All language subtitles for Margrete.Queen.of.the.North.2021.DANISH.1080p.BluRay.x265-VXT.eng

[light music]

Fiction inspired by real events.

[metal clinking]

[horse neighing]

[distant chatter]

[thuds]

[distant voices]

[somber music]

[horse neighs]

Visby on the island of Gotland
Sweden, 1361

[horse neighing]

[groaning]

[sharp thud]

[melancholic music]

MARGRETE
Queen of the North

[horses galloping]

Hardangervidda
Norway, 1402

[wind blowing]

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.

[dramatic music]

[wind howling]

[Queen]
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?

[Queen Margrete]
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.

-[Sparre] 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?

[Queen]
What does the Swedish Council say?

[Queen]
The Danish?

300 infantry, 50 cavalrymen,
100 archers.

[Sparre]
For peace.

I can arm
100 infantry and 20 cavalrymen.

[somber music]

200 infantry, 150 archers.

[Jens]
For the Union.

100 archers, 150 infantry.

150 infantry.

-[man 1] 100 archers.
-[man 2] 250 archers.

[man 3]
200 infantry.

[indistinct promises]

[epic music]

[indistinct chatter]

[horses approaching]

[indistinct chatter]

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.

[Queen]
You've taken female captives?

[Roar]
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.

[Roar] 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...

[dramatic music]

[indistinct chatter]

-You're safe here.
-You can come with me.

[door slams]

-[Queen] 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.

[chuckles]

[laughs]

Kalmar, Sweden
three months later

Where is Asle?
The head of Norway's Council?

I haven't seen him.

[trumpet fanfare]

[loud thuds]

[man] Princess Philippa of England
with entourage.

[door opens]

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.

[applause]

[silence]

What a lovely poem.

[soft kiss]

[festive music]

[people chattering and laughing]

Cheers!

[chattering]

Astrid?

Look at Raberlin.

[Erik]
Our German trade envoy.

His wine glass is still full.
What does that mean?

[Erik]
It means the man is at work.

So we keep our eyes open.

[Bourcier]
Splendid ball, My Queen.

Very exotic indeed.

Yes.

Astrid?

[Erik]
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!
-[Sparre] My King.

-[chuckles]
-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.

[Peder]
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.

[Peder]
Oluf died 15 years ago.

I saw my King. Oluf is alive.

-[Peder] 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?
-[Asle] 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.

[door opens]

-[Queen] 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.

[festive music]

[festive music]

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.

[muffled chatter]

[dramatic music]

[festive music]

Surely you don't listen to gossip.

[fire whooshes]

[loud thuds]

[Malin]
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.

[Bourcier] Poor man, turned around
and run after the girl.

-[laughs]
-[loud thuds]

[man shouts]

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!

[loud cheers]

[indistinct chattering]

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.

Or a witch
who copulates with the Devil Himself.

I look forward to starting
our negotiations, dear Bourcier.

[silence]

As for the dowry,
I believe you have received our offer.

[Bourcier]
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.

[Peder]
You are flexible.

And in return, I believe you need
us to be flexible in other aspects?

Well... [chuckles]

[Queen]
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.
-[Bourcier] 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.

[inhales]

[sighs]

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?

[Bourcier scoffs]

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.

[waves breaking]

[seagulls squawking]

The German man and the head
of Norway's Council, Asle Jonsson.

[door slams]

[Peder]
Gentlemen, welcome to Kalmar.

[Peder]
Permit me to ask your name.

You know it.

[Peder]
And you are?

I am King Oluf Håkonsen.

[Peder] Please repeat that
with your hand on the Holy Bible

in the name and hearing
of God the Almighty.

[Peder]
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.

[people shouting]

[Peder]
Order!

-[Peder] Asle, sit down.
-Is the Union not merciful and just?

[Asle] Listen before you send him
to the gallows.

We've heard enough.

The Queen has spoken.
A mother knows her son.

-[Asle] Tell them about Esge Vind.
-[shushes]

Tell them about the summer of 1387.

[stutters]

The sun was shining.

[stuttering]
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.
-[Peder] 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.
-[Peder] Esge Vind?

