - [sword clashing]

Let's go!

Fyodor!

Go ahead!

[door close]

[sword clashing]

[grunts]

Push!

Stop!

[footsteps]

Fyodor!

Everyone! Forward!

- [sword clashing] - [footsteps]

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [horse neighs]

All together! March!

[horse galloping footsteps]

Form a circle! A circle!

Interlock the shields!

Interlock the shields!

Closer to the centre!

Hold the shields closer! Closer!

[sword clashing]

Wait for the signal!

[horse neighs]

It's time!

Open up!

- [door open] - [grunts]

[screaming]

- [arrow wooshing] - [grunts]

- [screams] - [grunts]

[indistinct]

Send the signal!

The signal!

Get the wheels!

[vikings horn blaring]

[thud]

Come on, faster!

The wheels!

The signal!

Move back to the wall!

The wall, the wall!

Not the gate!

[arrow wooshing]

Wait!

[grunts]

[footsteps]

[grunts]

[screaming]

Let's go!

Yeah!

Don't spare them!

Fyodor!

[screaming]

Come on, quickly!

Get the fire!

Let's go!

[horse galloping footsteps]

Give me the fire!

If we set the steppe alight we could catch fire too!

[rapid arrows fire]

I dreamt of my mother.

Means we won't die tonight.

Come on!

[grunts]

Set it on fire! Quick!

[horse neighs]

[screaming]

Set them on fire!

[horse neighs]

Come on! Come on!

More! More!

[screaming]

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [horse neighs]

[fire crackling]

Water!

Water to the wall! Quick!

Water to the wall! Quick!

Hurry!

Lift the water!

[fire crackling]

Faster! Lift it!

[water sloshing]

We'll all burn to death!

Lord have mercy.

- [water sloshing] - [thunder rumbling]

Hurry, we'll burn up!

Pour it! Pour it!

- [raining] - [thunder rumbling]

[screaming]

[thunder rumbling]

[birds chirping]

[water sloshing]

It was my father's god who helped us!

Thank him you're alive.

The Pechenegs haven't left.

The warriors stay with me on the wall.

[fire crackling]

Do you know how to start a fire?

Of course.

Can you come help us?

Father told me to wait at home.

Did you know it was gods that sent the rain?

Now you can save us.

[crickets chirping]

[upbeat music]

I see my father!

I see my mother!

I see my mother!

I see my master!

He sits in a garden

that is fair and green!

He sits in a garden

That is fair and green!

And he waits for me!

Father, I'll save them all!

You're doing very well!

There will be no more war beyond this!

[upbeat music]

- Let's go home. - We will be freed from all of this!

But they said I'll save everyone!

You will, you will.

Let's go home and come back.

So?

The boy's chosen!

He'll save us all!

Where is your husband?

Vladimir!

Make way!

Stop!

Dad! Daddy! Dad!

Dad!

[grunts]

Stop him!

- Come here. - He is going to save us!

I said move!

What you're doing is wrong. You can't save him.

Careful.

Bring the swords here and pile them up!

Hey where do the axes go?

They're celebrating.

Can you hear it?

[birds chirping]

Shouldn't you be with them?

Yes, a lot of men fell...

Hey, where shall we go? Leave it here!

Hear, they're celebrating already, making noise.

Don't be afraid.

They believed my father's strength has returned.

Hey, where are you taking him?!

He will help us save our lives!

Where are you taking him?!

Let him go!

Let him go!

[grunts]

From above!

Vladimir!

He is the one who will save us!

You are doing wrong!

Vladimir!

- [indistinct] - [screams]

We won't spare you!

- Where are you taking him? - Where are you taking him?!

Catch him!

Let him go — he is the one who will save us!

- Save the child! - Go after him!

We won't let him go!

[screams]

They'll kill him.

[chuckles]

- No. He's a real warrior! - Oh, is that so?

Shall we bet on your knife?

If he survives I'll give you my knife!

[grunts]

[indistinct]

Who do you bow to?

Those aren't gods!

They will rot tomorrow!

Cut the pillars!

Cut the pillars!

[thud]

[cutting wood]

Vladimir!

