Episode 24

"End of the Prologue" (END OF THE PROLOGUE) is the twenty-fourth episode of the Vinland Saga anime, produced by WIT Studio. It is the final episode of Season 1 and the War Arc.

Synopsis
Although Askeladd dissuades King Sweyn from invading Wales, he answers the king's offer to choose between Wales or Canute by committing regicide. Released from jail by Leif, Thorfinn absconds from him and witnesses Askeladd's final moments.

Summary
Askeladd is rewarded for his actions and saving Canute. Sweyn hopes that he will be of help in subjugating Wales. Hearing that, Askeladd realizes that Sweyn had noticed Askeladd's reaction about Wales and questions Sweyn if his plan to subjugate Wales is the best decision. Askeladd believes its a fruitless campaign and asks Sweyn to reconsider. Askeladd explains that they have been fighting the English for 10 years and should focus on recovery for the people and the land. Wales terrain is also perilous and the land is infertile, and overall isn't worth the cost. The other elders there are surprised that Askeladd questioned the king, but some agree with what he said and are glad that he did it. Floki states that this isn't a conquest, but making a point, since they disrespected the king. Askeladd then suggest that he is send as a messenger to persuade Wales. Sweyn is surprised that he wants him to show courtesy for such poor country, but Askeladd states that this way, Wales will understand his generosity.

Sweyn then steps down and faces the kneeling Askeladd, and states that this is how a loyal vassal should act, as the greatest treasure anyone can offer to a king is words of advice. Sweyn is happy that his army is filled with such men. As he hugs Askeladd, Sweyn tells him to choose between Wales or Canute. Sweyn explains that he doesn't care about Wales and if he give him Canute's head and join him, Sweyn will let Wales go free. Sweyn had looked into Askeladd and knows that his mother was a slave, and guesses the reason he is so caught up with Wales, its because Wales can only produce slaves.

Leif takes Thorfinn to his boat and tells him that they can rest until Mord returns. Thorfinn observes a seagull, who then flies away. He continues to look at the sky and then walks away. Leif realizes that Thorfinn is gone and starts searching for him.

Askeladd gets angry at Sweyn's words and pushes his hand, stating that he hates how his face looks and won't let the crown rest on his head. Everyone including Sweyn, are surprised at what Askeladd said, and Askeladd repeats it. The guards draw their swords, but Askeladd tells them to not move, since Sweyn in within Askeladd's sword reach. Thorkell gets annoyed, stating that Sweyn is his, but Canute tells him to not move and that Askeladd isn't acting normal, so he shouldn't provoke him. Askeladd points his sword at Sweyn, who tells him that if he puts it away, he will forgive him. However, Askeladd states that he deserves to die for insulting his family. Sweyn asks him again to put away his sword, but Askeladd reveals that Askeladd is just his nickname and his real name is Lucius Artorius Castus, and he is the legitimate king who deserves to rule over the land of Britannia. Floki throws a cup at Askeladd who blocks it and then orders his men to attack. In that moment, Askeladd cuts Sweyn's head.

Askeladd looks at Canute, who then orders the men to not just stand, but kill the criminal. Thorfinn sees that Askeladd is fighting the guards and wonder what is going on and then heads inside, but struggles as people are trying to get out in panic. While Askeladd is killing the guards, Canute tells Thorkell to not make a move yet. Thorkell states he no longer cares, since Askeladd went mad and that he hates it when someone takes his prey. Canute explains that Askeladd haven't gone mad and is only putting an act. For exchange of his life, Askeladd chose to save both Canute and Wales, and is feigning madness in order to take the blame for killing the king. Canute wants Askeladd to go wild for a bit more and then will let Thorkell end it. Thorkell is surprised to hear that Askeladd isn't mad, but has no intention on doing anything and states that Canute himself should handle it as he is his vassal.

Floki engages Askeladd, questioning him on how he could kill the king, but Askeladd states that he is the king. He then overpowers Floki and makes him kneel. Thorfinn comes, but Askeladd tells him to stay back. Askeladd gets distracted for a moment and Canute stabs him. Askeladd wonders if this is the first time Canute stabbed someone and congratulates him on job well done. The men see that Canute stabbed Askeladd and starts celebrating. Thorfinn is annoyed that Askeladd couldn't protect himself and got stabbed and wants him to stand up and leave. Askeladd tells Thorfinn that this is his chance and he is giving his life to him, so he can kill him. Thorfinn realizes that Askeladd is dying and gets angry as it wasn't supposed to go down like this. He keeps yelling at Askeladd to stand up and duel him. Askeladd asks Thorfinn on how he plans on living his life after he dies. Seeing Thorfinn's face, Askeladd realizes that he never thought about it, and tells him to move ahead and go beyond the world where Thors went, and become a true warriors. Askeladd then takes his last breath and dies.

Canute apologizes to Thorfinn, but explains that Askeladd went mad and killed the king, so they had to deal with it. He guess that Thorfinn wouldn't want to serve him now and tells him that he is free to go. Thorfinn turns towards Canute and attacks him, but he manages to dodge and gets a cut only on his cheek. Thorkell realized Thorfinn will attack and moved quickly, and manages to subdue Thorfinn after his first strike. Canute orders his men to not kill Thorfinn and that he will decide what to do with Thorfinn. Floki tells Canute to go treat his wound and that he will handle Thorfinn. Canute stops him and asks him if he knows who is now in command of England. He takes the crown and addresses everyone, saying that Sweyn had passed and as of today, he will act as commander of the army and ruler of England. Canute states they won't be subjugating Wales and predicts that the remnants of the English army will revolt after hearing that Sweyn is dead, so they should first handle with that. After Canute dismisses everyone, Thorfinn is taken away.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Askeladd
 * Sweyn
 * Canute
 * Thorkell
 * Gunnar
 * Floki
 * Leif Ericson
 * Thorfinn
 * Ylva
 * Helga
 * Thors Snorresson
 * Hild
 * Gudrid
 * Einar

Trivia
Odcinek 24