Gaius

"The heart of old Camelot."

- Agravaine, describing Gaius

Gaius is the Court Physician of Camelot and has been for the last twenty-seven to twenty-nine years, since the birth of Arthur Pendragon. Additionally, he has a great knowledge of sorcery and the legends associated with it, having studied and practised it for many years before the Great Purge. He is Merlin’s mentor and friend, and one of the few people who know of his magical abilities.

Early life
When Uther’s wife Ygraine could not conceive an heir to the throne of Camelot, Uther struck a bargain with the High Priestess, Nimueh, which would allow her to conceive. He appeared to have sent Gaius, who was then the court sorcerer and physician, to the Isle of the Blessed to make a request on his behalf. Nimueh used her magic to allow Ygraine to conceive an heir. Unfortunately, Uther was not aware that by using magic to create a life, another life had to be taken in order to protect the natural balance of the world. As a result, Ygraine died in childbirth. On the night of her death, Gaius saw the Questing Beast, a magical creature of the Old Religion and an omen of misfortune. After the loss of his beloved wife, a grief-stricken Uther turned on Nimueh, accusing her of treason and banishing her from Camelot, and began the Great Purge, ordering the execution of hundreds of sorcerers, both good and evil. The Knights of Camelot hunted down and killed everyone who had magic in Camelot.

At the start of the Great Purge, Uther gave Gaius a list of all people who were suspected of using magic to be killed. When Gaius discovered his beloved Alice on the list, he struck her name off, thus giving her time to escape. He himself decided to stop practising magic and to remain in Camelot as the court physician.

During the Great Purge, Uther ordered many people to be drowned, including children who had inherited magic from their parents.

Before the Great Purge started and due to an unknown reason, Morgause, having inherited her mother Vivienne’s magical powers, was smuggled out of Camelot by Gaius after she was born and being brought to the high priestesses of the Old Religion. It is unknown why Uther was led to believe that Morgause had died shortly after her birth.

Julius Borden was a pupil of Gaius, who disappeared during the Great Purge, leaving Gaius in a lot of trouble.

Uther was also keen to rid the world of Dragons and tricked Balinor into summoning Kilgharrah to Camelot. Here he trapped Kilgharrah deep beneath the Castle. Uther still pursued the Dragonlord, so Gaius helped Balinor to escape execution and hid him with his friend Hunith.

Gaius and Uther had been friends despite the different views on magic of which Uther had no knowledge of, since Gaius had always pretended to support the hunt on magic.

Merlin’s Mentor
"You have taught me so much. Taught me who I am. Taught me the purpose for my skills. Taught me that magic should only be used for great deeds. But most of all, you have always taught me to do what is right."

- Merlin to Gaius



Gaius is the current guardian of Merlin, who was sent to him by his younger sister, Hunith. Hunith feared the repercussions Merlin would face should his powers be discovered by Uther or his men. Upon his arrival, Merlin saved Gaius from falling from a balcony in his room using his powers. Gaius quickly took a liking to the boy and promised to keep his secret about Merlin using magic (The Dragon's Call).

Gaius acted as a surrogate father and teacher to Merlin. He frequently tried to encourage him in his abilities while, at the same time, advising him to look at the bigger picture such as with the plague in Camelot where Gaius tried to make Merlin see that curing one person can have consequences; subsequently Merlin cured Gwen’s father, resulting in her being accused of witchcraft. Merlin and Gaius managed to find the source of the disease; an Afanc in Camelot’s water supply and after the Afanc was destroyed, Gwen was freed. Gaius showed Uther an eggshell Merlin had found underground. The shell bore the mark of Nimueh (The Mark of Nimueh).

Uther trusted Gaius’ advice frequently in matters concerning magic (The Mark of Nimueh, The Poisoned Chalice), although at times, they failed to see eye to eye (Lancelot). When Edwin Muirden manipulated Uther into believing Gaius was no longer capable of his job, Gaius was removed from his post as court physician. Furthermore, Edwin threatened to tell Uther about Merlin practising magic if Gaius told Uther about his own use of magic. It was only after Edwin’s attempt to kill Uther, and Merlin stopping him from attempting to kill Gaius, that he was once again restored to his post.

When Arthur was seriously injured by the Questing Beast, Gaius did everything he could to save the prince and managed to keep him alive long enough for Merlin to go to the Isle of the Blessed to find a cure. Arthur recovered, due to Merlin making a deal, but then Merlin’s mother grew seriously ill. Merlin planned to sacrifice himself to save her but Gaius went instead. On the Isle of the Blessed, he met Nimueh whom he had known before the Great Purge. Gaius persuaded Nimueh to kill him so that both Merlin and his mother could live. It seemed that Gaius actually did die but Merlin arrived and, enraged by the death of his friend and mentor, slew Nimueh. In killing Nimueh, Merlin restored balance to the world, mastering the power of life and death and reviving Gaius.

Gaius was later arrested for sorcery when Aredian, a witchfinder, accused Merlin of using magic and he took the blame. Gaius was locked in the dungeon and was tortured and interrogated by Aredian until he was forced to confess in order to prevent Aredian from killing Merlin and Morgana along with him. Aredian betrayed him and intended to have Merlin and Morgana executed as well. Fortunately, Merlin was able to uncover Aredian’s treachery and Gaius was freed, giving Uther some very harsh words on his views of magic afterwards.