Prince!

[screams]

Over there...

Go.

Vladimir!

[screaming]

It's fair and green...

- [screams] - [upbeat music]

Lord have mercy...

Dad?

What?

Will we die?

[grunts]

No!

I told you.

There is no death.

He, that dwelleth in the secret place of the...

...most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Refuge and my fortress.

Is my God.

In him I will trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee.

Put your trust in Him!

- It's all for you! - All this is for you!

- Have faith in him! - What?!

- He won't let any harm come to you! - Move!

- With his wings

and under his wings you will find refuge

hs faithfulness will be your shield and rampart

- You will not be there in the daytime... - Stop!

Fyodor!

Come here, son.

Come, give a warm hug!

Fyodor!

Lord have mercy.

Get back!

- Get back! - Lord have mercy.

Save your life!

Let's get out of here!

- [grunts] - [thud]

Come on, get back quickly!

- [upbeat music] - [birds chirping]

[footsteps]

Fyodor!

I won!

[clatter]

What?

Say...

[grunts]

- [grunts] - [crying]

[birds chirping]

How will the gods know we love them if we don't sacrifice...

...what we love the most?

The sacrifice is made.

The gods will save us.

[fighting grunts]

[screams]

[screaming]

[thud]

- [footsteps] - [birds chirping]

He warned you.

You don't belong here like a Viking.

You brought woe.

[footsteps]

[footsteps]

[sword unsheathes]

[sword sheathed]

- [footsteps] - [birds chirping]

You will surely meet them you hear me?

You will!

There is no death!

There is.

[birds chirping]

You can't be seen like this.

I beg you let me go.

I beg you.

[footsteps]

[birds chirping]

[serious music]

[thunder rumbling]

Father's god did not accept our sacrifice.

The Pechenegs didn't leave.

Everyone knew we couldn't save the city.

[horse neighs]

So Vladimir took the risk and grabbed fortune by the throat.

He agreed to meet Varyazhko.

- [footsteps] - [water sloshing]

Helmets!

[birds chirping]

When it rains again...

...remember me.

What's that?

[chain clinks]

Anna.

What?

- [chain clinks] - [birds chirping]

Anna.

A Greek name.

Not one of yours.

How did you know?

[footsteps]

[dog barking]

There are Greek letters.

Look: "A"

"N"

"N"

"A"

What does that add up to?

"A"

Anna!

- [birds chirping] - [chain clinking]

Means God's grace.

They gave it to me in the convent.

What's God's grace?

[heavily breathing]

There's a woman's love...

...and there's God's.

God's grace is a gift of love from God.

A gift from god.

You didn't say which god.

There's only one.

And he loves you!

And he can save you.

Remember that.

[chain clinking]

Take it with you.

To remember me.

- [gasps] - [footsteps]

[birds chirping]

[footsteps]

[gasps]

- [wind howling] - [water sloshing]

[dog growling]

[birds chirping]

Lead her away.

[horse footsteps]

[dog barking]

[birds chirping]

Vladimir!

Don't let them get away!

Run!

[horse neighs]

Don't just stand there!

Come!

They are running!

[horse neighs]

Catch him!

- [grunts] - [metal clinks]

[horse galloping footsteps]

Don't spare him!

- [horse neighs] - [water sloshing]

Come, let's go!

[grunts]

Surround them!

- [grunts] - [indistinct]

This way!

[door opens]

He went over there!

He is running go and catch him!

Hey, search in that corner!

Jump!

[water splashing]

[door opens]

[sword unsheathes]

[chain clinking]

[water splashing]

- [chain clinking] - [birds chirping]

[water splashing]

- [water sloshing] - [panting]

[horse neighs]

Halfbreed!

[birds chirping]

I know you're here!

- [footsteps] - [birds chirping]

[horse galloping footsteps]

Are you afraid?

[wood creaking]

Answer me!

- [water sloshing] - [birds chirping]

[horse neighs]

- [indistinct chatters] - [birds chirping]

- [sword whooshes] - [water sloshing]

[grunts]

[footsteps]

- Go and check there! - Go quickly!

