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Characters Characters

Arn Magnusson (Joakim Nätterqvist)

Not historic
Returned Knight Templar

The protagonist is entirely fictional, though his story integrates elements of Swedish history and the Crusades.

Cecilia Algotsdotter (Sofia Helin)

Not historic
Arn's long-suffering love interest

A fictional character, possibly inspired by the historical Cecilia Rosa, but her specific story, relationship with Arn, and convent imprisonment are fictionalized.

Birger Brosa (Stellan Skarsgård)

Partly historic
Powerful Jarl, Arn's uncle

Birger Brosa was a real and influential Jarl during this period. His depiction as a key political figure is accurate, but his familial relationship with Arn is fictional.

King Knut Eriksson (Gustaf Skarsgård)

Partly historic
King of Sweden (House of Erik), Arn's friend

A real historical King of Sweden. His struggle against the House of Sverker is historical, but his close friendship with the fictional Arn is not.

King Sverker Karlsson (Joel Kinnaman)

Historic
Rival King of Sweden (House of Sverker)

A real historical King (Sverker II) who vied for the throne against the House of Erik, accurately depicted as being supported by Denmark.

Erik Knutsson (Bill Skarsgård)

Historic
Son of King Knut, later King Erik X

Real historical figure, son of Knut Eriksson, who eventually became King after the Battle of Lena. His presence in the power struggle is accurate.

More characters

Saladin (Milind Soman)

Partly historic
Sultan, Arn's respected adversary

Saladin was the real historical leader of the Ayyubids. His depiction is brief; his recognition and saving of Arn after Hattin is fictional.

Gerard de Ridefort (Nicholas Boulton)

Historic
Arrogant Templar Grand Master

A real Grand Master of the Knights Templar. His depiction as arrogant and responsible for the defeat at Hattin aligns with historical criticism of his leadership.

Ebbe Sunesson (Jakob Cedergren)

Partly historic
Danish commander supporting Sverker

Ebbe Sunesen was a real Danish nobleman who led forces supporting Sverker at the Battle of Lena and died there. His death at Arn's hands in a duel is fictional.

Harald Øysteinsson (A. B. Christiansen)

Not historic
Norwegian Templar, Arn's friend

A fictional supporting character created for the story.

Magnus Månsköld (Martin Wallström)

Not historic
Arn's and Cecilia's son

Fictional son of the fictional main characters.

Birger Jarl (foreshadowed)

Partly historic
Arn's grandson, unifier of Sweden

Birger Jarl was a real, crucial figure in Swedish unification. His portrayal as Arn's grandson connects the fictional narrative to established history but is not factual.

Story Story

Arn's return to Sweden after 20 years

False

The premise is based on the fictional protagonist Arn Magnusson.

Battle of Hattin (1187) depiction

Partly true

The battle occurred, and the Crusaders suffered a major defeat often blamed on Gerard de Ridefort. Arn's presence, survival, and interaction with Saladin are fictional elements.

Establishment of Forsvik Estate

False

Forsvik is a real place, but its depiction as Arn's multicultural estate built with knowledge from the Holy Land is fictional.

Conflict between House of Erik & House of Sverker

True

The film accurately portrays the real dynastic struggle for the Swedish throne between these two powerful families during the 12th and early 13th centuries.

Danish support for Sverker II

True

Denmark did provide military support to Sverker Karlsson the Younger in his attempts to regain the Swedish throne.

Battle of Lena (1208)

Partly true

This historical battle resulted in a victory for Erik Knutsson over Sverker II and his Danish allies. The film's depiction of Arn leading forces and employing specific tactics is fictional.

Use of archers/foreign tactics at Lena

Disputed

While archers were used, the film's emphasis on tactics learned in the Holy Land influencing the battle is part of Arn's fictional narrative. Specifics of the real battle are sparse.

Arn kills Ebbe Sunesson in duel at Lena

False

Ebbe Sunesson died at Lena, but his death in a duel with the fictional Arn is an invention.

Battle of Gestilren (1210)

Partly true

This historical battle saw the final defeat and death of Sverker II, securing the throne for Erik Knutsson. Arn's participation and death in this battle are fictional.

Arn's actions paving way for Swedish unification

False

The idea that the fictional Arn's victories directly led to unification via his fictional grandson Birger Jarl merges fiction with the real historical process.

Cecilia's 20-year confinement in convent

False

Based on the fictional premise of her relationship with Arn and punishment.

Setting Setting

Medieval Sweden (Götaland c. 1200)

Good depiction

Accurately portrays Sweden as a not-yet-unified kingdom dominated by powerful families (Folkung) vying for power, with significant Church influence.

Holy Land depiction (Gaza, Hattin)

Average depiction

Provides a visual backdrop for Arn's Templar past, though focus is limited. Locations like Gaza and the Battle of Hattin site are represented.

Clothing and Costumes

Average depiction

Aims for a medieval aesthetic suitable for the period (late 12th/early 13th C.), though specific details might prioritize visual appeal over strict historical accuracy.

Armor and Weaponry

Average depiction

Standard medieval arms like swords, spears, axes, and mail are shown. Some specific armor elements (like certain gambesons) have been noted as potentially anachronistic.

Castles and Buildings

Average depiction

Depicts fortifications and settlements appropriate for the era, though perhaps generic rather than specific recreations.

Depiction of Battle Tactics

Average depiction

Battle scenes (Lena, Gestilren) show large-scale clashes. Specific tactics, especially those attributed to Arn, blend historical possibilities with fictional narrative.

Influence of the Church and Templars

Good depiction

Shows the significant societal power of the Church in Sweden (forcing Cecilia into a convent) and the role of military orders like the Templars in the Crusades.

Multiculturalism brought by Arn to Sweden

False

The idea of Arn establishing a center with craftsmen and knowledge from the Middle East (Forsvik) is a fictional element reflecting modern ideals more than history.