Episode 34

"The Cursed Head" (呪いの首) is the thirty-fourth overall episode of the Vinland Saga anime and the tenth episode of Season 2, produced by MAPPA.

Synopsis
Three years after Thorfinn and Einar began cultivating the forest, they finished cutting down all the trees. And knowing that they will soon be free, they talk about their future. At the same time, Canute, who became the conqueror of England, was visiting Jelling, the royal capital of Denmark.

Summary
Its been more than three years, but Thorfinn and Einar manages to cut the last tree and celebrate it. Einar had spoken with Pater, who told him that they will be able to buy their freedom next harvest from the cleared land and they will even have some money remaining. Thorfinn wonders what will Einar do once he is a free man. Einar isn't sure as no one waits for him in his homeland and also is worried about Arnheid. He would feel better if she can be freed too, but Thorfinn states that Ketil won't let her go. Einar then wonders if Thorfinn will go back to Iceland once he is free. Thorfinn isn't sure, but guesses its possible. The two then laugh that they don't have concrete plans. Thorfinn shares that there is something he would like to try to do. He asks Einar if he believes it would be possible to get rid the world of war and slavery. Einar states that would be a dream.

Moments later, Ketil shows up with Olmar and sees that they had cut the last tree. He wonders if they think they will be able to till the soil in time for planting and Einar confirms it as long as they hurry up a bit. Ketil then decides to give them a discount and tells them that once they are done sowing the seeds, the two of them will be free. Thorfinn and Einar are surprised and don't say anything. Ketil then wonders if they are not happy. Einar denies it and start yelling in joy, making Thorfinn join him. Ketil tells them to not celebrate yet as they will have to wait until after he returns. He wonders if they have seen Sverkel, but as they deny it, he tells them to give him a message, that Ketil will be going to the palace in Jelling to visit King Harald, however he should be back in time for planting. As Ketil leaves, he turns and asks them if they would like to continue working for him as his retainers once they are free. He lets them think about it and leaves.

Gunnar wakes up Canute, informing him that they will be arriving in Jelling shortly. Once in Jelling, he meets with Wulf, who informs Canute that his brother, King Harald is not well and his pain has worsened over the past month, and is no longer capable of speaking. Canute then asks how long he had left and Wulf explains that the next few days will be critical. Canute sees some kids playing a game and recalls that his brother was quite good at it and he would occasionality play with him. People in the palace feuded on which one would succeed Sweyn, but Harald never paid attention on what they said. While young Canute and Harald play, Canute trips and falls. Harald tells Ragnar to not worry and Canute is tough and he is spoiling him, but Ragnar still goes to check on Canute. Canute recalls that his brother helped him a lot and he wants to thank him. The children's ball falls in front of Canute and he ends up seeing it as his father's head. Wulf wonders if there is a problem, but Canute states its nothing.

Harald and Canute inherited their own territories from Sweyn. The older one, Harald, inherited Denmark, while the younger, Canute, inherited England. The two brothers had good relationship. During Canute's conquest of England, Harald directly supported him by sending a fleets of ships. Shortly after Canute became King of England, Harald fell ill, and had no heirs.

Canute visits Harald, who is in his bed. Estrid welcomes him, but he tells her to call him "Your Majesty". As Harald is weak and sleeping, Canute tells them to not wake him as he will be staying for a while and will speak with him when he feels better. Harald wakes up and Canute tells him to rest and to not worry about this kingdom. Harald then states he was waiting for him and that Denmark is now his. Canute smiles, but tells Harald to not be absurd and to get well so they can play that game again. Canute then sees Sweyn as Harald, who tells him that he is impressed he can lie about that like he doesn't know what is going on. Sweyn states he is visiting the man he poisoned himself and wonders what he will accomplish by that. Harald was friendly to him, which make Sweyn wonder why did he need to kill him. They could have ruled the world together. Canute didn't do it for the sake of peace and prosperity, but for ambition to rule as king of all the North Sea. Sweyn states that the crown's curse and no one can escape it. By taking the two crowns of England and Denmark, Canute will suffer more than Sweyn did. Estrid brings Canute to his senses and explain he suddenly went into a daze. Canute explains that he is fine and just felt a bit dizzy. Canute then leaves as they prepare a room for him.

Later in his room, Canute stares at the crown. A woman then comes to bring him a drink. Canute asks from where the drink came from, but as the woman wonders what he means, he states he doesn't need it as he isn't thirsty. Sweyn's head then appears again, stating that he fears being poisoned because he poisoned others. Canute states it was mischievous for Sweyn to appear in the middle of the afternoon, but Sweyn states that if he can see him during the day, then the curse must be growing stronger. Canute states that uniting the nations is essential for creating an utopia and having two kings would eventually cause trouble, which is why Harald's death was necessary. Sweyn states that Canute had started to think like a king. Canute laughs and explains that he once hated and wanted Sweyn's death, but now he is the only one he can talk to frankly. He wants to be friends with Sweyn as the two are cursed men. Canute recalls a time when he played with Harald. As Sweyn calls Harald for a war council, Harald tells Canute to become stronger than him and Sweyn.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Thorfinn
 * Einar
 * Ketil
 * Olmar
 * Canute
 * Gunnar
 * Wulf
 * Ragnar (flashback)
 * Harald
 * Estrid
 * Sweyn (imagination)