- Surround them! - Let's go!

Don't spare them!

- [grunts] - [medieval horn blaring]

Come on, let's go inside quickly!

Come!

- [grunts] - [water sloshing]

[medieval horn blaring]

The Romans...

- [horse neighs] - [horse galloping footsteps]

Stop!

Where are you off to?

We don't fight with the Romans.

We agreed with them.

Wait

Where are you going?

You promised!

Kagan!

[birds chirping]

[water sloshing]

Where's Rogneda?

At the sacred ground.

What are you planning?

While the Roman envoys are here, you listening?

The Pechenegs will stay away.

The Romans are the strongest.

Take whatever they give but don't trust them.

You will always be a stranger to them.

My brother.

He came to an agreement with the Romans and the Pechenegs left him alone for years.

Came to an agreement?

They hired your father.

And when he disobeyed you listening?

They killed him at the...

...hands of the Pechenegs.

We have to stop being afraid.

Being afraid of the Pecheneg attack.

Night will come, day will follow.

I need the Romans' strength.

[leopard roars]

These trunks with gifts and the leopard are from the emperor to the Archon.

It's Emperor Basil the Porphyrogenitus and his sister Anna...

...with his co-ruler Constantine.

[speaking in foreign language]

Anna.

A gift from God!

Yes?

A gift from God!

[speaking in foreign language]

The emperor offers you and your warriors glory if you can besiege Korsun.

There is a rebellion in the empire.

The city of Korsun is on the rebels' side.

[leopard roaring]

[door opens]

[speaking in foreign language]

The emperor's reward will be generous.

The ambassador wishes to know the Archon's answer.

I will help but not for gold.

[speaking in foreign language]

What does the Archon mean?

[speaking in foreign language]

What does he want?

[thunder rumbling]

God's gift.

You said God's gift?

Anna.

It's impossible.

The Archon cannot receive the noble Anna as a wife.

They even refused the German emperor.

You must forget her.

The Archon can ask for anything except Anna.

[speaking in foreign language]

What do you want?

- [speaking in foreign language] - [footsteps]

I want her.

As my wife.

I want her as my wife!

- [gasps] - [footsteps]

[door opens]

[door close]

[thunder rumbling]

Yes, I got it!

You kept your words.

The gold of the Romans is good for morale.

- [footsteps] - [birds chirping]

The Vikings will go to the wall with you.

- [dog barking] - [birds chirping]

Will you go with everyone?

Where?

To the sacred ground.

We meed to ask the gods for protection from the Pechenegs.

The Romans are leaving.

[horse neighs]

I've made all my sacrifices.

[birds chirping]

All of them?

- [upbeat music] - [crickets chirping]

[fire crackling]

- [fire crackling] - [crickets chirping]

[footsteps]

- [heavily breathing] - [fire crackling]

[screaming]

[grunts]

[door close]

[panting]

Get dressed.

[crickets chirping]

[dog barking]

I'd have taken my life, too.

And I'd have stayed with you to the end, you know that!

- [footsteps] - [clinks]

You'll have a son!

What?

Yes.

- [clinks] - [panting]

So you wanted to kill us all?

[crying]

You're going back to Polotsk.

What other gift do you need?

From which god?

- [sobbing] - [door close]

[crying]

[screaming]

- [footsteps] - [birds chirping]

All night the Pecheneg camp was noisy.

And someone screamed horribly beyond the wall.

Everyone prepared for the worst.

Yes, the Romans agreed to give Vladimir the emperor's sister, Anna.

Since they knew that we couldn't take the stone city.

And trying to take Korsun was madness.

But this morning none of that mattered.

Everyone thought only of death hiding in the fog.

Halt!

[footsteps]

Hey!

[sword unsheathes]

So, Putyata.

Where are the Pechenegs?

The Romans said they formed a union with Vladimir.

And Pechenegs don't fight Romans!

They're holding Kagan's son hostage so the Pechenegs keep their word.

Is Irina alive?

She's alive.

Varyazhko took her to Korsun.

Gather our men.

Send messengers to every city.

I need God's gift!

