| “ | You are here for your families! You are here for your honor! You are here because you are Vikings! | ” |
–King Canute | ||
Canute "the Great" (Old Norse: Knútr inn ríki) is the King of Denmark. He is married to Queen Ælfgifu.
Biography
Early Life
King Canute is said to be the highest authority among the Vikings. He controls Denmark and Norway, and will eventually also control England and Iceland.
Season 1
One year after the St. Brice's Day Massacre, King Canute has called upon all Vikings from across Scandinavia to form a great army and seek revenge on England and King Aethelred II. As the warriors gather outside the gates of Kattegat, a great storm off the coast kills hundreds and destroys many ships.
Harald Sigurdsson takes his half-brother, Olaf Haraldsson, and Gunnar Magnússon to meet Canute. Olaf tells Canute that he refuses to join his warriors with Canute's unless Canute stages a mass conversion for all the pagans in the army. Canute refuses. Olaf and Gunnar leave Canute's tent for this own.
During the celebratory feast after conquering England, Canute beheads Eadric Streona to avoid the possibility of a future betrayal, since Streona betrayed Edmund. Canute also tells Leif that as part of his reward for his part in the plan, Freydis's debt is now paid in full.
Canute is forced to leave England to protect Denmark, which is under attack by one of his enemies, the Wends, a Rus group of people from the East. Before departing, he marries Emma in the middle of the night. His father, King Sweyn Forkbeard arrives to rule in his place.
Season 2
King Canute remains in Denmark, where he has recently won two great battles against the Wends.
Season 3
King Canute and Queen Emma have arrived in Rome to try and make a deal with Pope John XIX. Canute is unhappy and offended that he must go through the Cardinal instead of speaking directly to the Pope, and that he has to kiss the ring of the Pope. Canute offends the Pope and the Cardinal, and the deal is called off. Godwin goes to the Cardinal and bribes him to get the deal back on the table.
Emma counsels Canute that they need the support of the Church so they must do what is necessary. Godwin arrives and tells them that he’s solved the problem. Emma doesn’t think a bribe is a long-term solution, but Godwin doesn’t listen to her.
Personality
Canute is wise, savvy, and ruthless. He has nearly unlimited ambition. He wants to build an empire that stretches across the top of Europe. Canute has to manage the growing tensions and violence between Christians and pagans so that he can unite all the people as one Viking nation to take revenge upon England. His father, King Sweyn Forkbeard, describes Canute as forward-thinking, patient, and fair.
Canute sees the benefits possible from forming allegiances. His leadership style is one aimed at general peace. He understands he needs to make allies to maintain power. But at heart, he is a Viking, so any enemies or traitors will be dealt with severely. He is a good judge of character. He is generally reasonable and is also capable of showing mercy.
Relationships
Emma of Normandy
Canute and Emma seem to truly genuinely love each other. Canute respects her intelligence and fierceness. Canute and Emma admire each other for their strategic minds and valor. Emma is grateful to Canute for saving her and her children's lives.
Queen Ælfgifu
Canute and Ælfgifu appear to have a loveless marriage, and one most likely based on politics. As soon as Canute sees Emma, who is younger than Ælfgifu, as prettier, smarter, and fiercer than Ælfgifu, he essentially divorces her.
In History
King Canute is based on Cnut the Great, King of England, Denmark, and Norway, often referred to together as the North Sea Empire during his rule. He is known for effectively uniting Danes and English under his rule. He is referred to by many historians as "the most effective king in Anglo-Saxon history." He is generally remembered as a wise and successful king, although this view may be biased as the keepers of the historic record were the Church, which Cnut gave exuberant gifts to and treated very well. According to the Icelandic sagas, Canute was the great-great-great grandson of Ragnar Lothbrok through his father Sweyn Forkbeard.
Trivia
- It appears Canute's brother, Harald II, has been adapted out from the series.
Gallery
Appearances
| The Greenlanders | Viking | The Marshes | The Bridge |
| Miracle | The Last Daughter of Uppsala | Choices | The End of the Beginning |
| The Web of Fate | Towers of Faith | Pieces of the Gods | The Thaw |
| Birth and Rebirth | Leap of Faith | Pecheneg | The Reckoning |