The Crown's power is akin to that of the gods. But... But, Canute... It is not the King who wields the power but the Crown's own will.— King Sweyn on the Crown[1]
Sweyn (スヴェン Suven?) was the Danish king who managed to conquer almost the entirety of England and Wales, all the while keeping control of his more northern kingdoms. His wit, ferocity, ruthlessness and battle tactics kept everything under water-tight control.
Appearance[]
King Sweyn is an old man with multiple skin problems. Although none of them are named, they are obvious. He is missing several teeth, has rather droopy features and many deep-set wrinkles; however, he's managed to keep a full head of black hair, not marred by any white. His beard is usually kept in two opposing spikes, and smoothed out, while his hair remains curly and unruly. Upon his head, he has a crown which he blames for becoming obsessed with power. This crown varies as he is both King of Danes and English; meaning he has 2 different crowns.
Personality[]
Sweyn can be best described as having a strong lust for power and domination. Not just because of all the land and people he controls, but by his ownership of the crown. He has no problem eliminating any threats or personal morals to make sure that he keeps his power over the Northern lands and England.
This domineering behaviour also finds its way to small trivial matters; when a young Canutepresented his father with a dish that he had cooked, Sweyn lashed out at Canute telling him that cooking is a job for slaves, showing his narrow worldview and lack of being able emotionally connect with his children. Out of his children, Canute seems to be the one he bears the most resentment towards. He sees Canute as nothing more than a burden who is in the way of his older brother Harald. Canute even points out that he's aware that his father never loved him and that he wants him dead.
He believes the crown itself holds the king under its will and is what drives them to continue usurping more power. This happened to Sweyn's father and to Sweyn himself. He believes that this power hungry cycle will always continue for the one who holds the crown.
History[]
Appearances[]
Manga Appearances[]
- Chapter 18 - England, 1013 A.D. (Debut)
- Chapter 19 - The Battle of London Bridge
- Chapter 29 - Father and Son
- Chapter 30 - Master and Servant at the Table (Flashback)
- Chapter 44 - The Curse of the Crown
- Chapter 45 - His Last Friend (Flashback)
- Chapter 49 - Karlsefni
- Chapter 51 - Miscalculation
- Chapter 52 - The Hero Returns
- Chapter 53 - The Fury of Britannia's King (Corpse)
- Chapter 54 - End of the Prologue (Flashback)
- Chapter 72 - The Curse of the Head (Flashback) (Vision)
- Chapter 78 - Treason (Vision)
- Chapter 87 - The First Move (Vision)
- Chapter 94 - Recommendation of Surrender (Vision)
- Chapter 98 - Two Paradises (Vision)
Anime Appearances[]
- Episode 7 - Normanni (Debut)
- Episode 8 - Beyond the Edge of the Sea
- Episode 9 - The Battle of London Bridge
- Episode 13 - Child of a Hero
- Episode 15 - After Yule
- Episode 20 - Crown
- Episode 21 - Reunion
- Episode 23 - Miscalculation
- Episode 24 - End of the Prologue
- Episode 29 - The Path of Blood
- Episode 34 - The Cursed Head (Vision)
- Episode 36 - For Lost Love (Vision)
- Episode 42 - The First Method (Vision)
- Episode 45 - Courage (Vision)
- Episode 47 - Two Paths (Vision)
Trivia[]
- Sweyn is based on a real Historical King named Sweyn Forkbeard.
References[]
- ↑ Vinland Saga Manga: Chapter 44, page 11–12
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 VS Official Guidebook, p. 44 (Age, height, weight)