Viking

Grand Prince Svyatoslav's death leaves Kievan Rus divided among his sons Yaropolk, Oleg, and Vladimir. Each brother stakes a claim to leadership and to Svyatoslav's inheritance. Rivalries simmer as the three factions begin to consolidate power.

On the road to Polotsk, Yaropolk's retinue runs into Oleg's party during a hunt for an aurochs. Lyut is allowed to kill the animal first, but Oleg murders Lyut in a sudden rage. The confrontation escalates into a broader chase as Yaropolk's host pursues Oleg.

Oleg attempts to force entry into Polotsk but is stopped at the gates. He slips, falls from the causeway, and dies as the gates shut him out. The loss triggers a fresh round of vengeance among the factions.

Yaropolk orders Sveneld to answer for Lyut's death, but Sveneld thwarts the punishment and flees. The move destabilizes the delicate balance of power between the brothers. Sveneld's escape solidifies his alliance with Vladimir.

In the summer, Sveneld returns to Polotsk with Vladimir and a force of Viking mercenaries. Vladimir seeks Rogvolod's daughter Rogneda, but she rejects him and insults his mother. The siege of Polotsk looms as the Vikings push Vladimir to prove his ferocity.

Under the Vikings' coercion, Vladimir drinks their berserker potion and assaults Rogneda. Rogvolod and his wife are murdered by Vladimir's men, and Vladimir later discovers the atrocity. He attempts to shield Rogneda, showing signs of remorse.

The war party travels to Kyiv to demand Yaropolk answer for Oleg's death. Kyiv is empty as Yaropolk has fled with the treasury. Yaropolk's Christian wife Irina facilitates a negotiation between the brothers.

Yaropolk arrives in Kyiv in good faith but is murdered by two Vikings. Vladimir is distraught, and Sveneld proclaims Vladimir the new grand prince. The murder destabilizes the political order and sharpens the resolve of Vladimir's rivals.

Using Yaropolk's death as a spark, Varyazhko rallies support and recruits Pechenegs with the treasury. Vladimir cannot pay his mercenaries, and their loyalty dwindles. Kyiv braces for renewed assault as the threat grows.

The Pechenegs strike as Vladimir's forces struggle to hold Kyiv. The city suffers direct assaults, and an attempt to appease the gods ends tragically when Fyodor's son dies during a failed sacrifice caused by Vladimir's inaction. The siege grinds on with mounting casualties.

Vladimir agrees to a parley with Varyazhko, but the Pechenegs betray him during negotiations. Many of Vladimir's closest followers are killed, yet Byzantine emissaries arrive to offer aid and save him. A fragile lifeline forms as Byzantium becomes a potential ally.

Varyazhko and the Pechenegs join forces with Byzantine rebels, using a Roman city as a base. They offer to fund Vladimir against their common enemy, shifting the balance of power in the region. The alliance redraws the map of threats and supports Vladimir's position.

Realizing Kyiv's defense is formidable, Vladimir orders the destruction of the Roman aqueduct to cut off the city’s water supply. While searching for the pipe, Varyazhko and the Pechenegs attack, and the Vikings crash their longships down the hillside to ram the Pechenegs. Vladimir defeats Varyazhko and emerges victorious.

Vladimir confesses his sins to Bishop Anastas, admitting to Yaropolk's death and Rogvolod, Fyodor, and Rogneda's fates. Anastas absolves him, moved by Christian forgiveness. Vladimir resolves to stop killing and embraces the Christian faith.

The film closes with a mass baptism on the Dnieper, symbolizing Vladimir's conversion and a new Christian era for the Rus. The scene marks a hopeful rebirth after years of bloodshed and political strife. A new chapter begins under Christian guidance.