Gaius was frequently seen advising Merlin or assisting him wherever he could. It was Gaius who told Merlin about his father Balinor who was the last living Dragonlord. Gaius helped Balinor escape from Camelot when he was hunted by Uther. He was seen saving as many lives as he could during the Great Dragons assault on Camelot and later comforted Merlin about Balinor’s death telling Merlin, "you've still got me."

Possessed by a Goblin
"Believe me, Merlin, goblins will stop at nothing to get their hands on the one thing they value above all others; gold."

- Gaius to Merlin

When Merlin accidentally released a Goblin, the Goblin possessed Gaius. The Goblin Gaius had a craving for gold and was very manipulative, spreading rumours about fake illnesses so he could sell 'cures' to them. A few of these had side effects - namely, thecures given to Gwen (for a fake illness), Morgana (for her nightmares, as the goblin had stolen her gold healing bracelet) and Uther (for a curse placed by the Goblin, causing him to go bald) included excessive flatulence. When Merlin found out about the Goblin, he revealed his magic. The Goblin then revealed Merlin’s magic to the court, forging evidence with a magic book from a hidden section of the library. Despite Merlin’s original claims of Gaius’ possession being ignored, Arthur grew suspicious of Gaius’ behaviour. He tricked the Goblin into saying he would be glad to see Merlin hang, and silently threatened to either kill or turn him in. In retaliation, Gaius partially turned Arthur into a donkey, giving him donkey ears and a donkey voice. Merlin and Gwen later poisoned Gaius to get the Goblin out of his body but managed to give him an antidote before he died. Gaius then told Uther that he was possessed and that Merlin was innocent. However, this was only half true as Merlin was the one who released the Goblin in the first place.

Gaius’ Love
"You make me so happy. Words cannot describe how much I care for you. The times we have spent together recently have meant so much to me. I am so happy we are engaged. I so look forward to marrying you, Gaius."

- Alice to Gaius, shortly after they were engaged.

Gaius’ lover from many years ago, Alice, returned to Camelot under the influence of a Manticore. Gaius was delighted to see her and they worked together just as they had before the Great Purge. Gaius revealed to Merlin that he was in love with Alice and would have married her if not for the Great Purge. When Merlin discovered Alice was in league with a Manticore, Gaius refused to believe him. Alice poisoned Uther, forcing Gaius to realise that she had betrayed him, albeit unintentionally; the Manticore had been too strong for Alice to control. Despite this Gaius remained in love with Alice. He and Merlin managed to destroy the Manticore when Gaius used magic to blow up the box that allowed the Manticore to come from its own world into theirs.

Gaius tried to persuade Uther not to have Alice executed, protesting that she had not been able to control herself because of the Manticore. Uther sentenced Alice to death and Gaius visited her in the dungeon and told her that he loved her. Gaius helped Alice escape from Camelot just as he had twenty years earlier. Merlin noted that he could have gone with her but Gaius replied by saying that if he left there would be nobody to look after the young warlock.

Morgana’s Reign
"Camelot needs us both!"

- Merlin to Gaius

Gaius was the only known person in Camelot, apart from Elyan, who was able to escape Morgause’s immortal warriors unscathed. He was hiding in a cupboard in his chambers when Merlin and Arthur returned from their failed mission to retrieve the Cup of Life. Merlin and Arthur’s friends, Elyan and Gwaine took Gaius into the safety of the forest while Merlin and Arthur went to find Uther, Guinevere and any other survivors of the assault.



Gaius hid in the woods with Arthur, Merlin, Elyan and Gwaine. Guinevere and Sir Leon met them, having escaped from Camelot and they were soon joined by Lancelot and Percival. Gaius was present when Arthur uncovered the Round Table and knighted Gwaine, Elyan, Percival and Lancelot. Arthur requested that he and Gwen stay behind while they attempted to infiltrate Camelot. Gaius disobeyed the prince and arrived in Camelot in time to stop Morgause from killing Merlin, blasting her with a powerful spell and giving Merlin a chance to smash her against a pillar, wounding and perhaps indirectly being the cause of her death (The Darkest Hour). Then Merlin used Excalibur to empty the Cup of Life and deprive the sisters of their immortal army (The Coming of Arthur).

The Dorocha
"It was on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's Eve, the very moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It cannot be a coincidence."

- Gaius to Merlin

When Morgana attempted to take revenge on Camelot again by summoning creatures known as the Dorocha, Gaius told Arthur that the only way to defeat them would be to make a sacrifice in the Isle of the Blessed. Arthur then planned to sacrifice himself despite being the future king. Merlin, who was unable to forsake his destiny to protect Arthur, told Gaius that he would sacrifice himself in Arthur’s place despite Gaius telling him not to go.

Meanwhile, Arthur’s uncle Agravaine took charge of the kingdom in Arthur’s absence and had the city gates closed to prevent food running out. Gaius angrily confronted Agravaine and Gwen persuaded him to reopen the gates. Gaius then suspected that Agravaine was loyal to Morgana and later discovered that Gwen had been knocked unconscious by Morgana before curing her. After Merlin, Arthur and the others returned to Camelot when Lancelot sacrificed himself to defeat the Dorocha, he and Merlin learned that Morgana was aware of Merlin’s identity as Emrys. After telling Merlin of his suspicions of Agravaine, he warned Merlin that Morgana should never learn that he has magic and that he is Emrys (The Darkest Hour).

