Tom

Thomas, known simply as Tom was a blacksmith in Camelot and is the father of Guinevere Pendragon and Sir Elyan, Knight of Camelot. After his death, he became the father-in-law of the King Arthur Pendragon through his daughter's marriage.

Biography
Tom was first mentioned by Guinevere when she was telling Merlin that she knew everything about armour from her father (Valiant).

Tom was one of the victims of the plague spread by Nimueh and her Afanc through the water system. Merlin used his magic to cure him and help Gwen in her desperate situation. But his quick recovery did not stay unnoticed and Gwen was accused of sorcery, when an enchanted item was found and had to face execution by Uther. Merlin, Arthur and Morgana saved her by slaying the Afanc. Later he appears when Gwen is freed and he says he is grateful to them all for saving his daughter (The Mark of Nimueh).

When Tristan de Bois returned from the dead, Gwen stole one of his swords, she gave it to Merlin who, with the Dragon's help, turned the sword into a weapon that can slay the dead (Excalibur).

Later Tom was working for Tauren, who used magic to create gold (alchemy), which Tom did not know at the time. At the point in time Tom realised what Tauren was using him for, Arthur arrests Tom, while Tauren was able to escape, and Uther condemns Tom to death believing Tom was aware he was conspiring with a sorcerer and had practised magic himself. Morgana told Uther if he kills him she'll never forgive him. Later Gwen visited Tom in his cell, who tells her, that he did not know Tauren was a sorcerer and that he just needed the money. She promised to get him out before she left. Morgana, realising Tom's trial is merely a formality, gave Tom the key to escape. But he was discovered and surrounded by guards, killing him on the spot and leaving Gwen an orphan. His corpse was seen being carried out by the guards and when Gwen saw this she was devastated. Morgana angrily watched this as well and confronted Uther, challenging him. The next day Gwen was with Merlin and Arthur told her, he is sorry for what happened, and that her job is safe. His death also drove Morgana to conspire with Tauren to murder Uther (To Kill the King).

Legacy
When Gwen and Elyan were both in Cenred's cells, they mentioned their father, Tom, and how Elyan didn't return when he died (The Castle of Fyrien).

When Guinevere was held trial, Uther assumed that she "enchanted" Arthur for revenge over the death of her father (Queen of Hearts).

When Arthur was suggesting who would betray him, he suggested Elyan, and said that he could betray him because Arthur's father killed Elyan's (A Servant of Two Masters).

Personality
According to Merlin, Tom was the most gentle soul he had ever met. As he has only appeared in two episodes, full knowledge of his personality is unknown, but he loved his daughter Guinevere and was determined to make her happy. Unfortunately his determination to make a better life for him and Gwen cost him his life when he was discovered working for Tauren even though he hadn't intended to commit treason.

Abilities
According to Gaius, Tom was the finest blacksmith in the kingdom. He made the sword that would become Excalibur after it was imbued with the breath of Great Dragon. He also was strong enough to knock out a guard during his escape.

Appearances

 * Series 1
 * Valiant (mentioned only)
 * The Mark of Nimueh (first appearance)
 * A Remedy to Cure All Ills (mentioned only)
 * Excalibur (mentioned only) (first identified as "Tom")
 * To Kill the King (dies)


 * Series 2
 * The Witchfinder (mentioned only)


 * Series 3
 * The Castle of Fyrien (mentioned only)
 * Queen of Hearts (mentioned only)
 * The Coming of Arthur: Part Two (mentioned only)


 * Series 4
 * His Father's Son (mentioned only)
 * A Servant of Two Masters (mentioned only)
 * The Hunter's Heart (mentioned only)