At the start of “Vikings: Valhalla”, Prince Edmund (Louis Davison) is England’s oldest son and heir. He is the son-in-law of Emma of Normandy. Convinced by the nobles that the Norse people are too busy fighting among themselves to care about what is happening in England, Aethelred begins slaughtering the Vikings living in her territory. This gives King Canute of Denmark the perfect excuse to unite his people and attack England for revenge. Many Vikings, including Harald Sigurdsson, have lost family members in the systematic extermination of Aethelred and seek nothing less than the head of the English king. However, Aethelred is revealed to be mortally ill and dies shortly after the invasion begins.
Edmund subsequently becomes King of England. At another time. He could have been a great ruler. But his lack of experience, patience and good judgment ultimately proves fatal for him. If you’re wondering who killed Edmund and why, here’s what you need to know. FRONT SPOILERS.
Who killed Edmund?
By his own admission, Edmund was never meant to be a king. However, his brothers died and he was elevated to his father’s heir. After his coronation, he receives good and reasonable advice from Emma and Godwin (David Oakes). The latter was his father’s most trusted adviser and soon assumes the same role for Edmund.
Edmund’s brashness and false notion of courage prove to be a disaster for his country. After Aethelred’s death, Canute promises the head of Harald Edumnd, knowing that he desperately needs the prince of Norway for the success of his plans. In every possible way, Canute is a better ruler than Edmund. After conquering England, he declares that he will rule jointly with Edmund because he knows that the latter can control the Saxon nobility. Canute then appeases Harald by promising him the throne of Norway.
Edmund feels increasingly alienated and powerless at the English court, especially after Canute and Emma begin a sexual relationship. Before Canute is forced to leave for Denmark to face a rebellion, he marries Emma and places his father, Sweyn Forkbeard, in charge. Now, Forkbeard isn’t forward-thinking, patient, and just like his son. In the end, Edmund becomes frustrated with his current situation and foolishly approaches Godwin, believing he can still trust the latter. Godwin arranges a meeting between Edmund and his nobles, who swear allegiance to him.
After the meeting, while chasing Godwin, Edmund falls after his horse trips over a trap set by the other man. Godwin then stabs him under the left breast with a thin knife. It pierces the heart and fills Edmund’s body with blood. The nobles arrive and helplessly watch him die. Emma later finds out what happened and confronts Godwin until Forkbeard intervenes. England only has one king left, and that’s Canute.
Why was Edmund killed?
At first glance, it might appear that Godwin’s actions were driven exclusively by self-interest. Forkbeard has just made him the Ealdorman of Wessex, giving him considerable power and influence. It is a station he could never have dreamed of climbing under Edmund. However, we must remember that Edmund’s presence automatically put Canute and his family’s reign in jeopardy. It’s not just nobility; the common people probably also regard Edmund as the rightful ruler of England. His death preemptively ends any possible rebellion in the near future. By sacrificing his little king, Godwin ensures peace in England.
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