[crying]

[crying]

[sword unsheathes]

We're taking Korsun!

[screaming]

[sword sheathes]

Korsun.

- [birds chirping] - [bell tolling]

[bell tolling]

[bell tolling]

[vikings horn blaring]

Come on, get ready for a war!

Get ready!

- Get ready for attach! - Everybody take you places!

- Take your positions! - Don't let anyone escape!

- [devotional music playing] - [footsteps]

Move!

Make way!

Keep your weapons ready!

An attack could happen at any moment!

Irina! Come here.

- [footsteps] - [wind howling]

You will translate.

- [devotional music playing] - [footsteps]

[sword unsheathes]

I'm Vladimir!

Your emperor's friend!

I'm Vladimir.

Your emperor's friend.

I swear by the memory of my father

Svyatoslav!

I'm not leaving until I take your city!

[screaming]

I swear I'll take your city.

But if any one of you opens up the gate for me.

Then I swear upon my ancestors...

I won't kill you!

Nor you!

I won't kill anyone of you!

And this is what I promise!

I won't touch anyone!

If you want to live...

If you want to save your city...

Then open up the door!

[sword clinks]

Save yourself and the city.

[screaming]

[birds chirping]

[footsteps]

[inhales]

[crickets chirping]

Tie the bracelet onto the map so he knows who it's from.

[baby crying]

[indistinct]

Hush now, hush.

[shushing]

- [footsteps] - [door close]

- [crickets chirping] - [dog barking]

[crossbow firing]

[fire crackling]

What's that?

Look!

[birds chirping]

[chain clinks]

[clatter]

[thud]

Wait!

Did you believe her?

[birds chirping]

She told me everything.

About the hill with the water pipe to the city.

Tell me, does everyone know about it, or just you?

[bell tolling]

[bell tolling]

I blessed it myself.

And where is it?

[footsteps]

On the Soapy Hill.

So you drew him a map and sent it?

Father!

Come talk to me.

[crickets chirping]

Irina.

It's the same everywhere.

- [crickets chirping] - [birds chirping]

- [grunts] - [door close]

Why!

[thud]

Why!

[baby crying]

Why, Irina?

He's a halfbreed!

He's a slave!

- He's not a prince! - Why did you tell him?

Vladimir will have no mercy on him.

- [grunts] - [baby crying]

He will find the pipe and leave the city without water!

You betrayed everyone!

[sword unsheathes]

Have you been with him?

Answer!

- [baby crying] - [thud]

[grunts]

Father

Why don't you answer?

Take my confession. I sinned.

I have sinned

You gave us shelter.

- [grunts] - [thud]

[crying]

I asked you to send the arrow not for the city, but for him.

Look at me.

Swear it!

When the killer comes here...

...you'll stop him from finding you!

Swear it!

Swear or I'll kill the child!

You will leave the city and won't look for him!

Swear or I'll kill the child!

Swear!

No.

- [baby crying] - [sobbing]

[birds chirping]

- [baby crying] - [heavily breathing]

You put out the light in my heart.

- [crickets chirping] - [fire crackling]

[footsteps]

Here, two trees.

Where is this pipe?

But the city's that way.

Everyone knew that a long siege wouldn't capture the city.

The warriors started heading home.

To stop them, Vladimir ordered the ships to be dragged up the hill.

Those who fled by steppe met the Pechenegs.

They stood at our backs.

The water pipe was Vladimir's only hope.

- [crickets chirping] - [footsteps]

Be glad, Prince.

I came to help you!

First of the Vikings.

Where are the rest?

Asleep.

Mixed wine and beer.

[thunder rumbling]

Ever been to Roman cities?

[horse neighs]

They say Romans can bury water pipes.

Ever heard of this?

[horse neighs]

Sometimes the pipes start even further from the city than here.

- [horse neighs] - [horse galloping footsteps]

[indistinct birds chirping]

[horse neighs]

Sveneld!

Is that you?

Every time I meet you, you are digging holes.

It's not for myself.

I'll be throwing your bones there!

[laughs]

Halfbreed!

Look.

That's for you.

It was hard to convince the Pechenegs!

