1 00:00:10,760 --> 00:00:13,880 Centuries ago, in West Central Africa... 2 00:00:15,480 --> 00:00:17,680 ...where kingdoms rose and fell, 3 00:00:20,120 --> 00:00:23,040 lived a woman destined to lead. 4 00:00:23,600 --> 00:00:25,440 -A warrior... 5 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:26,960 ...a queen, 6 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:28,920 an unparalleled force. 7 00:00:30,960 --> 00:00:32,200 Her name... 8 00:00:33,160 --> 00:00:34,040 Njinga. 9 00:00:38,880 --> 00:00:41,880 We are a people born running from extinction. 10 00:00:45,560 --> 00:00:48,040 Born into an era of darkness, 11 00:00:48,680 --> 00:00:49,840 in a time of blood... 12 00:00:51,360 --> 00:00:52,760 and shifting sands. 13 00:00:53,480 --> 00:00:56,560 When slavery threatened to decimate a continent. 14 00:00:57,800 --> 00:01:00,560 I want the Portuguese off my land. 15 00:01:01,320 --> 00:01:02,400 Every last one of them. 16 00:01:06,760 --> 00:01:09,280 She fearlessly defended her kingdom 17 00:01:09,280 --> 00:01:11,280 against European power. 18 00:01:12,200 --> 00:01:14,120 Njinga! 19 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:21,560 Rising to become a beacon of light for her people. 20 00:01:24,640 --> 00:01:28,640 Queen Njinga's legacy echoes throughout Africa to this day. 21 00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:33,600 It's time we all come to know her name. 22 00:01:34,760 --> 00:01:37,520 All hail Queen Njinga! 23 00:01:37,520 --> 00:01:43,520 Njinga! Njinga! Njinga! Njinga! Njinga! 24 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:22,320 You ready? 25 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:23,640 Are you ready? 26 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:28,480 Don't think I'm gonna take it easy on you just because your father is watching. 27 00:02:29,880 --> 00:02:31,120 I don't expect you to. 28 00:02:31,120 --> 00:02:32,400 Hey. 29 00:02:37,600 --> 00:02:40,520 {\an8}Princess Njinga is born and grew up in a time 30 00:02:40,520 --> 00:02:43,920 {\an8}where her father, the King, is already struggling 31 00:02:43,920 --> 00:02:46,760 with the conflict with the Portuguese 32 00:02:46,760 --> 00:02:48,720 that are coming in the land and taking people. 33 00:02:53,880 --> 00:02:56,920 {\an8}The Portuguese have already been in Ndongo for 50 years. 34 00:02:57,680 --> 00:02:59,880 And their mission is really twofold. 35 00:02:59,880 --> 00:03:02,560 One is to Christianize the people there, 36 00:03:02,560 --> 00:03:07,440 {\an8}and the other is to really expand the territory of the King of Portugal. 37 00:03:09,520 --> 00:03:12,760 The Portuguese are the first global maritime superpower 38 00:03:13,440 --> 00:03:16,000 and have colonies across the world. 39 00:03:17,040 --> 00:03:18,720 Their largest is in Brazil. 40 00:03:20,520 --> 00:03:24,120 Where they add to their wealth by building huge sugar plantations. 41 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:28,200 The Portuguese need people to work on these plantations, 42 00:03:28,760 --> 00:03:32,080 {\an8}so they begin capturing people from West and Central Africa 43 00:03:32,080 --> 00:03:33,920 to work as slave labor. 44 00:03:43,040 --> 00:03:45,720 In Ndongo, they call the King, the Ngola. 45 00:03:46,520 --> 00:03:48,520 At this moment, he's under pressure 46 00:03:48,520 --> 00:03:50,920 to protect his kingdom from the Portuguese. 47 00:03:51,840 --> 00:03:54,280 He has to prepare his oldest daughter Njinga 48 00:03:54,280 --> 00:03:55,880 for the war that lies ahead. 49 00:03:58,840 --> 00:04:03,040 So, he's exposing her to the craft of warfare, 50 00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:04,080 how to fight. 51 00:04:05,400 --> 00:04:08,120 {\an8}Using his soldiers as her practice. 52 00:05:03,920 --> 00:05:05,480 An inch left and you would have hit me. 53 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:06,920 Never. 54 00:05:08,640 --> 00:05:09,680 Oh. 55 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:14,720 As a princess, Njinga has female attendants. 56 00:05:14,720 --> 00:05:18,240 Some of these are military companions who train alongside her. 57 00:05:18,240 --> 00:05:22,600 But it's still quite unusual at this time for women to have an active military role. 58 00:05:23,920 --> 00:05:26,040 - I depend on you too much. - Hmm. 59 00:05:26,040 --> 00:05:27,040 Thank God. 60 00:05:30,280 --> 00:05:32,160 - You've slowed your technique. - Eh-- 61 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:38,000 That's because the race isn't always given to the swift. 62 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:39,320 Right, Ndambi? 63 00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:43,880 - Don't you have somewhere to be? 64 00:05:43,880 --> 00:05:45,280 - Come, walk with me. - Mm. 65 00:05:45,280 --> 00:05:47,480 - Hm. Mm. 66 00:05:53,200 --> 00:05:56,960 Ndongo is located in what is now Angola 67 00:05:56,960 --> 00:05:58,280 in West Central Africa. 68 00:05:59,600 --> 00:06:03,160 In 1617, Ndongo is one of the biggest 69 00:06:03,160 --> 00:06:06,600 and most important kingdoms at this time. 70 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:10,120 It has a population of about 100,000 to 200,000. 