The final episode of Merlin, “The Diamond of the Day, Part 2,” sees Arthur Pendragon mortally wounded by Mordred and Merlin ultimately revealing his magic to him in a desperate attempt to save his life, only for Arthur to die in Merlin’s arms at the idyllic Lake Avalon, fulfilling the prophecies of Albion. The episode culminates in Merlin’s immortal vigil, watching over the now-united kingdom, forever awaiting Arthur’s return.
A King’s End: The Tragic Culmination
The final episode is a masterclass in bittersweet tragedy, fulfilling the prophecies that had haunted the series since its inception. The seeds of destruction, carefully sown throughout the show’s five seasons, finally blossom into a heart-wrenching conclusion. Arthur’s final confrontation with Mordred, triggered by a misunderstanding and further fueled by Morgana’s manipulation, sets in motion the chain of events leading to the king’s untimely demise. Mordred, a character who could have been a powerful ally, ultimately becomes the instrument of Arthur’s downfall, highlighting the dangers of prejudice and unfulfilled potential.
Merlin, torn between his duty to protect Arthur and his desire to remain hidden, is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice. He finally reveals his magic to Arthur, a moment the audience had been waiting for since the very beginning. However, this revelation, intended to save Arthur’s life, comes too late. Arthur, despite his initial shock and disbelief, accepts Merlin for who he is, acknowledging the countless times Merlin had saved him. This act of acceptance, though tragically timed, is a powerful testament to their enduring bond.
The Journey to Avalon
The journey to Avalon is fraught with peril, both physical and emotional. Merlin struggles to keep Arthur alive, desperately using his magic while grappling with the impending loss of his best friend and the king he had sworn to protect. The visual symbolism of the episode is powerful. The desolate landscape reflects the dying hopes of Camelot, while the stark contrast between Arthur’s failing health and Merlin’s unwavering determination underscores the depth of their relationship.
Reaching the Lake Avalon, the mythical gateway to the Otherworld, provides a brief respite. However, the peaceful setting only amplifies the tragedy of Arthur’s imminent death. As Arthur succumbs to his wounds, he finally acknowledges Merlin’s true identity and the sacrifices he has made. His final words, a promise to return when Albion needs him most, offer a glimmer of hope amidst the despair.
The Immortal Vigil
The episode concludes with Merlin, now immortal and bearing the burden of his knowledge and grief, standing at the shores of Avalon. He witnesses the dawn of a new era, a united kingdom finally at peace, but is forever marked by the loss of Arthur. This ending, while heartbreaking, is ultimately hopeful. Merlin’s eternal vigil ensures that Albion will never forget its once and future king, and the possibility of Arthur’s return remains a powerful symbol of hope for a brighter future. The final scene, spanning centuries, underscores the timeless nature of the legend and Merlin’s unwavering dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Merlin Finale
Here are some common questions about the Merlin finale, answered with clarity and insight:
Question 1: Why did Arthur have to die?
The narrative of Merlin is steeped in Arthurian legend, and Arthur’s death is a crucial element of that legend. While the show deviated from the traditional tales in many ways, Arthur’s death served as a necessary catalyst for the unification of Albion and the eventual return of the Once and Future King. From a dramatic standpoint, Arthur’s death provides the ultimate emotional impact, forcing Merlin to confront the consequences of his actions and the weight of his responsibility. It also highlights the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of hope.
Question 2: Was Merlin right to hide his magic from Arthur for so long?
This is one of the most debated aspects of the series. Hiding his magic allowed Merlin to protect Arthur and guide him to become a great king, arguably preventing disasters that could have befallen Camelot had his true nature been revealed earlier. However, this secrecy also created a barrier between them and fostered a degree of mistrust, ultimately contributing to the tragic events. Ultimately, the answer is subjective, but the show suggests that the truth, however painful, is always preferable to a lie.
Question 3: Could Merlin have saved Arthur if he had revealed his magic sooner?
Potentially, yes. If Arthur had known about Merlin’s magic and trusted him implicitly, Mordred’s actions might have been preempted. The lack of trust, fueled by secrets and misunderstandings, allowed Morgana to manipulate Mordred and exploit his resentment. However, the prophecies surrounding Arthur’s death were deeply ingrained, suggesting that fate played a significant role regardless of Merlin’s actions.
Question 4: What was the significance of Lake Avalon?
Lake Avalon is a deeply symbolic location in Arthurian legend, representing the gateway to the Otherworld and a place of healing and renewal. In the context of Merlin, it’s the place where Arthur is meant to rest until he is needed again. It represents the cyclical nature of Arthurian myth and the promise of his eventual return. It’s a place of both death and potential rebirth.
Question 5: Did Arthur actually forgive Merlin before he died?
Yes, he did. Despite his initial shock and disbelief at learning the truth about Merlin’s magic, Arthur ultimately accepted him, recognizing the sacrifices Merlin had made and the unwavering loyalty he had shown. His final words to Merlin were filled with gratitude and affection, confirming his forgiveness and deep love for his friend. This moment of acceptance is a powerful testament to the strength of their bond.
Question 6: Why didn’t Merlin use more powerful magic to heal Arthur?
The show doesn’t explicitly state why Merlin couldn’t fully heal Arthur. However, it’s implied that the wound inflicted by Mordred’s sword, forged in the fires of the Dark Tower and empowered by magic, was too profound. It was more than just a physical injury; it was a magical curse that slowly drained Arthur’s life force. Furthermore, the finale highlights the limitations of Merlin’s magic. He is powerful, but not omnipotent.
Question 7: What happened to Morgana after Arthur’s death?
The show doesn’t explicitly depict Morgana’s fate after Arthur’s death. While she orchestrates Arthur’s demise, the aftermath of her actions is left ambiguous. It’s heavily implied that she is defeated, both literally and figuratively, by the fulfillment of Arthur’s destiny. Her reign of terror ends, and her influence wanes with the dawn of a new era. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and hatred.
Question 8: Why did the show end after five seasons?
While the show was popular, the creators felt that they had reached a natural conclusion to the story arc. Arthur’s death was a pivotal moment in the Arthurian legend, and the series had essentially fulfilled its narrative purpose. Continuing beyond that point might have diluted the impact of the finale. It was a conscious decision to end the show on a high note, preserving the integrity of the story.
Question 9: What does Merlin’s immortality mean for his future?
Merlin’s immortality is a double-edged sword. It grants him the ability to watch over Albion and ensure its continued peace, but it also condemns him to an eternity of solitude and grief. He must bear the weight of his past and wait patiently for Arthur’s return. His immortality is a symbol of his enduring dedication to Albion and his unwavering hope for the future.
Question 10: Will Arthur ever return?
The final scene, with Merlin still watching over Albion in modern times, strongly suggests that Arthur will indeed return when he is needed. The legend of the Once and Future King is a central theme of the series, and the ending reinforces that belief. Whether that return will be literal or metaphorical remains open to interpretation. The ambiguity allows viewers to hold onto the hope that Arthur will one day fulfill his destiny.
Question 11: What is the main message of the Merlin finale?
The main message is a complex blend of tragedy and hope. It highlights the importance of sacrifice, loyalty, and the enduring power of love. It also underscores the cyclical nature of history and the constant struggle between good and evil. Ultimately, the finale suggests that even in the face of loss, hope remains a powerful force.
Question 12: Where can I watch Merlin again?
Merlin is available to stream on various platforms depending on your region. Popular options include services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer (in the UK). You can also often purchase digital copies of the series through platforms like iTunes or Google Play. Checking local streaming service availability is always recommended.