Based on an original screenplay by Bjarne O. Henriksen, it takes place in Denmark during 1218.
Filming primarily took place at the Asserbo Castle ruins in Denmark, Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland, and Tisvilde Strand at Tisvildeleje in Denmark.
War is upon Denmark, and King Valdemar II sends his only son and heir in safety to Eskil, bishop of Ravensburg, who is instructed to educate the prince.
As soon as the king leaves the country to go to war, the bishop makes plans about seizing the crown for himself.
Accidentally the prince and the kitchen-boy Aske overhear the schemes of Eskil and his conspirators, but are seen and pursued by a one-eyed man, who wants to take revenge on the king for leaving him behind on a battlefield where he lost his eye.