71 00:06:10,920 --> 00:06:13,600 The kingdom is centered around Kabasa, 72 00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:16,320 which is the capital and the home of the royal family. 73 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:41,400 Ndongo is a very sophisticated society. 74 00:06:43,240 --> 00:06:46,800 We have a tendency to think of the continent of Africa 75 00:06:46,800 --> 00:06:50,040 as being very primitive before Europeans get there. 76 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:52,440 And that's just not true. 77 00:06:54,480 --> 00:06:56,240 There's an active trade within Ndongo. 78 00:06:57,000 --> 00:06:58,880 It's territorially expansive, 79 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:00,640 and it's militarily powerful. 80 00:07:00,640 --> 00:07:01,600 People don't get it. 81 00:07:01,600 --> 00:07:04,080 Everyone thinks war is about speed, 82 00:07:04,080 --> 00:07:06,760 but precision and decision are key. 83 00:07:06,760 --> 00:07:08,560 You must read the battlefield. 84 00:07:10,960 --> 00:07:14,200 Funji is the youngest of the King's three daughters. 85 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:17,600 As royal princesses, they are revered and respected in Kabasa. 86 00:07:17,600 --> 00:07:19,320 Read the battlefield and, 87 00:07:19,320 --> 00:07:21,280 and every single detail matters. 88 00:07:21,280 --> 00:07:24,440 You have to be prepared to strike from a disadvantaged position... 89 00:07:28,240 --> 00:07:30,080 So you still won't introduce yourself? 90 00:07:30,680 --> 00:07:32,040 {\an8}I'm not as forward as you. 91 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:36,520 Funji, you are the daughter of a king. 92 00:07:36,520 --> 00:07:38,560 He will be lucky to have you. 93 00:07:39,200 --> 00:07:40,280 - Come on, I'm late 94 00:07:40,280 --> 00:07:43,360 - for the council meeting. - Oh, please. Please? 95 00:07:45,520 --> 00:07:48,600 We're putting that down, and we are going. 96 00:07:49,560 --> 00:07:52,280 - Thank you very much. 97 00:08:05,080 --> 00:08:09,120 If the weakest in this kingdom were running our kingdom... 98 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:13,240 The structure of society in Ndongo goes like this. 99 00:08:13,800 --> 00:08:15,960 You have the ruler at the top, 100 00:08:15,960 --> 00:08:20,440 and then you have the sobas, who are essentially nobles, just below. 101 00:08:21,960 --> 00:08:25,400 Njinga's father is facing a difficult time 102 00:08:25,400 --> 00:08:28,560 because there are men all around him that are vying for power. 103 00:08:30,800 --> 00:08:35,800 Mbande, Njinga's brother, is complex and ambitious. 104 00:08:36,440 --> 00:08:40,799 You get a sense that he really wants to prove himself as an effective leader. 105 00:08:41,520 --> 00:08:46,520 Mbande knew that it was the half brother, Kiluanje, 106 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:50,080 who was expected to be the next Ngola, 107 00:08:50,080 --> 00:08:53,000 {\an8}as the oldest son of the current king. 108 00:08:54,400 --> 00:08:55,840 We have to strategize. 109 00:08:55,840 --> 00:08:58,680 We have to sit together as one. 110 00:08:58,680 --> 00:09:00,600 Strategy is for games. 111 00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:01,960 Strength is for war. 112 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:06,520 At this time, the Portuguese have come onto the scene. 113 00:09:06,520 --> 00:09:11,080 They've exploited some of the divisions and rivalries between the sobas. 114 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:14,720 And although many sobas support Njinga's father, 115 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:17,480 there's one soba in the north, Soba Kavulo, 116 00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:19,720 who is leading a rebellion against the King. 117 00:09:21,040 --> 00:09:22,160 My King... 118 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:25,760 the area is crawling with people loyal to that traitor, 119 00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:26,760 Soba Kavulo. 120 00:09:27,560 --> 00:09:30,200 The Lucalla Pass is the only way for our warriors. 121 00:09:30,840 --> 00:09:32,440 They will secure the ravine. 122 00:09:33,360 --> 00:09:36,160 And they will make a pathway for our besieged men 123 00:09:36,160 --> 00:09:37,920 and shore up their numbers. 124 00:09:37,920 --> 00:09:39,120 Perfect. 125 00:09:39,120 --> 00:09:40,920 This war will be over in three days. 126 00:09:40,920 --> 00:09:44,040 The battle will be won, but the war will rage on 127 00:09:44,040 --> 00:09:46,120 if Father doesn't accompany the men 128 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:48,040 and meet the local people 129 00:09:48,040 --> 00:09:50,720 and remind them why you're their king. 130 00:09:52,400 --> 00:09:54,960 I know your time at court has been limited, 131 00:09:54,960 --> 00:09:56,960 but your loyalty shouldn't be. 132 00:09:56,960 --> 00:09:59,400 The King doesn't need to remind anyone 133 00:09:59,400 --> 00:10:01,320 why he is king, brother. 134 00:10:03,400 --> 00:10:04,720 For once I agree with Mbande. 