Arthur Pendragon definitively discovers Merlin’s magical abilities in the Series 5 finale, episode 13, “The Diamond of the Day – Part 2.” This pivotal moment arrives as Arthur, mortally wounded by Mordred, finally witnesses Merlin using magic to save him, forcing him to confront the truth he had previously dismissed or ignored.
The Climactic Confirmation: Arthur’s Realization
The journey to Arthur’s acceptance of Merlin’s magic is a long and fraught one, filled with subtle clues, near misses, and blatant displays of magic disguised as luck or explained away by impossible coincidences. Throughout the series, the writers intentionally kept Arthur in the dark, creating dramatic tension and exploring themes of prejudice, trust, and destiny. However, the “Diamond of the Day – Part 2” provides an undeniable, unambiguous revelation.
The episode reaches its peak when Arthur is struck by Mordred’s sword, a blade forged in dark magic. Mortally wounded, Arthur is transported by Merlin and Gwaine to the Lake of Avalon, a place of healing and magic. Desperate to save his king and friend, Merlin finally uses his magic openly, without apology or disguise. Arthur, witnessing Merlin’s power with his own eyes, finally accepts the truth. His reaction is a mix of shock, confusion, and ultimately, acceptance and gratitude. He understands the sacrifices Merlin has made and the burden he has carried, secretly protecting Arthur and Camelot. This realization, while arriving at the very end of Arthur’s life, allows for a moment of genuine connection and understanding between the two men, fulfilling the prophecy of Albion and its destined King.
The Significance of the Revelation
Arthur’s discovery of Merlin’s magic is more than just a plot point; it’s a cornerstone of the entire series arc. It highlights the deep bond between Arthur and Merlin, a bond built on friendship, loyalty, and mutual respect that transcends societal prejudices and personal fears. Had Arthur learned the truth earlier, the entire dynamic of Camelot, and the relationship between the two men, would have been drastically different. The delay allows for the exploration of themes like destiny versus free will, the conflict between the old ways and the new, and the importance of trust and acceptance. While bittersweet, given the circumstances, this final understanding completes the prophecy and fulfills Merlin’s purpose: to help Arthur build Albion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore this crucial element of the Merlin series:
H3: Why didn’t Arthur figure it out sooner?
The show deliberately perpetuated Arthur’s ignorance for dramatic effect. Several factors contributed:
- Arthur’s preconceived notions: Arthur’s deeply ingrained belief system, shaped by Uther’s laws and prejudices against magic, blinded him to the obvious. He struggled to reconcile the idea of magic being inherently evil with the goodness and loyalty he saw in Merlin.
- Merlin’s skillful concealment: Merlin was remarkably adept at concealing his magic, often attributing its effects to luck or coincidence. He used his quick wit and cleverness to deflect suspicion and maintain his secret.
- The writers’ design: Ultimately, the delayed revelation was a conscious choice by the writers to build suspense, explore the complexities of Arthur’s character, and emphasize the sacrifices Merlin made for Arthur and Camelot.
H3: What were some of the biggest “close calls” where Arthur almost discovered Merlin’s magic?
There were numerous instances where Arthur came dangerously close to uncovering Merlin’s secret. Some notable examples include:
- “The Moment of Truth” (Series 2, Episode 13): When Merlin uses magic to help Arthur win a tournament, Uther suspects him, and Merlin barely manages to evade detection.
- “The Nightmare Begins” (Series 3, Episode 1): When Merlin casts a spell to save Arthur from a deadly attack, the effects are so obvious that Arthur questions Merlin, who manages to deflect suspicion.
- The repeated use of Dragonlord powers: On multiple occasions, Merlin’s power as a Dragonlord saves Arthur, often leading to questions that Merlin has to cleverly evade.
H3: How did Uther’s ban on magic influence Arthur’s perception?
Uther’s strict ban on magic instilled a deep-seated fear and distrust of magic in Arthur from a young age. He viewed magic as a dangerous and corrupting force, associating it with evil sorcerers and threats to Camelot. This deeply ingrained prejudice made it difficult for him to consider the possibility that magic could be used for good or that someone he trusted, like Merlin, could wield it.