Arthur’s Coronation & Merlin Kidnapped
When Uther was mortally wounded by an assassin, Arthur begged Gaius to save him but Gaius told him that because the dagger had touched Uther’s heart and that he was bleeding inside, he could not be cured and would only live for a few days. Arthur, however, planned to save Uther with magic and Merlin saw this as an opportunity to convince Arthur to return magic back to Camelot by returning to his old man (Dragoon the Great) disguise. However Agravaine told Morgana of Arthur’s plans and she made him put a necklace she enchanted around Uther’s neck and repel healing magic. When the disguised Merlin used a healing spell on Uther, the necklace reversed it and Uther died, which Gaius took indifferently.

Gaius later showed the necklace to Merlin and he realised that it was Morgana. As Arthur mourned Uther’s death, Merlin blamed himself for his death and worried that Arthur would never learn that he is a sorcerer as Arthur’s heart was again hardened against magic. Gaius reassured Merlin that he was not to blame for Uther’s death and that Arthur would soon learn that Merlin is a sorcerer. Gaius later watched as Arthur was crowned King of Camelot. (The Wicked Day)

After Merlin was kidnapped by mercenaries and taken to Morgana, Gaius expressed great concern and was told by Arthur that he would not rest until Merlin was recovered. When Merlin was found by Arthur and Gwaine, Gaius was relieved by his return, unaware that he had previously been kept hostage by Morgana and was now brainwashed into trying to kill Arthur. Gaius grew suspicious of Merlin’s abrupt and rude behaviour and eventually concluded with Gwen that he was being controlled by a snake known as the Fomorroh. Gaius attempts to remove the snake, only to find that it had grown back and the only way to truly kill it is to murder the mother snake. Merlin, now under free will, dressed up as Dragoon and returned to Morgana’s hovel where he successfully burned the rest of the Fomorroh. He later faced Arthur’s wrath after Gaius claimed that he spent time in the tavern.



Kidnapped
"Emrys is a name by which he is known to the druids, but to me...I know him by a different name."

- Gaius to Alator While Arthur continued to be concerned by the presence of a traitor among his inner circle, Agravaine and Morgana schemed to use the opportunity to be rid of Gaius, planting doubts in Arthur's head about his loyalty. Arthur therefore decided to allow Agravaine to question Gaius about his views on magic and whether he knew more about the sorcerer, Dragoon the Great, who had 'killed' Uther Pendragon. Though Arthur was unhappy at treating Gaius in this way, he sensed that Gaius was hiding something. Gaius then appeared to have fled as he disappeared overnight and there was a horse missing from the stables, but in reality he had been kidnapped by Alator, an apparent ally of Morgana.

Alator then used a form of magical psychological pressure to force Gaius into revealing the true identity of Emrys. Gaius resisted the torture initially, but eventually succumbed and identified Merlin as Emrys. Shortly after this he was found by Agravaine, who put a knife to his throat, but Gwaine's timely arrival foiled his plans to kill Gaius. Agravaine was therefore forced to help Gwaine to bring Gaius back to Camelot. When Merlin, having been saved by Alator, was reunited with his mentor, Gaius told him he was ashamed to have revealed his secret but Merlin reassured him by telling him about Alator’s true loyalties. Arthur then arrived and and apologised profusely, also asking Gaius why he had not told the truth about Dragoon the Great, to which Gaius answered that he had been protecting him from Arthur's punishment since he had truly tried to save Uther. Arthur accepted this explanation and seemed to have calmed over the situation, no longer as vengeful towards the sorcerer (The Secret Sharer).

Lamia Rampage
"Merlin is right. This is no ordinary illness. There is sorcery at work here."

- Gaius to John Howden

When Gaius was asked to go to Longstead to investigate a strange illness he declined on grounds of being busy since the sweating sickness was rife in Camelot. He therefore asked Merlin to go in his stead, trusting in his abilities as a physician. When Merlin and the others failed to return within a reasonable time period, Gaius accompanied Agravaine and Arthur to Longstead to investigate. It soon became clear to Gaius that a Lamia was on the loose and after the creature was killed Gaius was able to cure all those afflicted by the creature (Lamia).

Lancelot's Return
"This man's a shadow of his former self. A shadow with ill intent."

- Gaius to Merlin

When Lancelot suddenly and miraculously reappeared in Camelot after having been thought dead for months, Gaius and Merlin were immediately suspicious. They therefore researched the living dead and deduced that the resurrected Lancelot was in fact a shade, summoned to cause trouble in Camelot, though initially neither Gaius nor Merlin realised exactly what his orders were, which led to Gwen being exiled as a result of his actions (Lancelot du Lac).

Haunted Shrine
"Anyone who disturbs a resting place risks releasing the spirit. Merlin, you must promise me you'll never return to that place."

- Gaius to Merlin

When Merlin returned from a patrol and spoke to Gaius of a mysterious abandoned village deep in the forest, Gaius warned him that it was in fact a Druid shrine, erected for the sake of a troubled soul to appease it after an unjust death. Gaius warned that it would be disastrous if any member of the patrol had touched anything at the shrine, but it soon became evident that Elyan had in fact disturbed the spirit and was now in its thrall. After investigating the shrine for himself, Gaius informed Arthur that the spirit was that of a Druid boy, whom he assumed was one of the many child sorcerers that Uther had persecuted. Gaius explained that in order for the spirit to be put to rest, the perpetrator of the injustice done to it must show true remorse so the soul could move on to the next world. All assumed this was impossible since the one at fault, Uther, was already dead and could not atone, which led Gaius to advise for Elyan to be put to death since he could not be stopped. However, Gaius was in fact unaware that it was Arthur who had led the raiding party on the village and that he would be able to repent (A Herald of the New Age).