135 00:10:05,360 --> 00:10:06,840 {\an8}Father shouldn't lead this battle. 136 00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:10,880 My loyalty is unquestionable, 137 00:10:10,880 --> 00:10:13,400 - little brother. 138 00:10:13,400 --> 00:10:16,920 All I'm trying to say is let us not ignore the fact 139 00:10:16,920 --> 00:10:19,200 that the King is under threat. 140 00:10:19,200 --> 00:10:21,880 The King is always under threat. 141 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:23,040 Huh? 142 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:26,240 So let the hawkers and drunkards gossip about that 143 00:10:26,240 --> 00:10:28,200 while we focus on the immediate problem, 144 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:30,240 Soba Kavulo. 145 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:32,280 If I may, My King. 146 00:10:33,400 --> 00:10:34,800 The prince is right. 147 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:36,000 Of course, I am. 148 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:41,560 Kiluanje's instinct to do everything we can to protect the King 149 00:10:41,560 --> 00:10:42,840 is important. 150 00:10:45,080 --> 00:10:48,440 Around the Ngola are a range of advisers, 151 00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:51,800 and one of the most important ones is the tendala. 152 00:10:52,840 --> 00:10:55,400 He is essentially a captive slave. 153 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:59,160 In Ndongo, people who had been captured in wars... 154 00:10:59,920 --> 00:11:03,120 could rise to a certain rank. 155 00:11:05,280 --> 00:11:08,560 You and I have seen many wars, my friend. 156 00:11:08,560 --> 00:11:11,320 Yes, as king and captive. 157 00:11:11,320 --> 00:11:13,040 And now as friends. 158 00:11:13,040 --> 00:11:13,960 Yes. 159 00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:19,960 You know, only a fool thinks he can outlive death. 160 00:11:21,400 --> 00:11:23,120 But we can keep trying. 161 00:11:31,600 --> 00:11:32,560 Njinga. 162 00:11:37,080 --> 00:11:38,800 You have anything to add? 163 00:11:41,920 --> 00:11:46,480 I'm wondering why we keep chasing the Portuguese from the back 164 00:11:46,480 --> 00:11:48,080 instead of meeting them head-on. 165 00:11:48,080 --> 00:11:50,920 Njinga, the Portuguese are not the issue here. 166 00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:52,600 The Portuguese are always the issue, brother. 167 00:11:53,320 --> 00:11:55,280 Who do you think is fueling Kavulo's fire? 168 00:11:56,480 --> 00:11:59,800 {\an8}Who do you think is making our people question the King? 169 00:12:00,600 --> 00:12:03,120 Njinga learns from the royal court diplomacy 170 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:05,040 and the politics of the wider region. 171 00:12:05,960 --> 00:12:07,560 But it's a male-dominated world. 172 00:12:09,080 --> 00:12:13,120 And so her presence there could cause resentment among her brothers. 173 00:12:14,440 --> 00:12:16,400 Going after this soba... 174 00:12:18,000 --> 00:12:20,520 is like fighting the shadow, 175 00:12:21,320 --> 00:12:23,040 not the man himself. 176 00:12:34,680 --> 00:12:37,760 {\an8}The Portuguese are looking for African captives 177 00:12:37,760 --> 00:12:38,960 {\an8}one way or the other. 178 00:12:39,560 --> 00:12:42,960 So they are really determined to take over the kingdom of Ndongo. 179 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:48,840 The Portuguese settle on Luanda as a base for slaving operations, 180 00:12:48,840 --> 00:12:54,120 because the journey from Luanda to the coast of Brazil is actually shorter 181 00:12:54,120 --> 00:12:57,160 than from many other places in West Central Africa. 182 00:12:59,240 --> 00:13:02,280 So it becomes a very attractive place for them 183 00:13:02,280 --> 00:13:04,440 to begin their violent slaving operations. 184 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:12,120 The Portuguese with their never-ending thirst for more people. 185 00:13:17,840 --> 00:13:21,240 They never are satisfied with the quantity of people they have. 186 00:13:22,240 --> 00:13:25,280 It's an ongoing trade, so they have to continue feeding it. 187 00:13:51,680 --> 00:13:52,960 What do the ancestors say? 188 00:13:59,680 --> 00:14:00,760 My King. 189 00:14:19,720 --> 00:14:22,760 The nganga is basically the spiritual adviser. 190 00:14:22,760 --> 00:14:26,720 As an African queen or female king myself, 191 00:14:27,520 --> 00:14:31,840 I have to consult with my spiritual adviser quite often 192 00:14:31,840 --> 00:14:36,920 because we cannot speak only from our own voice. 193 00:14:36,920 --> 00:14:38,440 We are representing 194 00:14:38,440 --> 00:14:40,640 the voice of the ancestors. 195 00:14:40,640 --> 00:14:42,760 So the King, the Ngola, 196 00:14:42,760 --> 00:14:45,520 will always go to the nganga 197 00:14:45,520 --> 00:14:48,920 to make sure that any decision that is taken, 198 00:14:48,920 --> 00:14:52,160 it's for the benefit and for the edification 199 00:14:52,160 --> 00:14:54,400 of the people and the kingdom. 200 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:16,360 {\an8}The day will end with the King still on his throne. 