Valley of the Fallen Kings

"Nothing good ever happens in the Valley of the Fallen Kings. No one in their right mind would ever go in there."

- Merlin to Arthur

The Valley of the Fallen Kings is a valley in the kingdom of Camelot. Its entrance is marked by giant stone statues of ancient kings, and hidden within its territory is the Crystal Cave, the birthplace of magic itself.

History
Merlin went through the Valley of the Fallen Kings while on his way to the Isle of the Blessed, where he hoped to find someone who could save Arthur from the Questing Beast (Le Morte d'Arthur).

Merlin and Arthur sought refuge in the Valley of the Fallen Kings while being chased by bandits. They escaped, but Arthur was badly wounded and Merlin was unable to heal him with his magic. Fortunately, they were found by the Seer Taliesin, who healed Arthur's wound and introduced Merlin to the Crystal Cave (The Crystal Cave).

When Merlin was badly injured by the Dorocha, Lancelot volunteered to take him back to Camelot for treatment and used a shortcut through the Valley of the Fallen Kings. They encountered the Vilia along the way, who used their powerful healing magic to help Merlin recover (The Darkest Hour).

While on a secret route through the Valley of the Fallen Kings, Merlin, Arthur, and the Knights were ambushed by Morgana's mercenaries. They managed to escape, but Merlin and Arthur became separated from the others and Merlin was struck in the chest with a mace. They were later discovered by the mercenaries, forcing Arthur to fight them alone. When more men arrived, Merlin used the last of his strength to trigger a rockfall, blocking the path between the mercenaries and Arthur and resulting in his own capture (A Servant of Two Masters).

Morgana hired Daegal to lead Merlin into a trap in the Valley of the Fallen Kings (The Hollow Queen).

After his magic was devoured by the Gean Canach, Merlin traveled through the Valley to reach the Crystal Cave, where he hoped to restore his powers. He was escorted there by Gwaine, who protected him from bandits until they arrived at the Cave. Merlin then sent Gwaine to meet up with Camelot's army at Camlann while he continued on alone (The Diamond of the Day).

Appearances

 * Series 1
 * Le Morte d'Arthur


 * Series 3
 * The Crystal Cave


 * Series 4
 * The Darkest Hour: Part Two
 * A Servant of Two Masters


 * Series 5
 * The Hollow Queen
 * The Diamond of the Day: Part One

Trivia

 * Because of its cursed reputation, the Valley of the Fallen Kings is a popular hideout for bandits (The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Queen, The Diamond of the Day).
 * Morgana's hovel is likely located in or near the Valley of the Fallen Kings (A Servant of Two Masters).
 * The Valley of the Fallen Kings is more than half a day's walk from the citadel (The Hollow Queen).

In the Legend
The Valley of the Fallen Kings may be based on Brocéliande, an enchanted forest in Arthurian Legend. First appearing in Wace's work Roman de Rou in 1160, Brocéliande is known for its uncertain location and unusual weather, and is said to contain a number of magical landmarks.

Among Brocéliande's most famous locations is the Vale of No Return. Created by Morgan le Fay after she was forsaken by the knight Guiomar, the Vale was enchanted to imprison any knights who were unfaithful in love. They could only be freed if a completely faithful lover overcame a series of trials, including two dragons, a wall of fire, and the crossing of a cliff-lined pool. Lancelot eventually managed this task due to his complete loyalty to Guinevere, which angered Morgan so much that she imprisoned him within the Vale by putting him to sleep with an enchanted ring.

Brocéliande is also said to be the place of Merlin's retirement, imprisonment, or death. In the series, Morgana tries to entomb Merlin in the Crystal Cave, which is located in the Valley of the Fallen Kings.