Princess Mithian
Gaius, after listening to Merlin's dilemma over whether or not he should interfere in the situation between Arthur and Gwen, advised caution against interference. Leon then arrived and informed Gaius that Agravaine had summoned him to examine a dead body found at the foot of one of Camelot's towers. Gaius quickly deduced that the man died of a broken neck, but was puzzled as to why the man had no other broken bones if he had fallen from the tower. Later, Gaius examined a letter found on the dead man's possession which seemingly prove he was working for King Odin. However, Gaius suspected the correspondence was not as it seemed, but could not explain how.

Morgana's Second Conquest
"It seems your victory is short-lived, Morgana."

- Gaius to Morgana Gaius, along with the rest of Camelot, was caught by surprise when Morgana and Helios invaded Camelot. Gaius cared for the wounded as best as he could and later agreed with Merlin that he should use magical means to get Arthur out of the citadel if he would not go willingly. However, he then refused to accompany Merlin out of Camelot, stating that he would slow them down. Gaius, along with Gwaine, was therefore quickly faced by Morgana herself.

Later, locked in the dungeons, Gaius immediately saw that Elyan had been tortured to the limit of human endurance by a Nathair serpent. In the meantime, the three prisoners received no food as punishment for having fought agaisnt Morgana's soldiers. Gwaine then demanded that Morgana give them food, particularly for the aged and ailing Gaius. As a result, she forced him to fight more and more unfair fights for her own entertainment to earn food. Gaius continued to grow weaker during his incarceration and Gwaine and Elyan grew deeply concerned for his health. Gwaine continued to fight for food, despite the odds being increasingly stacked against him. Gaius then protested against the two younger men giving him food, stating that Gwaine would need all his strength to continue fighting and that it was wasted on him. When Gaius and the others were eventually rescued after Arthur recaptured Camelot, Gaius was in a critical condition but soon recovered.

Morgana's Reemergence
Three years later Gaius is sitting at the King Arthur's round table, all present are worried because Sir Gwaine and many others have vanished since setting out for Ismere. The matter is discussed further in Arthur's chambers. There are whispers that Morgana is currently occupying the fortress of Ismere, nonetheless Arthur means to rescue his men. Gaius warns that this might have been Morgana's plan all along to lure her brother into a trap. Arthur still isn't dissuaded but both he and Gaius agree that taking the western route (on Guinevere's suggestion) through Annis' land will take Morgana by surprise. Guinevere and Gaius are shocked to learn that her husband's party was ambushed she concludes that once again there is a traitor in Camelot. Gaius is present when Sefa is brought before the Queen and accused of treason. He is somewhat shocked when the girl is sentenced to death after admitting her guilt. Gaius pays Sefa a visit to offer her a potion that will ease her passing. The girl refuses it and begs the physician to speak on her behalf to the Queen. When Gaius states that it will be to no avail Sefa asks to address Guinevere herself to which he reluctantly agrees. When Sefa pleads her case before the Queen Gaius is there, but Guinevere will not relent and sends the desperate girl back to her cell. Gaius asks if maybe Sefa's punishment isn't a bit severe and whether she truly deserves death. Guinevere finally reveals that she has no intention of having Sefa executed she merely hopes to lure Ruadan to Camelot as he is the true threat. Gaius warns his Queen that she is playing a dangerous game but Guinevere asserts that much must be risked during times of war. Her plan works to a T and Ruadan is killed by the knights of Camelot. Guinevere is present when Gaius performs the autopsy on the druid's body. They find a Druid prayer in Ruadan's clothes. The physician states that it's a victory prayer and that even though the druids were once peaceful the great purge changed that. The druids believe that Arthur has inherited his father's hatred of magic so they feel they must fight him. Gaius also informs Guinevere of the prophecy that Arthur will die at the hands of a druid. Later in their chambers Gaius and Merin discuss recent events and whether Mordred has truly turned over a new leaf. Gaius is optimistic but Merlin remains grim and believes that Albion's great trial has begun.

The Haunting of Camelot
When Arthur comes into possession of a strange horn he shows it to Gaius and ask him what it's for. Gaius identifies it as the horn of Cathbhaddh a magical horn used by the high priestesses of the Old Religion to visit the land of the dead. Gaius witnessed such a ceremony at the great stones of Nemeton as a young man. The horn vanished decades later shortly before Uther invaded the isle of the Blessed during the purge. Gaius councils Arthur to keep the horn safe. When Percival is nearly killed by a flying axe Gaius tend to his wounds he finds it all too strange that an axe could just fly on its own. Gaius immediately notices Merlin's strange behavour after Percival has left and questions his ward. Merlin finally admits that despite all warnings Arthur used the horn to contact Uther. Gaius correctly surmises that Arthur looked back before leaving the spirit world thus setting Uther free. After Guinevere is nearly killed Arthur accepts that his father is haunting Camelot and requests Gaius' aid. The physician brews a potion that allows mortals to see spirits. This will allow Arthur to track down Uther's phantom for only the person who summoned the spirit can send it back. Gaius does warn that the foul tasting potion might not be entirely safe.