201 00:15:22,680 --> 00:15:25,280 The ancestors have spoken. 202 00:15:41,080 --> 00:15:43,400 Njinga's not only a warrior and a diplomat, 203 00:15:43,400 --> 00:15:46,640 but at this time, she's also the mother to a young son. 204 00:15:50,960 --> 00:15:54,560 Mmm, you are too besotted with that one. 205 00:15:55,480 --> 00:15:56,800 I know. 206 00:16:00,840 --> 00:16:02,760 {\an8}You haven't mentioned the council meeting. 207 00:16:03,560 --> 00:16:05,680 {\an8}Uh, what's there to mention? 208 00:16:06,240 --> 00:16:09,800 They insist on fighting each other instead of the Portuguese. 209 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:10,920 Mbande and Kiluanje? 210 00:16:10,920 --> 00:16:11,920 Who else? 211 00:16:11,920 --> 00:16:14,120 They're just used to fighting. 212 00:16:14,120 --> 00:16:15,360 It's easy for them. 213 00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:20,000 The Portuguese are a different kind of fire. 214 00:16:20,560 --> 00:16:23,240 Well, it's a fire we need to get used to and quick. 215 00:16:24,880 --> 00:16:26,280 Before it consumes us all. 216 00:16:27,200 --> 00:16:30,560 Instead, placing Father in harm's way and for what? 217 00:16:31,600 --> 00:16:36,320 {\an8}A useless soba who'd rather align with the Portuguese than his own people? 218 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:39,760 I say let him do it. 219 00:16:40,400 --> 00:16:43,640 It's only a matter of time before the Portuguese dispose of him. Ow! 220 00:16:43,640 --> 00:16:45,160 He bit me! 221 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:51,080 Kambu is the sister in between Funji and Njinga. 222 00:16:51,080 --> 00:16:54,400 You get the sense that she really supports her sister. 223 00:16:54,400 --> 00:16:55,840 - He's done. 224 00:16:56,600 --> 00:16:57,720 - Give him to me. - Mmm. 225 00:16:58,880 --> 00:17:00,440 - Bring him back. 226 00:17:02,920 --> 00:17:04,120 In an hour. 227 00:17:04,760 --> 00:17:05,640 Hmm? 228 00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:07,600 - Kambu. - Mm. 229 00:17:07,600 --> 00:17:09,119 - Mm-hm. - Kambu. 230 00:17:09,119 --> 00:17:10,280 - Ah-- 231 00:17:28,760 --> 00:17:33,240 So Njinga's status meant she was able to gather around her 232 00:17:33,240 --> 00:17:35,200 a, a group of concubines 233 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:37,080 that she chose herself. 234 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:46,280 There are different cultures in Africa 235 00:17:46,280 --> 00:17:50,720 where women can have different partners. 236 00:17:56,640 --> 00:18:00,600 Njinga's favorite concubine is a man by the name of Kia Ituxi. 237 00:18:03,720 --> 00:18:07,400 Kia Ituxi is the father of her child. 238 00:18:07,400 --> 00:18:11,120 And they have this really special relationship. 239 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:15,600 And life for her, for the most part, is pretty good. 240 00:18:33,240 --> 00:18:34,960 Njinga's father was told 241 00:18:34,960 --> 00:18:37,080 that one of the sobas has risen against him. 242 00:18:37,800 --> 00:18:41,200 So he decides to go there and show how powerful he is. 243 00:18:44,520 --> 00:18:46,000 Please allow me to come with you. 244 00:18:46,720 --> 00:18:48,640 You are right where I need you to be. 245 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:53,880 You're right, you know? 246 00:18:54,960 --> 00:18:57,520 The Portuguese are gnawing at us, 247 00:18:58,240 --> 00:19:01,720 picking away at the skin until they get to the bone. 248 00:19:02,760 --> 00:19:05,320 And that, too, they will take. 249 00:19:05,920 --> 00:19:07,880 It'll be like we never existed. 250 00:19:08,720 --> 00:19:10,560 It won't come to that. 251 00:19:13,600 --> 00:19:15,560 What would you do if you were in my place? 252 00:19:19,480 --> 00:19:21,680 I would find a way to unite the kingdom. 253 00:19:21,680 --> 00:19:23,400 Use all our might 254 00:19:23,400 --> 00:19:26,480 to drive the Portuguese back to where they came from and... 255 00:19:26,480 --> 00:19:27,520 And? 256 00:19:27,520 --> 00:19:29,000 Speak freely, my daughter. 257 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:31,160 And I would not go to battle today. 258 00:19:32,680 --> 00:19:34,600 You say that like I have a choice. 259 00:19:35,800 --> 00:19:38,840 You do not know men and their pride. 260 00:19:40,680 --> 00:19:43,840 Then again, you may be Ndongo's only hope. 261 00:19:45,760 --> 00:19:47,160 With a woman on the throne... 262 00:19:48,320 --> 00:19:50,360 there might be less blood spilled. 263 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:55,880 Water. 264 00:19:57,880 --> 00:19:59,000 You never carry enough. 265 00:20:08,720 --> 00:20:10,840 Keep one eye on your brothers 266 00:20:10,840 --> 00:20:12,400 and the other on your sisters. 267 00:20:25,160 --> 00:20:27,320 You wish you were going with him, don't you? 268 00:20:27,320 --> 00:20:28,440 Yes. 269 00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:31,520 - Don't you? - No. 270 00:20:32,400 --> 00:20:34,880 He prefers you at his side, not me. 271 00:21:36,960 --> 00:21:38,400 My King? 272 00:21:38,400 --> 00:21:39,800 My King? 273 00:21:40,600 --> 00:21:41,640 - My King, 274 00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:42,560 where are you? 275 00:21:42,560 --> 00:21:45,640 Ngola? Ngola? 