The essential episodes of Merlin
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Merlin — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Merlin, a wizard on the cusp of adulthood, arrives in Camelot hoping to find a use for his burgeoning talent for magic. He is welcomed by Gaius, the court physician, but Merlin soon learns magic has been outlawed by King Uther, the tyrannical leader of the realm, its practice made punishable by death.When the Great Dragon summons Merlin to his cave, he tells the young wizard that he has a great destiny - to use his skills to keep the young Prince Arthur safe. But Merlin hates the flashy, arrogant Prince, and Arthur despises the wizard with equal fervour. So when an evil witch threatens Prince Arthur's life, Merlin finds himself tested - will he face up to his destiny to keep Arthur safe? And can he do so without getting caught?
- 02
When Merlin decides to help a magical young fugitive, he finds an unlikely ally in Morgana.The pair are desperate to smuggle the boy back to his own kind, but this becomes increasingly difficult, as the hunt for his whereabouts increases with every minute. Their task takes a dangerous turn when Uther declares that anyone hiding the child will be executed.With their lives now on the line, can they sneak the boy out of the castle without being caught? And perhaps more importantly, just who is the mysterious child, and how does he know so much about Merlin?
- 03
Uther's past comes back to haunt him when a mysterious Black Knight rides into Camelot. The visitor quickly makes his presence felt, throwing down his gauntlet and challenging the Knights of Camelot to mortal combat.As the formidable fighter picks off his opponents one by one, it becomes clear he cannot be beaten; is it just his superior skill, or is there something more sinister behind his invincibility? With Arthur set to face this deadly foe, will Uther overcome his pride and do the right thing, or is the truth too difficult to face?
- 04
When Merlin's village is attacked by Kanan, a fearsome raider, Merlin rushes home to help - and is surprised when Gwen, Morgana and Arthur insist on coming with him.It quickly becomes clear that the odds are stacked firmly against them. With dozens of lives at stake, Merlin's old friend William forces him to make a difficult choice. Is he prepared to use magic to save the village, and in doing so reveal his sorcery to Arthur? Or will his destiny to protect the future King lead him to keep his magic a secret, which may mean leaving his old friends to die..?
- 05
When Arthur kills a unicorn, the most prized and mystical of creatures, Merlin's heart is filled with foreboding.The young sorcerer's concerns are soon validated when a curse descends on Camelot. With the fabled city fast running out of both food and water, Arthur is desperate to help his people. But to do so he must listen to the mysterious Anhora and he doesn't like what he hears. Will Arthur take Anhora seriously before it's too late? And if so, is he brave enough to face the challenges that are thrown at him?
- 06
When Gwen's father is imprisoned for treason and killed at Uther's behest, Morgana decides she must take revenge.Merlin is stunned to discover just how far she is prepared to go when he uncovers a plot to kill the King. Can the young sorcerer summon the courage to foil her plan, or is this one occasion when he should just sit back and do nothing? After all, his life would be much simpler were Uther not around.
- 07
Gaius is deeply troubled when a Questing Beast is spotted in Camelot. A creature conjured from the nightmares of a long dead king, not only is its bite fatal but it is feared as an omen of impending doom...Friendship, loyalty and love are all tested to the limit as Merlin is forced to choose between those he loves most in the world. Just how far is the young sorcerer prepared to go to protect his destiny? And what will he have to sacrifice in order to do so?
- 08
The Great Dragon is finally free. Full of rage, he attacks Camelot with pitiless intensity. The castle is crumbling and Arthur's men cannot hold out much longer but only a Dragonlord can kill a dragon and Utherwiped them all out years ago. Or did he? Gaius admits one such man could still be alive and in hiding.The last Dragonlord is the key to Merlin's own past as well as the future of Camelot, but will Arthur and Merlin find Balinor in time to save the kingdom?
- 09
Arthur embarks on a solitary quest to retrieve the Golden Trident from the Fisher King and prove himself worthy of the Camelot throne. With the Prince beyond the protection of the citadel, Morgana sees an opportunity to use her dark magic and gives him a precious bracelet containing a Phoenix Eye. She insists he wears it at all times for protection, but it saps him of his life force and he is left defenceless in the Fisher King's perilous realm. With the help of Gwaine, can Merlin reach him in time and fulfil his own quest to protect the future king of Camelot?
- 10
Morgana is tormented by dreams of Guinevere becoming Queen of Camelot. Encouraged by Morgause, she decides to reveal Arthur and Gwen's courtship to Uther, who will do whatever it takes to stop his son from marrying a serving girl.
- 11
The Coming of Arthur: Part One
Merlin and Arthur are sent on a dangerous mission to capture the Cup of Life, a powerful magical artifact that carries the gift of immortality. Before they can retrieve the Cup, they are captured by the unscrupulous slave trader, Jarl.
- 12
The Coming of Arthur: Part Two
Queen Morgana begins a reign of terrible evil over the innocent citizens of Camelot. With Morgause's immortal army at her command, it seems there is no hope for Uther, who must watch his Kingdom crumble under the unimaginable cruelty of his own daughter.
- 13
The mighty citadel is buzzing in anticipation of the prince's birthday celebrations. But Arthur's old adversary, Odin, promises to ensure this is one party Camelot will never forget. For amongst the assembling guests lurks a deadly assassin, set to strike.
- 14
The Sword in the Stone: Part Two
Morgana and Helios have successfully captured Camelot, and Merlin and Arthur are outlaws on the run. Arthur must take control before Camelot is lost forever... but the young king has started to doubt himself. Only Merlin can restore his faith, and only an extraordinary act can prove to the King that he was born to rule. Will the young warlock convince Arthur before his dreams of Albion fall to pieces?
- 15
The Diamond of the Day: Part Two
And so it seems the Prophets did not lie. As the great battle rages on Camlann's mighty plain, Merlin faces his moment of destiny. Can he find the strength to save the man he made a King; the Camelot they fought to build; and the brotherhood they shared?
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