Mithian Returns
Gaius' medical expertise is called upon once again when princess Mithian arrives in Camelot grievously wounded. In the physician's care Mithian soon recovers. During a privy council meeting Gaius advises caution in rescuing king Rodor. Should Odin get wind of Arthur's presence he would surely come after him. Whilst preparing medical supplies with Merlin Gaius notices that his ward is distracted. Merlin confesses to his friend that he doesn't know what to make of Mithian's story it's as if she frightened of something. The young warlock is also distrustful of Hilda there something off about the old woman. Gaius attempts to reassure Merlin that both women are merely traumatised after their horrendous ordeal. Gaius accompanies Merlin and Arthur on the rescue mission and comforts his ward again when he states that there are holes in Mithian's story. Gaius examines Hilda when she doubles over in pain and is stunned to discover that the woman is in remarkable health for one so old. When Merlin is found comatose Gaius uses magic to revive him. Merlin meditatively informs the physician that Hilda is really Morgana in disguise. When Merlin thanks his guardian for saving him Gaius admits that such using such powerful magic exacted its toll on him and hopes he won't have to performs such spell everyday. Back home Gaius and Merlin are glad that thanks to the peace treaty with Odin Albion is fast becoming a reality. Both men are worried however about Morgana's ever growing powers, Gaius hopes that the day the high priestess' magic will rival Merlin's never comes.

The Disir's Judgement
Weeks later Gaius and Merlin still aren't seeing eye to eye about Mordred. Merlin believes that the future is set in stone and Mordred will destroy Arthur. Gaius counters that there are many possible futures and had Mordred wanted to harm the king he could have done so already. Arthur is somewhat troubled about the Disir's unfavorable judgement so he asks Gaius what to do. The physician warns Arthur that the Disir are the highest court of the Old Religion they speak for the Triple Goddess and she controls men's fates. Gaius also says that he has lived long enough not to dismiss the beliefs of others. Arthur takes this to heart and later ask Gaius for the Disir's location. Gaius warns his ward that the old ways are powerful where the Disir hold court so he should tread with care. When Mordred is brought back wounded even Gaius can't help him. Merlin refuses to heal the young knight because he still believes in the prophecy, this shocks and hurts Gaius. Arthur ask Gaius again if there's nothing to be done about Mordred. Gaius then says that only the Disir themselves can undo their own magic. Later Gaius does his best to console Merlin who blames himself for Mordred's survival and the part he could play in Arthur's demise.

Abduction and Mind-Control of Guinevere
During the queen's abduction both Percival and Leon were badly wounded. They are brought to Gaius' chambers for treatment. The old physician is amazed that both knights are still alive and suspects that dark magic is involved. Gaius is present at Sir Elyan's funeral pyre he assures Merlin that the young knight's death was not of his making. The enchanted sword was surely meant to slay Arthur, whom is now safe along with Guinevere.

Some time later Merlin questions his guardian about Guinevere's recent behaviour. Gaius thinks it's merely the result of Gwen's grief over losing her only family and the trauma of being tortured by Morgana. After Tyr Seward's murder Gaius identifies the herbs used to render the dungeon guards unconscious. The physician finds signs of sorcery where Morgana was seen outside Camelot. The piece of cloth found by Merlin at the scene of the crime is determined by Gaius to be raw imported silk only affordable to one of the highest rank. When Arthur is found unconscious Gaius quickly concludes that the king has been poisoned by way of henbane. Gaius says he may be able to arrest the poison's progress but not for long. Guinevere 'comforts' Gaius after Merlin has been arrested for treachery. The physician reassures his queen that there is always hope and Arthur may yet pull through. Gaius provides Merlin with a aging potion so he can adopt his Dragoon guise and escape the dungeons. Under cover of darkness he takes his ward to Arthur's chambers and assures him only he can save the king. He congratulates Merlin when he succeeds.

Gaius is flabbergasted when he learns that Merlin has agreed to heal a druid boy's sister in the valley of the fallen kings. The place is a breeding ground for cutthroats and bandits and many who venture there never return. Gaius is also unsure what to tell if he is questioned about Merlin's absence. When Arthur comes looking for his servant Gaius claims he has sent Merlin in search of a rare plant. Later that day Gaius grudgingly has to help the king to get dressed and advises him to watch his back with King Sarrum as the man is known for betraying his allies. The physician understands that Arthur is curious about how Sarrum managed to capture and contain Morgana but again advises caution.When Merlin doesn't return as planned Gaius ask Arthur to send out a search party to locate his ward. Guinevere blocks this attempt by claiming that Merlin confided in her that he has a sweetheart somewhere in the country and that he must be with her now. After Daegal's burial Gaius agrees that Guinevere has been enchanted somehow by Morgana and that they must reverse it.

Gaius identifies the spell Gwen was placed under as the Teine Diaga a horrid ritual to bend a victim to one's will. The physician says that apart from Morgana herself only the Dochraid will know how to break the spell. Merlin should tread carefully however for the old crone is notoriously untrustworthy. Gaius suggest rendering the queen unconscious by using a belladonna tincture this way she can be taken to the cauldron of Arianrhod where the spell can be undone. Gaius lands Merlin in a spot of trouble when he claims that the old witch who lives near the cauldron is the only one who can reverse Morgana's magic. Whilst he and Merlin are smuggling a bundled up Gwen out of Camelot the pair are caught by Gwaine and Mordred. The clever old man frightens them off by saying a boy just died of 'Red Thrush Fever' and they are now going to burn his bed linen to prevent an outbreak.