276 00:21:53,760 --> 00:21:55,760 It's very likely that one of his own men 277 00:21:55,760 --> 00:21:57,920 separated the King from his army 278 00:21:57,920 --> 00:22:01,240 in order to murder him on behalf of the sobas who opposed him. 279 00:22:20,440 --> 00:22:23,600 No! 280 00:22:29,480 --> 00:22:32,080 Now, without Njinga's father, 281 00:22:32,080 --> 00:22:33,680 who is going to rule? 282 00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:38,800 Look what they did to your King! 283 00:22:40,440 --> 00:22:43,880 If we can't trust our own men, who can we trust? 284 00:22:45,640 --> 00:22:49,040 It looks like the danger wasn't out in the field as you stated, brother, 285 00:22:49,880 --> 00:22:51,360 but in our own home! 286 00:22:53,880 --> 00:22:54,720 Tendala! 287 00:22:55,720 --> 00:22:57,120 Where is the general? 288 00:22:57,120 --> 00:22:58,760 He did not return. 289 00:22:58,760 --> 00:23:00,320 Then bring him to me! 290 00:23:00,880 --> 00:23:05,400 I want those responsible for this at my feet by sundown! 291 00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:06,680 No, brother. 292 00:23:08,240 --> 00:23:09,240 What? 293 00:23:12,760 --> 00:23:15,040 They'll have reached their masters by now. 294 00:23:17,880 --> 00:23:20,320 Leave them there. 295 00:23:22,040 --> 00:23:25,600 Let them feel safe, 296 00:23:26,240 --> 00:23:27,400 marry... 297 00:23:28,400 --> 00:23:29,680 bed their wives... 298 00:23:29,680 --> 00:23:31,160 ...have heirs. 299 00:23:31,160 --> 00:23:32,760 And then, 300 00:23:34,240 --> 00:23:37,160 when they think they have won 301 00:23:37,160 --> 00:23:39,240 and the ancestors decree it, 302 00:23:39,240 --> 00:23:41,080 we will find them 303 00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:44,400 and we will strike them dead. 304 00:23:45,240 --> 00:23:50,520 We will wipe out their whole lives, 305 00:23:51,080 --> 00:23:53,880 until their bloodlines are no more! 306 00:23:57,800 --> 00:24:01,440 Tendala, send word of my father's death 307 00:24:01,440 --> 00:24:02,920 and convene the council. 308 00:24:26,800 --> 00:24:28,200 He's not here, you know. 309 00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:32,360 Seeing that he is with the ancestors. 310 00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:43,720 Why did you tell him the day would end with him still on his throne? 311 00:24:46,680 --> 00:24:49,480 Isn't he still on this throne? 312 00:24:49,480 --> 00:24:50,800 You know what I mean. 313 00:24:59,360 --> 00:25:03,520 "Only a fool thinks he can outlive death." 314 00:25:04,920 --> 00:25:06,640 Those were your father's words. 315 00:25:07,320 --> 00:25:10,280 He understood what the ancestors meant. 316 00:25:13,120 --> 00:25:16,120 He always understood the meaning behind words. 317 00:25:18,080 --> 00:25:20,040 He called me Ndongo's hope. 318 00:25:22,320 --> 00:25:23,800 What did he mean? 319 00:25:23,800 --> 00:25:25,120 Oh, child. 320 00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:27,600 Don't act like you don't know. 321 00:25:28,880 --> 00:25:30,680 You were too close to him not to. 322 00:25:36,040 --> 00:25:37,400 It's one thing to know. 323 00:25:38,240 --> 00:25:40,960 It's another thing convincing everyone else. 324 00:25:44,160 --> 00:25:47,280 Njinga is devastated, 325 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:51,720 as any daughter would be to lose a father. 326 00:25:51,720 --> 00:25:54,080 But here, it's not just losing a father. 327 00:25:54,080 --> 00:25:56,400 It's losing the King. 328 00:25:57,360 --> 00:26:00,240 It throws a lot of things into question, 329 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:04,480 and it's Mbande who feels as though he's the rightful heir. 330 00:26:05,960 --> 00:26:11,440 But because he was not the son of the main wife of the former Ngola, 331 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:14,200 his claim to the throne was less strong. 332 00:26:15,480 --> 00:26:18,000 There's no clear line of succession. 333 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:19,920 So he orders a series 334 00:26:19,920 --> 00:26:21,440 of political assassinations 335 00:26:21,440 --> 00:26:24,160 to rid himself of rivals 336 00:26:25,080 --> 00:26:26,160 Kiluanje's son... 337 00:26:27,840 --> 00:26:29,080 and all his heirs. 338 00:26:32,720 --> 00:26:34,560 There must be no threat to my throne. 339 00:26:48,880 --> 00:26:51,080 Get out! Do you know where you are? 340 00:27:11,640 --> 00:27:15,480 Njinga's son, who is a child, an infant, 341 00:27:15,480 --> 00:27:17,200 is murdered by Mbande 342 00:27:17,760 --> 00:27:22,800 because he sees this child as a threat to his power. 343 00:27:41,440 --> 00:27:43,040 I did what must be done. 344 00:27:43,960 --> 00:27:45,360 Then why did you call for me? 345 00:27:46,480 --> 00:27:48,120 Because I'm unsure. 346 00:27:48,120 --> 00:27:49,320 Of what? 347 00:27:51,000 --> 00:27:52,120 The throne? 