Was King Canute a Real King?

Was King Canute from Netflix's 'Vikings: Valhalla' a real king? Bradley Freegard stars as the king on 'Vikings' — however was he a real individual?

After tuning into Netflix’s popular ancient drama by-product series Vikings: Valhalla, we can all agree that King Canute is lovely ca-yute.

Played via Bradley Freegard, the Viking leader took center stage in Season 1. There are quite a few perks that include being named the King of Mercia — one in all which includes operating amuck across the seven seas. And teasers for Season 2 hint that King Canute’s quest for power has only begun. But was he a real particular person? Read on for solutions!

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Was King Canute from ‘Vikings: Valhalla’ a real king?

Much like half-siblings Freydis, Leif, and their father, Erik the Red, King Canute was also a real person. In the Knýtlinga saga, Canute is described as tall, robust, and good-looking. And with that mentioned, the Vikings: Valhalla casting administrators completely nailed it with Bradley.

King Canute’s storyline on Vikings: Valhalla was lovely true to what in reality took place. However, issues did pass down a little in a different way according to Viking folklore.

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The Viking ruler was identified by way of many as Canut the Great, and his reign stretched in every single place throughout Europe. Along with being topped king of Denmark, Norway, and England, he also claimed territory in Sweden.

Canute was born to Sweyn Forkbeard, former king of Denmark, within the late 900s.

Forkbeard is claimed to have assumed the throne in Norway after he pressured King Ethelred II (sure, that King Ethelred II) to flee the country. However, following Forkbeard’s death, Elthered returned to England for his revenge.

As a end result, Canute and his folks have been driven in another country and later retreated to Denmark. But it wasn’t so fun when the rabbit were given the gun (yet again).

In time, Canute returned with an army of Vikings and took over most of England. This proved to be a drawback when Ethelred died, leaving his son Edmund in price. Canute was victorious after defeating Edmund’s troops at the Battle of Assandun finally, similar to we noticed in Season 1 of Vikings: Valhalla.

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So, what came about to the real King Canute?

Although Canute had agreed to rule England jointly with Edmund, their treaty fell through when Edmund died a month later.

With this, he was named the first Christian Viking King of England. On his aspect was Queen Emma of Normandy, and sure, they were in fact a factor. Following the Vikings’ invasion of England, Canute discovered love with Queen Emma in spite of already being married to his current spouse, Elgiva.

After they tied the knot, Emma and Canute had no less than two children — Harthacanute and Gunnhild. However, following Canute’s loss of life, he was succeeded through his son Harold I, who was born out of wedlock to another girl.

Season 2 of Vikings: Valhalla is available for streaming on Netflix now!

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