The Hunt for Alator
Merlin brings Gaius a brooch he found in the woods. The physician states that it was forged in Helva but other than that he knows nothing about it. Gaius advises against Merlin going in search of answers where he found the clasp. It could be another of Morgana's traps. Merlin returns swiftly though with some torn papers that Gaius is sure are written in the Catha language, as in Alator of the Catha their enemy turned ally. Gaius correctly assumes that Morgana has captured Alator to get him to reveal Emrys' true name to her. After Merlin recounts his encounter with Finna to Gaius, the physician is unsure if the old witch can be trusted. He does identify her as a member of the Bendrui: a sisterhood of nine sorceresses with immense power. Gaius believes that Finna is an ally of Morgana and that she has come to lure Merlin to his doom. Out of worry for his ward Gaius tells Arthur of Finna's presence in Camelot and where to find her. Gaius later apologises to Merlin for not trusting him enough to recognize friend from foe. several days later after Merlin has returned safe and sound Gaius translates the message Finna left his ward. The parchment speaks of the final battle between Morgana's forces and Camelot's army on the plain of Camlann, and that Arthur will be slain there. Gaius says he understands that Merlin at times feels crushed by the weight of his destiny but he believes that Merlin will succeed in the end. Gaius and Merlin are startled when the alarm bell sounds all of a sudden. A disfigured knight is carried into Gaius' chambers. The physician identifies the excess skin covering the man's face as 'ragaid' a warning by the High-Prietesses of the old religion to their mortal ennemies. The use of this particular magical mutilation on a Camelot knight can only mean one thing, Morgana has declared war.

Sir Mordred's Fall From Grace
Whilst preparing medicine for his patients Gaius notices his ward is distracted. The two friends finds themselves quarreling yet again about Mordred's trustworthiness. Gaius believes that Mordred has justly gained everybody's trust. Merlin counters that the young druid has beguiled them all but he knows better. As proof Merlin recounts seeing Mordred helping a Saxon escape the knights of Camelot the night before. After Kara has been captured and sentenced to death Merlin is convinced Mordred will liberate the girl and leave with her. This course of action could land the couple straight into Morgana's waiting arms. Gaius advises Merlin not interfere and counters that he too helped sorcerers escape Camelot in the past. The young warlock remains adamant Mordred must not be allowed to leave Camelot with Kara. Because of Merlin's interference Kara and Mordred are apprehended and Camelot's dark destiny seems unavoidable. When Merlin laments about how it all turned out to his mentor and that he must convince Arthur to show Kara mercy to prevent Mordred turning on Camelot Gaius doubts this is possible.

Battle of Camlann
Gaius is working late in his chambers when one of Morgana's droogs knocks him out. Merlin is later saved by his mentor when the Gean Canach attacks him and strips him of his magic. Gaius quickly identifies the foul creature and correctly surmises that Morgana finally knows Merlin is Emrys and wanted to get get rid of the competition once and for all. Gaius tries to console his ward as best he can and advises Merlin to help him treat the wounded as he is a excellent physician.

Arthur's demise and Queen Guinevere's mentor
Upon the death of Arthur, Gaius meets with an injured Arthur and Merlin in the woods where he is horrified to learn that Merlin has revealed his powers to Arthur. Gaius then tells Arthur that he has known about Merlin's powers for years. This shocks Arthur, Gaius then says goodbye to his young ward knowing that Merlin will be unable to return to Camelot. He then promises Merlin that would he return then his dinner will be waiting for him. After saying their goodbyes, Gaius bids farewell to Arthur and he is then passed the royal seal that he is to give to Queen Guinevere. Gaius then heads back to Camelot where he passes the royal seal to Guinevere thus allowing for her to become the ruling queen of the kingdom. Upon Guinevere becoming the ruling monarch of Camelot, Gaius stands beside his queen as Sir Leon chants "Long Live the Queen". As the rest of the kingdom joins in the chant in support of their new monarch, Gaius looks comfortingly at Gwen as she is crowned as the ruling monarch. Following this, Gaius continues to serve loyally as Guinevere's mentor and also becomes close to his friend.

Personality
Gaius is sensible and believes in thinking rationally about things rather than rushing to decisions. He was loyal to Uther, despite the methods the king used to deal with sorcerers and the use of magic. The only person who Gaius valued more was Merlin, whom he came to love like a son (A Remedy to Cure All Ills). Gaius also seems to have known the Great Dragon for at least twenty years (A Remedy to Cure All Ills) and trusts his advice, but when Merlin told him that the Great Dragon cared only for himself, he did not protest, suggesting he too had reason to believe that beforehand. But he also knows that there are times when the Dragon’s assistance is needed.



Gaius also possesses a dry sense of humour and is one of the few people in Camelot who was brave enough to stand up to Uther Pendragon (The Witchfinder). Agravaine noted that Gaius was loyal and stubborn, and Merlin once called him a "stubborn old goat". He is also strong willed and was able to resist Alator’s mental torture for quite a long time, but eventually the more powerful sorcerer overpowered him (The Secret Sharer). He frequently scolded Merlin about using magic but knew when using magic was necessary. Gaius was willing to give his life for Merlin which was shown in two episodes.