348 00:27:53,560 --> 00:27:54,920 Or what you did to get it? 349 00:27:57,080 --> 00:28:01,200 I cannot absolve you of the choice that you made. 350 00:28:01,200 --> 00:28:02,640 It was yours to make. 351 00:28:03,240 --> 00:28:04,600 But I'll tell you this. 352 00:28:06,280 --> 00:28:08,920 A stabilized throne means nothing 353 00:28:08,920 --> 00:28:10,760 without a stable king. 354 00:28:11,640 --> 00:28:13,120 So find your feet. 355 00:28:17,320 --> 00:28:19,800 This is a crucial moment for Mbande 356 00:28:20,440 --> 00:28:23,520 because he wants to ensure his position on the throne. 357 00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:28,760 Once you're a king, you're not a normal person 358 00:28:28,760 --> 00:28:30,920 who has to obey the social rule. 359 00:28:31,920 --> 00:28:36,040 So in murdering his potential opponents... 360 00:28:37,160 --> 00:28:39,880 he acts as a king already. 361 00:28:52,120 --> 00:28:53,400 Where am I? 362 00:28:56,080 --> 00:28:57,720 Njinga. 363 00:29:00,440 --> 00:29:03,120 Mbande doesn't kill Njinga and her sisters. 364 00:29:03,800 --> 00:29:05,680 Njinga was popular, 365 00:29:05,680 --> 00:29:09,360 and perhaps he felt he could rid her of any potential heirs, 366 00:29:09,360 --> 00:29:10,480 but also 367 00:29:10,480 --> 00:29:13,240 make her a political asset to himself. 368 00:29:14,280 --> 00:29:15,360 Where's my son? 369 00:29:20,280 --> 00:29:21,440 Where is my son? 370 00:29:22,760 --> 00:29:23,920 Mbande. 371 00:29:27,080 --> 00:29:29,720 Get... me... 372 00:29:30,480 --> 00:29:32,000 my battle ax. 373 00:29:34,440 --> 00:29:35,960 - Hold her. 374 00:29:35,960 --> 00:29:36,960 Drink. 375 00:29:39,040 --> 00:29:40,320 It will calm you. 376 00:29:42,160 --> 00:29:44,680 No, I need to be... 377 00:29:45,920 --> 00:29:48,800 I... I need to... 378 00:29:48,800 --> 00:29:50,200 My boy. 379 00:29:51,280 --> 00:29:52,400 My boy. 380 00:29:52,400 --> 00:29:53,640 Be still. 381 00:29:53,640 --> 00:29:56,440 Everything is as the ancestors will it. 382 00:29:56,440 --> 00:29:57,600 No! 383 00:29:58,240 --> 00:30:00,920 That cannot be. 384 00:30:03,280 --> 00:30:04,600 He's my boy. 385 00:30:05,200 --> 00:30:06,840 He's my baby. 386 00:30:07,520 --> 00:30:09,280 He wasn't a threat. 387 00:30:10,320 --> 00:30:14,160 Mbande was afraid of the man your baby could be. 388 00:30:14,960 --> 00:30:17,960 Are the ancestors afraid too? 389 00:30:17,960 --> 00:30:19,520 Whose side are you on? 390 00:30:20,600 --> 00:30:22,000 I am not defending him. 391 00:30:22,960 --> 00:30:24,920 - I am thinking of Ndongo... 392 00:30:24,920 --> 00:30:26,400 ...as you should be. 393 00:30:27,120 --> 00:30:28,360 I'm sorry. 394 00:30:34,800 --> 00:30:35,960 Then I'll leave. 395 00:30:38,680 --> 00:30:39,880 I can't stay here. 396 00:30:40,440 --> 00:30:41,320 You can't. 397 00:30:41,320 --> 00:30:43,480 - You are from the royal house. 398 00:30:43,480 --> 00:30:46,720 You cannot move without consulting the ancestors first. 399 00:30:46,720 --> 00:30:48,080 Then tell me... 400 00:30:48,960 --> 00:30:53,360 what I'm supposed to do with this pain. 401 00:30:54,120 --> 00:30:55,480 Tell me. 402 00:30:56,520 --> 00:30:59,000 What am I supposed to do? 403 00:31:01,000 --> 00:31:03,000 What if they kill me? 404 00:31:05,200 --> 00:31:06,520 Because... 405 00:31:07,480 --> 00:31:10,280 ...you are Ndongo's hope. 406 00:31:10,840 --> 00:31:12,320 Mbande does not know it, 407 00:31:12,320 --> 00:31:15,400 but your father and our ancestors do, 408 00:31:15,400 --> 00:31:17,480 and nothing happens without their will. 409 00:31:18,480 --> 00:31:20,800 Endure, daughter, 410 00:31:20,800 --> 00:31:24,680 and trust that all this is part of our ancestors' plan. 411 00:31:25,440 --> 00:31:28,640 The ancestors are asking too much. 412 00:31:30,160 --> 00:31:31,280 Maybe. 413 00:31:31,280 --> 00:31:34,280 Remember your loyalty 414 00:31:34,280 --> 00:31:37,480 isn't to the one who sits on the throne... 415 00:31:38,840 --> 00:31:42,360 but to the people of Ndongo and to the throne itself. 416 00:31:43,440 --> 00:31:44,560 Endure this... 417 00:31:46,200 --> 00:31:48,800 and you can be anything. 418 00:32:07,080 --> 00:32:09,880 During the first six months of Mbande's reign, 419 00:32:09,880 --> 00:32:13,120 the Portuguese step up their attacks on his people. 420 00:32:14,800 --> 00:32:16,720 Now, look at these two charts. 421 00:32:17,760 --> 00:32:18,920 This is the ratio... 422 00:32:18,920 --> 00:32:21,960 There is new leadership among the Portuguese. 423 00:32:21,960 --> 00:32:24,760 And the Portuguese are invading 424 00:32:24,760 --> 00:32:25,880 and encroaching 425 00:32:25,880 --> 00:32:28,480 deeper and deeper into the interior of Africa. 426 00:32:31,400 --> 00:32:34,560 Essentially, Mbande is unable to create 427 00:32:34,560 --> 00:32:36,520 the military and political alliances 428 00:32:36,520 --> 00:32:39,320 needed to stem Portuguese aggression. 429 00:32:43,160 --> 00:32:45,160 Tell me about Mbande. 430 00:32:46,440 --> 00:32:47,560 Well, 431 00:32:47,560 --> 00:32:51,920 we have been averaging 15,000 slaves a year from the Ndongo region. 432 00:32:51,920 --> 00:32:53,960 We've been losing a few hundred 433 00:32:53,960 --> 00:32:56,880 due to attacks on local slave markets. 434 00:32:58,160 --> 00:33:00,640 To capture even more of Mbande's people, 435 00:33:01,640 --> 00:33:04,280 the Portuguese enlist the help of a group of warriors 436 00:33:04,280 --> 00:33:05,800 called the Imbangala. 