Margrete: Queen of the North

In 1361, infant Princess Margrete of Denmark witnesses the bloodshed during her father, King Valdemar IV's, victory at the Battle of Visby. This formative event sets the stage for her future and the complex political landscape of Scandinavia.

Fast forward to 1402; Margrete, now the queen regnant, has successfully united Denmark, Norway, and Sweden into the Kalmar Union. This unprecedented achievement brings a decade of peace to the Nordic countries and allows Margrete to rule through her adopted son, King Erik.

At a meeting with Nordic magnates at a fjord, Margrete emphasizes the need for a Union army to maintain peace and security. She reveals her plan for Erik to marry Princess Philippa of England, which aims to strengthen ties and deter German threats from the Teutonic Order.

Margrete commissions Roar, a pirate from Kullen, to block German boats and protect the Swedish island of Gotland. Additionally, she rescues Astrid, a Swedish girl, from a German vessel, further solidifying her commitment to the Union's safety.

Three months later, Margrete welcomes Princess Philippa and Sir William Bourcier to Kalmar in a festive gathering. During the event, a startling revelation arises when Asle Jonsson claims to have seen a man who resembles Margrete's son, Oluf, who she believed had died years prior.

Margrete faces turmoil as she learns that the so-called 'Man from Graudenz' could be Oluf. Asle insists that he recognizes the man, which puts Margrete in a position where she must seek the truth while maintaining the stability of the Union amid rising tensions.

At a tense trial, the Man from Graudenz is interrogated. He claims he is Oluf, the rightful heir, and recounts a tale of kidnapping and survival that shakes Margrete to her core, leading her to question the events surrounding her son's alleged death.

Margrete grapples with the difficult decision of whether to execute the Man from Graudenz or accept him as her son. Meanwhile, Erik's kingship hangs in the balance, and her advisors push for swift action to prevent discord and protect the Union.

In a shocking moment, Margrete confronts Bishop Peder, only to discover that he orchestrated Oluf's supposed murder. Peder justifies his actions by claiming they were necessary for Margrete's power and the future of Scandinavia.

Despite Margrete's attempts to spare the Man from Graudenz, Erik deceives the court, falsely accusing him of treason. In a shocking twist, Oluf is sentenced to death, igniting protests from Margrete and the Norwegian magnates who support his claim.

That evening, Margrete devises a plan to spring Oluf from prison, hoping to escape to Bergen. However, she learns crucial information about a Teutonic invasion that forces her to reconsider her personal desires in favor of the Union’s stability.

Ultimately, Margrete makes the heart-wrenching decision to betray her son, believing it to be necessary for the greater good of the Kalmar Union. Oluf is recaptured and publicly executed, which solidifies Margrete's resolve to protect the Union against external threats.

In the wake of Oluf's execution, peace is seemingly restored among the Scandinavian kingdoms. Margrete's actions lead to the Teutonic Order retreating from their planned invasion, showcasing her commitment to her role as a ruler above personal grief.

The film concludes with a text stating that the Kalmar Union lasted for another century. It emphasizes Margrete's pivotal role in fostering the enduring relationship among Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, highlighting her dedication to peace over her personal loss.