H3: Did anyone else in Camelot know about Merlin’s magic before Arthur?
Yes, several characters were aware of Merlin’s magical abilities before Arthur. These included:
- Gaius: Merlin’s mentor and guardian, who was the first to recognize and nurture Merlin’s powers.
- Lancelot: A close friend to both Arthur and Merlin, Lancelot discovered Merlin’s magic and kept his secret.
- Gwen: Queen Guinevere suspected and eventually confirmed Merlin’s abilities over time. Her intuition and close bond with Merlin allowed her to see past the facade.
H3: What was Arthur’s immediate reaction upon discovering Merlin’s magic?
Arthur’s immediate reaction was a mix of shock, disbelief, and confusion. He questioned everything he thought he knew about Merlin and about magic itself. He was clearly struggling to reconcile his preconceived notions with the undeniable reality before him. However, seeing Merlin use his magic to try and save him softened the blow and fostered a sense of gratitude and understanding.
H3: Did Arthur ever forgive Merlin for keeping his magic a secret?
Yes, despite the initial shock and betrayal, Arthur ultimately forgave Merlin. In his final moments, Arthur expresses his gratitude and understanding, acknowledging the sacrifices Merlin made to protect him and Camelot. He realizes that Merlin’s secrecy was driven by love and loyalty, not malice.
H3: How would the story have changed if Arthur knew about Merlin’s magic from the beginning?
If Arthur had known about Merlin’s magic from the beginning, the story would have been drastically different. The dynamic between the two men would have been altered significantly, likely removing much of the tension and secrecy that drove the plot. The series might have focused more on the challenges of integrating magic into Camelot’s society, or on the external threats they faced together. However, it would have lost the core element of Merlin’s hidden burden and the subtle way he shaped Arthur’s destiny.
H3: Was Arthur destined to learn about Merlin’s magic at that specific moment?
The timing of Arthur’s revelation seems to be heavily intertwined with destiny and prophecy. While free will played a role in their actions, the writers implied that the culmination of events, including Arthur’s impending death, was necessary for him to finally accept Merlin’s magic. The prophecy of Albion required Arthur to unite the land, and perhaps his acceptance of magic, even at the very end, was crucial to that unification.
H3: Did Mordred know about Merlin’s magic?
It is highly probable that Mordred knew, or at least strongly suspected, Merlin’s magical abilities. His Druidic background and connection to magic would have made him more perceptive to Merlin’s secret. Mordred could have potentially used this knowledge to manipulate events and further his own agenda against Arthur and Camelot.
H3: How did Merlin’s magic ultimately influence Arthur’s reign?
While Arthur remained unaware of Merlin’s magic for most of his reign, Merlin’s actions directly shaped Arthur’s decisions and successes. Merlin subtly guided Arthur, protected him from threats, and ensured the safety of Camelot. Without Merlin’s magic, Arthur’s reign would have been far shorter and likely less successful. Merlin’s influence ensured the fulfillment of the prophecy and the establishment of a just and prosperous kingdom.
H3: What does Arthur’s acceptance of Merlin’s magic symbolize?
Arthur’s final acceptance of Merlin’s magic symbolizes the potential for unity and understanding between different cultures and belief systems. It represents the bridging of the old ways and the new, paving the way for a more tolerant and accepting future for Camelot. It also signifies the culmination of Merlin’s journey and the fulfillment of his destiny to serve and protect Arthur.
H3: Could Arthur have survived his injuries if he had known about Merlin’s magic earlier?
This is a complex question with no definitive answer. While knowing about Merlin’s magic earlier might have allowed them to prepare for threats more effectively, or even potentially find a way to prevent Arthur’s fatal wound, it’s crucial to remember that destiny and prophecy played a significant role. The writers often emphasized that certain events were predetermined, and Arthur’s death at Mordred’s hand was arguably one of those events. The tragedy of Arthur’s passing, coupled with his ultimate acceptance of Merlin, served as a powerful and poignant conclusion to the series, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the enduring power of friendship.