Although Gaius is a good person, he had a habit of keeping secrets, particularly from Uther Pendragon, even though he revealed Merlin's true identity to Alator when tortured. However Gaius only kept secrets because he, unlike Uther, knew that magic could be used for good and he was still loyal to the king and never considered turning against him even after Uther nearly had him executed. Gaius would also risk the wrath of the king if he felt it was necessary and helped Balinor and Alice escape from Camelot, risking execution by doing so. He is also cunning and he was the only known person in Camelot, apart from Elyan, who escaped Morgause’s immortal army unscathed. Gaius always looks at the bigger picture when he needs to break a promise, knowing that Uther had to know the truth about Morgause in order to ensure the safety of Arthur and Camelot and also knowing that Agravaine must not find out who Emrys really was, for the sake of the whole kingdom. However, Gaius constantly betrayed Uther and lied to him, pretending that he supported Uther's war on magic. Despite his wisdom and rationality, he often turned a blind eye, as he was criticized by the Great Dragon, and misused Uther's trust in him whenever he found it necessary. He also never tried to change Uther's mind in regard to magic but manipulated him.

Many years before the series began, Gaius helped Balinor escape from Camelot despite the fact that if he'd been discovered helping the Dragonlord he would have been executed. Because he helped Balinor, the Dragonlord felt he owed Gaius a debt that he had to repay, referring to him as a good man. Gaius is also extremely dedicated to his job as Court Physician and would never give up on a patient no matter how serious the illness or injury.

Merlin
"Merlin, you are the only thing I care about in all this world. I would give my life for you without a thought."

- Gaius to Merlin

Gaius is very close to Merlin and serves as a father figure to him, considering him as the son he never had. He was willing to give his life for Merlin on at least two occasions (Le Morte d'Arthur, The Witchfinder). Gaius is very proud of Merlin but also frequently scolds him about his recklessness with using magic, though ultimately things usually work out for the best. He often provides Merlin with advice and was the one who provided him with his first magic spellbook. He also serves as a moral advisor and a source of reassurance.



The two usually get along very well, though have been known to disagree over certain matters, one of them being Gaius’ old flame, Alice, who returned to Camelot out of the blue and whom Merlin did not trust. Each time the two fell out, however, they always reconciled and Gaius was always present to help Merlin when he needed it, such as when he was attacked by Morgause and Gaius defended him (The Coming of Arthur: Part Two).

Uther Pendragon
"Gaius, once again you've saved my life, you've always served me well."

- Uther to Gaius

Gaius is a good servant and loyal friend to Uther despite Uther’s hatred of magic. He has saved Uther’s life many times through his skills as a physician. However after being wrongly accused of magic, a devastated Uther ordered him to be put to death but Gaius was later proven innocent. When Uther tried to apologise for Gaius’ suffering at the hands of the Witchfinder, Aredian, Gaius told him that it was not Aredian who was responsible for his suffering, but Uther himself. He also told him that he wasn't the only one who was wrongly accused of using magic and that not all had been as lucky as him, hiding the fact that Merlin and Morgana were indeed sorcerers, this having been accused of it correctly. Gaius was one of the few people who could speak to Uther however he wanted and though he was usually polite to the king he would sometimes stand up to him and point out his mistakes.

However, Gaius often manipulated Uther and betrayed him by pretending to support his war on magic in order to keep himself as well as Merlin safe and to work in the background against Uther's decisions. Although Uther considered Gaius as a friend, and although Gaius occasionally seemed to feel the same, he never talked to Uther on a personal and private level but always rather did his job as Uther's advisor. He also kept the secret about Morgana's betrayal and determined attempt to kill Uther from him and therefore let him walk right into a trap.



After discovering Gaius was innocent, Uther’s trust in him strengthened so much that he even gave him permission to use magic to heal Morgana after she fell down a flight of stairs. Though he was very loyal to the king, Gaius often had to keep secrets from Uther, most notably the fact that he was hiding a sorcerer right under the kings nose. Despite his habit of keeping secrets, Uther trusted Gaius and valued his advice and friendship. When Uther was broken by Morgana’s betrayal, Gaius didn't seem to care anymore and thought that Uther would not recover. After Uther’s death, Gaius showed no emotions at all but expressed sympathy to Arthur and told Merlin that Uther’s spirit had already died when Morgana betrayed him. He didn't waste any word on Uther's demise and showed no sorrow which was contradictory to his former concern for Uther's well-being.

Morgana Pendragon
"I know I can trust you, Gaius."

- Morgana to Gaius

Morgana often went to Gaius for potions that were supposed to help her with her nightmares, which were sometimes effective but more often not. Morgana admitted to Aredian that her dreams got worse when Gaius started treating them, though she insisted that this was just a coincidence. She initially trusted Gaius a great deal, even though she told Aredian that she had no idea what he'd put in the potions, because he took care of her and his draughts were the only thing that let her get any sleep. Gaius seemed very fond of Morgana, often calling her "my child" in a grandfatherly tone, but Gaius firmly maintained that Morgana was better off ignorant about her powers, often lying to her about the importance of her dreams and powers in hopes of protecting her from Uther's hatred of magic. He believed that the draughts, which essentially drugged her so that she could not dream, were the best treatment, and was angry when Merlin argued with him about it.

Despite his fondness for Morgana, after the sleeping plague he was quick to believe Morgana had allied herself with Morgause. He told Merlin he did the right thing by poisoning her, and that Morgana had chosen to use her gifts for evil, despite the fact that at this point she had been nothing more than an unknowing vessel for Morgause’s scheming after she had agreed to help bringing about Uther's downfall. Gaius’ former good opinion of Morgana was stripped away and he was highly suspicious of her when she returned. Although he acted as if nothing had changed, Gaius helped Merlin work to thwart her plots time and time again, and when he was possessed by a goblin he told her that her heart was full of darkness. Although Gaius was not initially an object of her hatred, he finally became one of her targets when trying to either take over or destroying Camelot and especially when she suspected that he knew of Emrys, leading to his kidnap. Morgana showed none of her former respect and affection for Gaius and was happy to firstly torture him to extract information, then later leave him deteriorating in a cell without sufficient food.