[Oluf] Yes. He was afraid.
He had been ordered to kill me.

[Jens] Esge Vind, who's dead and
cannot deny this absurd story?

How convenient.

Who ordered Esge Vind to kill you?

[Oluf]
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.

-[Jens] Brought him where?
-I was chained...

I was chained...

There was... a spider.

I had a...

Everyone's looking at me. [clears throat]

I--

-[Oluf] It was dark...
-[Peder] Go on.

[Oluf whimpers]

-They were speaking German.
-[Peder] Germany?

Yes.

[in German] 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!

[Oluf] Who is he?
Tell me.

Who is sitting on my throne?

[yells]
Who are you?

[Queen]
You were captured, you say.

How did you get away?

A man came. He freed me.

What man?

[grunts]

It was dark...

I don't know.

[Oluf]
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.

[door opens and closes]

-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.

[Queen] 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.

[sighs]

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.

[horse neighs in the distance]

[man] The carriage is ready.
The chest will be loaded now.

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, no.

Maybe we should just let him go.
Let things settle.

-Is everything in order?
-Yes sir.

[thuds and clangs]

-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.

[Queen] 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.

[unintelligible]

[chattering]

[Queen]
Erik!

I know it's hectic,
but you don't need to worry.

-I promise you--
-[Jacob] 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.

[dramatic music]

Raberlin has gone.

-Is he behind all this?
-Not on his own.

-With the Germans?
-Perhaps.

[dogs barking, indistinct chatter]

[laughing in the distance]

[horse neighs]

-[Roar] 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.

[horse neighs]

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.

[horse neighs]

[dramatic music]

[music stops]

[footsteps approaching]

-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.

[distant chatter]

[moans]

[moans and gasps]

[whimpers and groans]

[door creaks]

[door closes]

-[Astrid] Pardon me.
-No, stay.

[Erik] "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?

[soft music]

Won't you eat with me?

[wind blowing]

[bell rings]

[bell rings]

[somber music]

[music intensifies]

-You summoned a meeting?
-I need to know what happened.

-They already told us.
-Why didn't we discuss this first?

-Gentlemen.
-[Jens] Your Majesty.

-What is this about?
-You were with Oluf the day he died.

-[priest] May he rest in peace.
-[Jens] 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.

[Jens]
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.

[suspenseful music]

You let my son die
right in front of you.

And you did nothing.

[swords clanking]

[grunts]

[sword clanks to the floor]

[Sparre]
You're losing focus.

-Your anger should help, not hinder you.
-One more time!

[words clanking]

[panting]

[grunts]

[Sparre laughs]

I understand your frustration. But
surely the Queen doesn't believe him.

-I'm her real son.
-Naturally.

[grunts]

-[Sparre laughs]
-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.

[Erik laughs]

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?

[ominous music]

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.

[sighs]

-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.

[men laughing]

[indistinct chatter]

[suspenseful music]

[man 1] The horses are still warm.
They can't have gone far.

[man 2] Who came on these horses?
Where are they?

-[man 3] Who are you?
-What?

-[man 3] Papers.
-Papers? Of course.

[grunts]

[horse whinnies]

[grunts and groans]

[pants]

-Remember, this is enemy territory.
-Don't point that at me.

[Jacob] 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.

[Queen]
I will find peace, too.

[Queen] 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.

[footsteps receding]

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.
-[Oluf clears throat]

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...

[Oluf shouts]
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!

[yells]

[wind howling]

[whispering]
I seek your countenance.

[whispering]
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?

[Peder]
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.

[Queen]
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?

[bird cawing]

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?

[dog barking]

Shouldn't we rather wait?

[bird cawing, dogs barking]

It's the King's wedding. It's only
natural that the King negotiates it.

[Bourcier]
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...

[Erik]
So...

[paper rustles]

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.

[Queen]
Now let's hunt.

She's the granddaughter of a falcon
my late father gave me.

So beautiful.

[bells jingling]

[wings flapping]

[dogs barking]

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.

[dramatic music]

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.

[Jens]
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.

[suspenseful music]

I will hang the man.

[eerie music]

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.

-[man] True.
-Guttorm recognizes him, too.