They wanted just to slaughter you!

They say you're a fool.

You believed a woman.

[crickets chirping]

What are you waiting for?

Bring the shields and spears!

Everybody be ready, the war is going to start!

Come on, hurry up!

[thunder rumbling]

[raining]

Your luck is back!

[chain clinking]

[horse neighs]

[horse neighs]

The ships!

Push on them ships

Do it.

Follow me!

Hey, halfbreed!

Where are you rushing off to?

We'll tell the Romans your own people put you on the stake!

- Knock away the supports! - Come on quick!

To that ship, quick!

[screaming]

- [screams] - [horse galloping footsteps]

Go that way!

[grunts]

- [horse galloping footsteps] - [horse neighs]

Hold your ground!

- [sword clashing] - [grunts]

[grunts]

Come on, let's go!

Bash them!

[grunts]

- Come on! - Push!

Push! Push!

- [horse neighs] - [sword clashing]

Do not give up!

Where are the ships?

[groans]

[speaking in foreign language]

- [laughs] - [footsteps]

Over here, quick!

Vikings always come on time!

- [grunts] - [indistinct]

Come on! Harder!

[grunts]

Here!

- [sword clashing] - [grunts]

[screaming]

Einar!

Come here!

- Kill them! - Come on, quickly!

Let's do it!

Come on!

Come!

Push it hard with all your strength!

Push it hard!

- [screams] - [groans]

[raining]

- [thunder rumbling] - [sword clashing]

Come on!

[grunts]

Come on, be quick!

- [grunts] - [screams]

Come on!

[grunts]

Come on!

[screaming]

Wait!

Let's go!

[horse footsteps]

[screaming]

Come on!

- [sword clashing] - [grunts]

Come on, let's go inside fast!

[horse neighs]

Do not spare anyone!

- [screaming] - [grunts]

- [horse neighs] - [screaming]

Come on!

Come, here quickly!

[indistinct chatters]

[screaming]

[sword clashing]

[grunts]

- [screaming] - [sword clashing]

[raining]

[grunts]

Vladimir!

[panting]

Enough, brother!

Let's go home!

Where's my home now?

- [screaming] - [sword clashing]

[grunts]

[thud]

[screaming]

[raining]

[footsteps]

Look here, old man!

Born a slave and thinks he'll be spared like one!

[grunts]

- [thud] - [grunts]

So, will you talk?

Is it here?

If you do you die quick no pain.

Ask Anastasius.

He's a local!

I will, I will.

And the halfbreed thought that Irina told him the truth!

He won't talk.

[laughs]

You betrayed her!

Gave her to me yourself.

- [laughs] - [crickets chirping]

- [grunts] - [thud]

Where is she?

She swear to god that she'll never see you again!

Where is she!

Where's your wife?

You strangled her or sent her away?

You came here for a new woman!

[grunts]

[birds chirping]

Your brother,

Yaropolk.

He loved you.

And you slaughtered him.

Not them.

You.

Who'll take revenge now?

[heavily breathing]

They are all dead!

You're the only one left.

So now

chase yourself!

Take revenge upon yourself!

[heavily breathing]

[grunts]

- [birds chirping] - [crickets chirping]

I see my master.

I see my master!

Prince, I found it!

Here's the pipe!

- Yes, finally! - Yes, look!

Do it!

Come on, do it!

You don't see anything.

You don't see anything!

Hit it!

- [thud] - [water sloshing]

[cheering]

Come on, do it!

I wasn't the one who killed my brother!

- [grunts] - [thud]

And I won't be the one who kills you.

[laughs]

- [water splashing] - [grunts]

[crickets chirping]

- [grunts] - [coughs]

[screams]

- [water sloshing] - [chain clinks]

[cheering]

So have you ever seen such a city?

Look what a city it is!

[laughs]

I have never seen it!

Wonderful!

[laughs]

It is so amazing!

[footsteps]

[coin clinks]

[cheering]

Where is Anastasius?

[birds chirping]

[bell tolling]

[gibberish]

Weapons aren't allowed in here.

Is this yours?

Where is Irina?

She left.

Two days ago.