437 00:33:09,120 --> 00:33:12,520 The Imbangala are a group of mercenaries. 438 00:33:14,440 --> 00:33:16,520 Essentially, they are hired hands. 439 00:33:17,400 --> 00:33:19,960 And they're known for being fierce warriors. 440 00:33:33,720 --> 00:33:37,920 The most important of the Imbangala leaders, Kasanje, 441 00:33:38,880 --> 00:33:40,320 is allied with the Portuguese. 442 00:33:45,360 --> 00:33:47,920 People feared them but they respected them. 443 00:33:47,920 --> 00:33:52,280 So everyone wants the Imbangala on their side or on their payroll 444 00:33:52,280 --> 00:33:56,200 because they knew that if you had them in your corner, 445 00:33:56,200 --> 00:33:57,800 you might have a fighting chance. 446 00:34:08,840 --> 00:34:11,720 Njinga lost her father, and she lost her child. 447 00:34:11,720 --> 00:34:15,080 So, I think, as a person, she must be quite devastated. 448 00:34:15,080 --> 00:34:19,159 However, she's still a princess. 449 00:34:19,159 --> 00:34:22,480 She is still the embodiment of an ancestor, 450 00:34:23,199 --> 00:34:24,280 so... 451 00:34:25,040 --> 00:34:29,120 she has to put aside the resentment she may harbor 452 00:34:29,120 --> 00:34:31,199 for the man who killed her child. 453 00:34:36,239 --> 00:34:37,199 You summoned me. 454 00:34:38,239 --> 00:34:39,920 You missed another council meeting. 455 00:34:43,560 --> 00:34:45,520 Accept my apologies, 456 00:34:46,080 --> 00:34:47,120 our King. 457 00:34:49,480 --> 00:34:50,440 Show her. 458 00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:55,719 What's left of our scouts. 459 00:34:55,719 --> 00:34:57,000 Kasanje. 460 00:34:57,600 --> 00:34:59,080 The Ghost in the Mist. 461 00:35:01,480 --> 00:35:04,400 How does Kasanje keep breaking through our defenses? 462 00:35:05,320 --> 00:35:07,880 Get some soldiers out there and bring him to me! 463 00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:11,880 The only soldiers you have left are guarding Kabasa. 464 00:35:14,120 --> 00:35:15,680 Then send them. 465 00:35:16,680 --> 00:35:18,720 He mustn't be allowed to cross into Kabasa. 466 00:35:19,600 --> 00:35:21,760 I will not lose more than my father has lost! 467 00:35:25,000 --> 00:35:26,400 If you lose Kabasa, 468 00:35:27,160 --> 00:35:30,720 you will lose more than our father ever did. 469 00:35:30,720 --> 00:35:33,320 It's not wise to gamble with your last line of defense. 470 00:35:33,920 --> 00:35:36,440 And what do you suggest we do, huh? 471 00:35:38,360 --> 00:35:39,360 Njinga! 472 00:35:39,920 --> 00:35:41,400 You can use Imbangala warriors. 473 00:35:41,400 --> 00:35:42,440 What? 474 00:35:43,000 --> 00:35:45,640 I'm not putting Ndongo's future in the hands of those traitors. 475 00:35:45,640 --> 00:35:48,640 Those traitors, they are divided. 476 00:35:49,200 --> 00:35:50,120 Leverage that. 477 00:35:52,200 --> 00:35:56,240 And who better to fight an Imbangala warrior like Kasanje 478 00:35:56,240 --> 00:35:57,880 than another Imbangala? 479 00:35:59,080 --> 00:36:02,240 The Imbangala are actually made up of different groups, 480 00:36:02,240 --> 00:36:05,200 so they're not all led by the same person. 481 00:36:06,320 --> 00:36:09,720 The Imbangala leaders have no loyalty to anyone. 482 00:36:10,560 --> 00:36:13,080 They'll even fight each other if the price is right. 483 00:36:16,360 --> 00:36:18,360 And how do you propose we tame them? 484 00:36:18,360 --> 00:36:19,560 We don't. 485 00:36:19,560 --> 00:36:23,840 We arm them, set them loose, and buy time to regroup. 486 00:36:23,840 --> 00:36:25,440 And if they stand against us? Hm? 487 00:36:25,440 --> 00:36:27,080 They send us over to these slavers? 488 00:36:27,080 --> 00:36:28,120 They won't. 489 00:36:28,120 --> 00:36:29,240 You're certain, eh? 490 00:36:29,240 --> 00:36:30,720 What other choice do we have? 491 00:36:31,480 --> 00:36:32,680 Hmm? 492 00:36:32,680 --> 00:36:34,720 Send me. I'll convince them myself. 493 00:36:36,480 --> 00:36:38,280 No, it's too risky. 494 00:36:39,440 --> 00:36:41,720 We will use whatever men we have left in Kabasa 495 00:36:41,720 --> 00:36:44,400 to move against the Portuguese and Kasanje! 496 00:36:48,360 --> 00:36:49,320 Why? 497 00:36:49,320 --> 00:36:51,240 My decision is final-- 498 00:36:51,240 --> 00:36:53,320 I meant my son. 499 00:36:55,560 --> 00:36:56,640 Why? 500 00:36:57,640 --> 00:36:59,600 If you had asked me, 501 00:36:59,600 --> 00:37:01,520 I'd have taken him away from here. 502 00:37:02,560 --> 00:37:04,880 So that you'd never feel threatened. 503 00:37:05,920 --> 00:37:07,480 Never see him again. 504 00:37:09,520 --> 00:37:11,320 Why didn't you ask me, Mbande? 505 00:37:12,080 --> 00:37:15,000 Why did you have to take away 506 00:37:15,600 --> 00:37:18,520 the only thing that mattered to me in this world? 507 00:37:25,400 --> 00:37:27,320 The King does what must be done. 508 00:38:07,560 --> 00:38:10,800 It's better that I go find the Imbangala. 509 00:38:10,800 --> 00:38:12,720 I'm afraid, if I stay... 510 00:38:14,120 --> 00:38:18,520 I'll do something to the King that will anger the ancestors. 511 00:38:18,520 --> 00:38:20,640 - But he forbade you to go. 512 00:38:21,360 --> 00:38:22,760 I'm not afraid of him. 513 00:38:23,760 --> 00:38:25,240 He can't kill me twice. 