Summary
Canute’s reemergence continues to add excitement and suspense to the series as viewers see just how much he’s changed.
We recap the Crunchyroll and Netflix anime series Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 11, “The King and the Sword,” which contains spoilers.
Although viewers saw things going for Canute (voiced by Kensho Ono) last week, they seem to be coming at the cost of his brother and his sanity. As his kingdom grows, it will be interesting to see what new lows he will stoop to keep his crown. At the same time, while Canute struggles with his morals, Thorfinn (Yuto Uemura) seems to be doing much better. With his freedom on the horizon, he and Einar (Shunsuke Takeuchi) must now decide what’s next for them. Maybe there will even be a Canute and Thorfinn reunion in the future.
Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 11 Recap
The episode opens with Lady Estrid worrying as she watches Canute practices his sword fighting skills by sparring with Wulf. As Gunnar tells her not to worry, she thinks back to a time when Canute could barely stomach touching a sword.
How is Canute able to beat Wulf in their match?
As they spar, Wulf begins to push harder as Canute falls back. Wulf scolds Canute for his habit of retreating when he is winded, while Canute comments that the only reason Wulf began to attack him with more force is that Estrid is watching. Although Wulf says he will not fall for these tricks, he still gets distracted when Canute says Estrid is too busy speaking with another man anyway. When Wulf turns to look, Canute throws his shield and uses the distraction to pull his sword on Wulf. Wulf then concedes, allowing Canute to win the match.
What new issues does Canute face after becoming King of Denmark?
After becoming the King of Denmark, Canute faces a new issue: securing funds. Although he’s been able to pull money from England for now, the English people seem to be growing fed up, so he must find a way to gather funds from within to maintain his army.
To make more money, Canute decides to take on drastic measures, such as requisitioning land for the crown, as opposed to dismantling any armies he has. He fears that he won’t be able to hold England or accomplish anything without military power.
READ: Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 10 Recap
How does Ketil encounter Lief Ericson?
Upset that he was too late to visit King Harald before he died, Ketil asks Thorgil to put him in touch with Canute instead. With this meeting, Ketil hopes to earn Canute’s backing and get in his good graces. As he prepares to see Canute, Ketil notices that Olmar is missing and finds him in a fight in town. When Ketil attempts to diffuse the situation with money, another man apologizes for his son’s actions before revealing his name to be Lief Ericson.
How does Lief learn about Thorfinn?
After settling their misunderstanding, Ketil and Olmar sit down to eat together. It is then that Leif’s adopted son introduces himself as “Thorfinn.” This surprises Ketil, who is suddenly reminded of Thorfinn back on his farm. After asking a series of questions about Thorfinn’s appearance and history, Leif begins to suspect that Ketil’s Thorfinn is the one he has been looking for.
What does Olmar ask of Canute?
Ketil, Thorgil, and Olmar meet with Canute, who happily accepts Ketil’s gifts. Suddenly, Olmar stands up and asks Canute for a place in his army. Despite Ketil scolding him, Canute says he is willing to see what Olmar is capable of and offers to let him demonstrate his skills on the pig they plan to serve for dinner.
Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 11 Ending Explained
Despite thoroughly embarrassing himself, Canute still tells Olmar he will consider the status of his enrollment. At dinner, Thorgil encourages him not to embarrass their family any further.
Although Wulf does not want to train Olmar, he and Canute agree that he would be straightforward to use because he is so foolish and impressionable. Canute then decides that Ketil’s farm will be requisition number one.
READ: Vinland Saga Season 2 Review
While we knew Canute had changed, with each episode, viewers see just how much. In season one, I never could’ve guessed Canute would become a ruthless king and fighter, but seeing his transformation has been as entertaining as it was unexpected. In just two episodes, his character may have changed the trajectory of the entire season and Thorfinn’s future. This is a far cry from the sensitive teenager of before.
As we head into the halfway point, this week’s storytelling continues to impress and pick up the excitement.
What did you think of the anime series Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 11? Comment below.