Lies.

Here you can't lie.

Why do you want her?

You're the emperor's friend.

They'll give you his sister, Anna.

Yes, they will.

Do they go in the water here?

Yes. Here.

But first...

...you need to talk to me.

Talk?

Tell me every bad thing...

...that you can remember.

Those are the rules here.

If you don't want to do it now...

Then you can come later when you're ready.

Why later? Let's do it now.

What do I say?

Whatever you want.

Something bad?

As a child I stole a toy ship from my brother.

And then?

Then I killed him.

For a toy?

By yourself?

By myself.

Is that all?

No.

I also took my wife by force.

And her mother watched.

And her father watched.

And then in front of her eyes...

...I killed them both!

Forced her to watch!

By yourself?

By myself.

I killed many.

The best man.

His son, too.

Who was this high.

Was it your fault?

Who else's?

Who else's?

[sobbing]

[sobbing]

- [screams] - [crying]

[footsteps]

Wait, wait.

Do you have some water?

Hold on!

Hold on.

[footsteps]

[clinks]

[water pouring]

Clean?

This is you.

At the start of life.

This...

...is you stealing from your brother.

This...

...is you killing your brother.

This...

...is you killing your wife's father.

Then your wife's mother.

Then...

...that warrior died.

Then...

...his son.

This...

...is you now.

Know that God loves you.

And he can purify you with his fire.

[fire crackling]

Can you drink it now?

- You can! - Yes, I can!

It just stinks.

[laughs]

[waves splashing]

The emperor, huh.

When you go to the church with him, you tell me I'll be close.

All our men will go, too.

Where?

To the church.

We'll go in, say that...

We want to convert to the new faith following our prince.

What?

[laughs]

I thought I'll do it without you.

What do you mean without me?

[laughs]

What would I do without you?

To tell you the truth, I'd go alone.

But they won't let me close.

Won't let me near!

Near where?

To the emperor!

Only you can talk to him.

They say he's very agile.

You hit him like this...

...then he will deflect.

Then how will you face him?!

Main thing is not to worry.

I'll sew on a loop for you myself.

You'll go up to him and smile.

And say I love you, brother!

I love your god!

Just strike precisely, and that's it!

No more Basileus!

[laughs]

Got it?

You'll avenge your father.

No.

No, what?

I won't kill any more.

You're your father's son.

There is no death.

You will rise!

[waves splashing]

You truly believe that, don't you?

Alright.

I have to see it to believe it.

See what?

Let me kill you?

You will rise, you will come to me.

I'll believe you.

You're the one who says there's no death.

You'll rise.

Come on!

- Wait! - There's no death, right?

- Wait! - No death!

I believed in you

and you betrayed me!

You're a slave!

You'll snuff it like a slave and a traitor, and finish everything.

There is death, and you know it!

[water sloshing]

I won't die lying in my bed!

[grunts]

[water sloshing]

[grunts]

[waves splashing]

[grunts]

[coughs]

[sword unsheathes]

You're right!

Die like a warrior!

No.

I won't take revenge on you!

I'll forget!

Trust me!

Who're are you trying to fool?

People don't change!

[waves splashing]

Why would they?

Come on.

[waves splashing]

Come on!

You need to see to believe?

See what?

I'm ready.

Go ahead.

[waves splashing]

[water sloshing]

Pick up the sword!

Die like a warrior!

Don't be a slave!

I'm God's slave.

No one else's.

- [grunts] - [sword clinks]

[waves splashing]

The sound of the sea makes me think of eternity.

But when I close my eyes I see the forest in winter.

And the cold and white snow tell me about death.

Why did I spare him?

He's become part of my life!

And I won't have another one now.

- [waves splashing] - [soft music]

[water sloshing]

- [water sloshing] - [chaos]

[crickets chirping]

Come in.

Come in.

[water sloshing]

Come in!

Come in!

[water sloshing]

Give your names!

Baptized be the servants of God!

[water sloshing]

[heavily breathing]

[water splashing]

[waves splashing]

[seagull squawking]

[waves splashing]

"For we are saved by hope."

Romans 8:24

[background music]