Calm down, Asle.
We've heard enough.

[crowd exclaims]

[shouts]
Stop!

We've reached a conclusion.
And I will now...

[a cappella singing]

[footsteps approaching]

[humming]

[humming]

[melancholic music]

[waves crashing]

[wind howling]

[music intensifies]

[muted scream]

[door creaking]

[door closes]

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.

[sighs]

-[Peder] I can't smuggle you in to him.
-Then smuggle him out.

-To the church, to confess tonight.
-Margrete, please...

[shouts]
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.

[footsteps receding]

[horses neighing]

[horses neighing]

[splashing]

Hello, Raberlin.
What brings you to Malbork?

-[Raberlin] Business.
-What business?

I buy and sell wares. It isn't
illegal to trade with the Germans.

And what were you doing in Kalmar?

[gasps and chokes]

[groaning]

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.

[music intensifies]

[Erik]
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.

-[Jens] 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.

[door opens and closes]

For you.

For me?

[gentle music]

[soft moaning]

[whispers] Pray for us sinners.
Now and in our hour of death. Amen.

[footsteps approaching]

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.
-[cries] I don't know who I am anymore.

[whispers]
I don't know who I am.

[cries loudly]

[sobs]

[whispers]
Let me look at you.

[grunts]

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.

[footsteps approaching]

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.

[loud knocking on door]

[gasping]

Astrid, calm down.

Astrid, Astrid. Look at me.
Don't be afraid.

[knocking on door]

Stay here.
Yes?

[door creaks]

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?

[shouts]
Answer me!

[Jens]
Malin.

Get up, whore.

I was there when the Queen asked
Astrid to spy on you, Your Grace.

[slapping]

[suspenseful music]

[bell rings]

Have you seen Sparre?

Have you seen him
at any of the hearings?

He hasn't been here.

[Peder]
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.

[Peder] 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.

[Peder]
The man sitting there...

Is that King Oluf?

No, it isn't him.

[gasps]

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.
-[man] One king. Oluf.

He's standing there,
beside our Queen.

The rightful King of the North
is called Erik.

[Jens] That is the position
of both Denmark and Sweden.

Peder?

What does the Church say?

The Church chooses
what is best for the Union.

[dramatic music]

I sentence the swindler to death.
He will be hanged at dawn.

And arrest his supporters
for contempt of the Crown.

[indistinct protests]

[groans]

[Erik] 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.

[music intensifies]

[groans]

[gate bangs shut]

[lock clicks]

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...

[horses galloping]

[distant voices]

[suspenseful music]

I'll be damned.

-A whole army.
-And mercenaries too.

[music intensifies]

[indistinct chatter]

[voices approaching]

Oluf?

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.

-[Oluf] 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...

[door opening]

[dramatic music]

[Oluf]
Asle.

[guard] The cells are empty.
The prisoners have escaped!

[maid]
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.

[Queen]
But that's...

A detailed description of
the entire Union's coastal defense.

If this had
reached the Teutonic Order...

[Roar] They're putting together an army,
with French mercenaries.

An invasion army. How many?

At least 3,000.

[maid]
My Queen...

-We must leave now.
-Yes.

[somber music]

[maid] My Queen?
Your Majesty...

[Queen]
I'll meet you behind the stables.

-But, Your Majesty...
-Go.

Jacob?

[Peder]
Sparre.

[melancholic music]

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...

[horse neighs]

There she is.

[horses neigh]

[Asle]
Oh, God.

[Asle]
Oh, God...

[dramatic music]

[Queen]
Have you caught him?

Mm.

[Queen]
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.

[bell rings]

[bell rings]

[bell rings]

[somber music]

[bell rings]

[bell rings]

Skanør in Scania, Denmark,
28 September, 1402

[wind howling]

You weren't strong enough.

I was much too strong.

[groans]

[grunting]

[groans]

[grunts]

[moaning]

[fire crackles]

[Oluf groaning]

[fire crackling]

[gasps and groans]

[loud groaning]

[gasping]

[Oluf crying] Get me down.
Get me down from here.

[Oluf screams in pain]

[fire crackling]

[melancholic music]

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.