The Foundling Theory & The Myth of the Three Brothers in The Regime Explained

The Regime episode 2 ends with the interesting “Foundling twist, but we’re yet to understand if it’s based on historical facts. The series stars Kate Winslet as Chancellor Elena Vernham, while Matthias Schoenaerts plays Herbert Zubak.

In the series, Zubak takes part in a shooting that led to the deaths of 12 protestors. However, The Chancellor still believes in Zubak, and he ends up being Elena’s closest confidante by the end of episode 1.

In episode 2, we see their bond grow further, with Herbert advising The Chancellor on all matters of international relations and home remedies. The unnamed nation headed by The Chancellor clearly needs stability, while Elena’s husband wants to get rid of Zubak.

1. What is the Foundling theory in The Regime?

The Regime episode 2 states that Herbert Zubak is the descendant of the unnamed nation’s founder, The Foundling. The Chancellor is skeptical of the news at first, but Laskin, the head of Security, confirms he checked Zubak’s DNA.

At the end of the episode, The Chancellor hints at great things on the horizon. The cabinet reinforces Elena’s belief in Herbert’s destiny, though their strategy seems to take him up to the savior status before bringing him down when the right moment arrives.

Is the Three Brothers myth in The Regime a true story?
Elena | Source: IMDb

In The Regime episode 2, the cabinet members discover unsettling details from Herbert’s past. The show reveals that he physically assaulted his mother when he was 14 years old. Moreover, Herbert was the first to open fire during the tragic Site Five massacre.

Nic advises against openly criticizing Zubak. He explains that since Elena is attached to Herbert, they require a more delicate strategy to get her on board. In this situation, a subtle approach that doesn’t alienate Elena would work best, which it does.

Elena’s other ministers, Mr. Singer and Mr. Schiff, agree with the strategy. They also find out The Chancellor’s connection to the 8th-century King of the Franks, Charlemagne. They interpret it as destiny that has united the direct descendants of The Foundling and Charlemagne.

2. Is The Three Brothers Myth Based on Real Facts?

The Three Brothers myth is a popular legend but not based on a true story. However, many argue that there’s some historical basis despite not being proven.

The Three Brothers myth tells the story of Czech, Lech, and Rus. As per the myth, Czech founded the Czech Republic, and Lech and Rus went to Poland and Russia to settle down, respectively.

While talking about Herbert’s lineage, Laskin mentions the legend of the three founding brothers to Elena. According to Laskin, these brothers moved to various places: one went eastward to Russia, another northward to Poland, and the third settled in the southern lands.

Laskin claims that Herbert is a direct descendant of these mythical brothers. However, he does not base his theory on any well-known facts. He cooks up the story to convince Elena.

3. The Fourth Brother Legend in The Regime Explained

While discussing the legend of the Three Brothers, Laskin talks about their nation’s unique interpretation. According to their belief, a fourth brother ventured westward and played a pivotal role in settling their country. It is this fourth brother who is an ancestor of Herbet.

Is the Three Brothers myth in The Regime a true story?
Herbert Zubak | Source: IMDb

As with most myths, the tale of Lech, Czech, and Rus has multiple versions. For instance, there is a version that features only Lech and Czech, with Rus not being a part.

The Regime manipulates this story to serve its own narrative purposes. The final scene leaves palace manager Agnes shocked as a portrait of Herbert, as The Foundling, is unveiled within the palace. The glorification hints at the challenges ahead, although the cabinet seems to have a plan for Herbert’s eventual removal in place.

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4. About The Regime

The Regime is an upcoming miniseries from HBO starring Kate Winslet, Andrea Riseborough, Matthias Schoenaerts and Hugh Grant. Will Tracy is writer, executive producer and showrunner on the series with Stephen Frears and Jessica Hobbs directing episodes and executive producing.

Kate Winslet, Frank Rich and Tracey Seaward are also executive producers. The series follows the events of events of a modern European regime and Winslet plays the role of a brutal and ignorant dictator. 

Pratyasha Sarkar

Pratyasha Sarkar

Officially a student of literature, but unofficially a defence lawyer of fictional characters. I am mostly either feasting on chocolate chip cookies or binge watching sitcoms. Also, I firmly believe mint ice cream tastes like toothpaste.

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