514 00:38:26,080 --> 00:38:28,560 She won't understand. 515 00:38:28,560 --> 00:38:30,600 I heard you're leaving. Where to? 516 00:38:31,800 --> 00:38:32,920 To find the Imbangala. 517 00:38:33,560 --> 00:38:35,320 What if they capture you and give you to the slavers? 518 00:38:35,320 --> 00:38:37,160 That's a risk I'm willing to take. 519 00:38:37,160 --> 00:38:40,120 If it saves us all from being killed 520 00:38:40,120 --> 00:38:42,440 by Mbande's foolishness with the Portuguese. 521 00:38:42,440 --> 00:38:44,720 Then let Mbande go, it's his mess! He's the King! 522 00:38:44,720 --> 00:38:47,320 No! He's better off here. 523 00:38:47,320 --> 00:38:48,920 Fine, then I'll come with you. 524 00:38:48,920 --> 00:38:50,720 I need you here, 525 00:38:50,720 --> 00:38:53,920 so that the both of you can keep an eye on Mbande. 526 00:38:56,080 --> 00:38:57,600 Promise me 527 00:38:57,600 --> 00:39:01,000 you'll look after each other until I return. 528 00:39:01,000 --> 00:39:02,480 Promise us... 529 00:39:02,480 --> 00:39:03,880 you will return. 530 00:39:06,640 --> 00:39:08,320 Please come back safe. 531 00:39:12,080 --> 00:39:13,320 I love you both. 532 00:39:16,000 --> 00:39:19,480 Njinga defies her brother and seeks an alliance 533 00:39:19,480 --> 00:39:21,640 with an Imbangala leader called Kasa. 534 00:39:21,640 --> 00:39:23,760 This is her really acting on her own. 535 00:39:36,560 --> 00:39:39,040 You may be Ndongo's only hope. 536 00:40:35,040 --> 00:40:38,200 Njinga's taking a huge risk in seeking out the Imbangala. 537 00:40:40,040 --> 00:40:41,640 They're constantly on the move, 538 00:40:41,640 --> 00:40:42,840 pillaging settlements, 539 00:40:42,840 --> 00:40:45,760 and murdering anyone who stands in their way. 540 00:41:06,720 --> 00:41:07,960 Imbangala were here. 541 00:41:07,960 --> 00:41:09,320 Weapons out! 542 00:41:12,280 --> 00:41:13,440 Careful. 543 00:41:16,040 --> 00:41:17,920 Are you sure about the Imbangala? 544 00:41:18,480 --> 00:41:19,360 No. 545 00:41:20,560 --> 00:41:23,040 But I trust them more than I trust the Portuguese. 546 00:41:27,240 --> 00:41:28,680 They cut him down from the back. 547 00:41:29,840 --> 00:41:30,960 Dishonorable. 548 00:41:32,440 --> 00:41:34,760 - War is about honor. - War is about death. 549 00:41:35,880 --> 00:41:37,720 Make no mistake, Ndambi. 550 00:41:41,120 --> 00:41:42,400 Look around you. 551 00:41:44,560 --> 00:41:47,680 Honor left these battlefields years ago. 552 00:41:55,360 --> 00:41:59,360 - Imbangala! 553 00:41:59,360 --> 00:42:01,200 Everyone, behind me! 554 00:42:11,000 --> 00:42:14,600 - Imbangala! 555 00:42:14,600 --> 00:42:16,000 Imbangala! 556 00:42:19,840 --> 00:42:20,960 Well, look at this. 557 00:42:21,880 --> 00:42:22,880 A woman. 558 00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:25,360 And you are? 559 00:42:25,360 --> 00:42:27,880 Disappointed at you. 560 00:42:28,760 --> 00:42:31,360 Is this how you welcome guests onto your land? 561 00:42:32,000 --> 00:42:34,000 Guests bring gifts. You? 562 00:42:34,680 --> 00:42:36,240 You have brought a battle ax. 563 00:42:36,800 --> 00:42:38,880 - You brought warriors. 564 00:42:39,440 --> 00:42:40,440 True. 565 00:42:42,560 --> 00:42:44,040 Let my warrior go. 566 00:42:44,880 --> 00:42:47,640 Put the ax away and I shall give you a dagger to play with. 567 00:42:51,120 --> 00:42:52,360 If you insist. 568 00:42:57,880 --> 00:43:00,000 You still have not introduced yourself. 569 00:43:00,000 --> 00:43:00,960 Njinga. 570 00:43:00,960 --> 00:43:02,600 Princess of Ndongo, 571 00:43:02,600 --> 00:43:05,680 sister to King Ngola Mbande. 572 00:43:06,680 --> 00:43:08,200 And you must be Kasa. 573 00:43:10,120 --> 00:43:13,640 The Imbangala leader, Kasa, is younger than Njinga, 574 00:43:13,640 --> 00:43:16,280 but he has military prowess. 575 00:43:16,280 --> 00:43:18,680 And he has a band of warriors 576 00:43:18,680 --> 00:43:21,640 that she believes will really serve her well. 577 00:43:22,840 --> 00:43:24,480 I have a proposal for you. 578 00:43:25,960 --> 00:43:29,400 Take your people and leave, princess. 579 00:43:29,400 --> 00:43:31,240 - Now. - Not... 580 00:43:31,240 --> 00:43:33,000 without what I came for. 581 00:43:33,000 --> 00:43:34,720 And what is it that you have come for? 582 00:43:34,720 --> 00:43:37,720 - Your warriors to fight Kasanje... 583 00:43:38,760 --> 00:43:39,920 ...and the Portuguese. 584 00:43:41,200 --> 00:43:42,280 Is that all? 585 00:43:46,320 --> 00:43:47,440 Now tell me. 586 00:43:49,080 --> 00:43:53,560 What is it that you have brought in return for this big request? 587 00:43:54,200 --> 00:43:56,000 - Nothing. - Nothing? 588 00:43:57,200 --> 00:43:58,280 Nothing? 589 00:43:59,160 --> 00:44:01,480 Why would I help you for nothing? 590 00:44:01,480 --> 00:44:05,040 Because I have nothing to lose, 591 00:44:06,280 --> 00:44:08,320 {\an8}which makes me dangerous. 592 00:44:16,840 --> 00:44:22,000 {\an8}You don't look very dangerous from here, Princess Njinga of Ndongo. 593 00:44:22,720 --> 00:44:24,000 Really? 594 00:44:29,920 --> 00:44:32,440 Are you ready to talk now? 595 00:44:33,640 --> 00:44:36,120 {\an8}Or do you still want me to play with your dagger?