User blog comment:Fimber/The thing about magic - The Drawing of the Dark/@comment-5864027-20121216163313

You put forward some interesting points. I do actually agree with you on the subject of the legality of magic- I also believe that there are logical reasons to the banning of sorcery. However, I do not believe that it has no reason for coming back. Yes, there have been plenty of examples of dark magic that are no support for the return of sorcery to Camelot. But surely, if you think about it, any kind, good sorcerers will try to help in whatever non-violent way that they can [take the example of Finna/Alice], and so will not be trying to kill Uther or Arthur every second of the day, and so unless they are either helping Merlin in relation to the story [e.g. Finna], or simply possessed [e.g. Alice], will probably not be a part of the show, as that might be rather boring for the viewer! I've no doubt that both Arthur and Uther persecuted and killed peaceful sorcerers, for example the Druids, but we did see in 'A Herald of the New Age' that Arthur promised to no longer persecute the Druids.

This brings me to your point about the differences between Uther and Arthur. I believe that there are several differences between the two. Uther, though we do not see it, probably did persecute more magicians throughout the first three series than we are shown. But even so, we see on more than one occasion Arthur's willingness to risk his life for that of Merlin or Gwen, both servants. You may say this is due to friendship, but he did it once when he was still a rather arrogant, faulted character during Series 1, during 'The Poisoned Chalice', when Merlin had saved his life by drinking poison. Uther, at this point, demonstrates his uncaring view of people 'below' him. This is, I think, a major difference. Also, you yourself talk about Arthur's ability to forgive. I, however, do not think that it is pointless; whether the forgiveness is accepted or not, it is always a great trait to show mercy, no matter the consequences. Arthur also shows that he will take responsibility for his actions: for the murder of a unicorn, for example. On the other hand, Uther consistently denies responsibility for his actions, mostly that of his use of magic to have Arthur. Surely, this is the most significant difference of all.

Also, I think that you are in some ways mixed up about the role of the Old Religion in Merlin's life. I don't think [very sorry if I am wrong about this!] that Merlin is as such a member of the Old Religion. He certainly follows it, but rather more because of his beliefs about the balance of the world, about life and death, and about the use of good magic, rather than taking to all of it's ways. It is also known of the Old Religion that it was somewhat brutal in it's practices, for instance: human sacrifices at Samhain, dark magic- namely the use of the Formorroh, and in many ways playing God- for instance creating the Lamia. Is there any way in which we can assume that Merlin supports these actions? For this, I can't help but disagree with you on most of what you say when talking about Merlin! You talk about 'blurry visions' as well. Surely this is not what we can name prophecies which, as you say, have been proven to come true? Is Merlin wrong to follow these when he has no other guidance? He is one of a lucky few to have something like that to guide him, and he would indeed be foolish not to listen to it.

As said below, thank you for a very thought-provoking blog!