Vinland Saga Chapter 97 Discussion

canute got a haircut and grew a stubble and thinks he's the reincarnation of god now

Time for a little history lesson:

[W]hen at the summit of his power, he ordered a seat to be placed for him on the sea-shore when the tide was coming in. Then, before a large group of his flattering courtiers, he spoke to the rising sea, saying, "Thou, too, art subject to my command, for the land on which I am seated is mine, and no one has ever resisted my commands with impunity. I command you, then, o waters, not to flow over my land, nor presume to wet the feet and the robe of your lord."



The tide, however, continued to rise as usual, dashing over his feet and legs without respect to his royal person.



Then the King leaped backwards, saying: "Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws."



Thenceforth King Canute never wore his crown of gold, but placed it for a lasting memorial on a statue of Our Lord nailed to the Cross, to the honor of God the Almighty King, through whose mercy may the soul of Canute, the King, enjoy everlasting rest.

Source: http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/h061rp.Canute.html



I like how they integrated this into the arc.