Arthur Pendragon
"I love you far too much ever to betray you."

- Gaius to Arthur Gaius and Arthur shared a mutual respect for each other and Arthur knew Gaius well enough to realise when he was being possessed by a goblin (Goblin's Gold). At first, Arthur didn't believe that Gaius was, or ever had been, a sorcerer. Gaius later told Arthur that he loved him and Arthur thought of Gaius as a member of his own family having known him ever since he was born (The Secret Sharer). When necessary, Gaius did not hesitate to lie or bend the truth to Arthur, in order to protect either him or Merlin and maintain his position on the crown. Gaius was not afraid to speak up to Arthur, and like Merlin, addressed him by his name alone on many occasions and not his title. Like Merlin, Gaius treats Arthur like another son that he never had, yet he did not bother to ever let Arthur know the truth of Uther's death and the necklace that was enchanted by Morgana, thus let Arthur believe that he was responsible for his own father's death.



Guinevere Pendragon
"I don't know who else I can talk to."

- Gwen to Gaius upon finding out Morgana was using dark magic Gwen is a very good friend of Gaius's having known him since she was very young. Gaius often thinks of her as a daughter and seems to be very close to her in the same way he is close to Merlin but to a lesser degree. Gwen often turns to Gaius for help or advice. Gwen also gave him a kiss on the cheek when he was about to leave Camelot (A Remedy to Cure All Ills). Gaius eventually discovered Guinevere’s secret relationship with Arthur Pendragon; he approved and gave Gwen new hope for the relationship (The Last Dragonlord). Gwen helped save Gaius’ life on two occasions, first when he was about to be burned at the stake by Aredian and later when he was dying from poison after being possessed by a goblin. She also went to Gaius and told him that she had discovered Morgana using dark magic. Gwen cared for Gaius after he had been kidnapped by Morgana, and nursed him back to health. (The Secret Sharer.) After Morgana's second overthrowal of Camelot and Arthur had taken back the throne, Gaius watched on with Merlin and the rest of Camelot as Gwen married Arthur and was crowned Queen while he proudly chanted 'Long Live the Queen!' (The Sword in the Stone). Three years after Gwen becomes Queen, she and Gaius are still good friends and he acts her council while Arthur is away. It was with Gaius, that Gwen discovers that Sefa, her maid, is in fact a traitor (Arthur's Bane).

Hunith
"My dear Gaius, I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and don't know who to trust."

- Hunith to Gaius

Gaius seems to have a very good relationship with Hunith, Merlin’s mother. She entrusted him the training and well being of her son by sending him to live with Gaius. He helped Hunith by hiding her lover, the Dragonlord Balinor from the wrath of Uther during the Great Purge. Hunith also sought help from Gaius when Nimueh almost killed her. Gaius was willing to give his life in order to save Merlin who was about to sacrifice his life for Hunith.

Kilgharrah
"How old a man can grow and yet change so little."

- Kilgharrah on Gaius

Gaius has known Kilgharrah for at least twenty years and on at least one occasion, he visited the Dragon for advice. Gaius respected Kilgharrah’s power and wisdom but they weren't friends and Gaius was probably aware that Kilgharrah was desperate for his freedom.

Kilgharrah cared little for Gaius, stating to Merlin that he has no place in his destiny and the "old man’s" time is over anyway, when Gaius went to the Isle of the Blessed to sacrifice himself for Merlin and Hunith. Kilgharrah even told Gaius all he is good at doing is standing by and watching, implying little regard for his importance. Kilgharrah’s views of things often clashed with Gaius’, for example in the episode Aithusa; while Gaius wanted the dragon egg untouched as he said it should be Kilgharrah begged Merlin to obtain the egg. Gaius later accepted this, though, and even held the egg.

Aredian
"I know him as Aredian. He is a force to be reckoned with."

- Gaius to Merlin

At some point in the past, before he was made court physician, Gaius met the Witchfinder Aredian. He disliked Aredian but respected and feared his abilities as a Witchfinder and claimed he was a force to be reckoned with. Gaius greeted Aredian politely when they met but it was obvious that he disliked the Witchfinder. When Gaius was arrested for sorcery Aredian acted as his interrogator. However, Gaius attempted to make a deal with Aredian to prevent Merlin and Morgana from being executed along with him. Along with Merlin he made fun of Aredian after he died, doing an imitation of him coughing up a toad.

Alice
"Words cannot describe how much I care for you."

- Alice in her letter to Gaius At some point before the Great Purge, Gaius fell in love with Alice and they were even engaged to be married at one point. However, the Great Purge forced them to separate and they didn't see each other for approximately twenty years. They continued their romance when she returned to Camelot. However Gaius, blinded by love, was unable to realise that Alice was being controlled by a Manticore. When he did realise however, he continued to love Alice and Alice genuinely loved Gaius in return, despite the influence of the Manticore. Gaius helped Alice escape from Camelot just as he had twenty three years earlier. Merlin noted that Gaius could have left with her, but Gaius had decided to stay in order to look after Merlin.

Balinor
Gaius was a friend of Merlin’s father, Balinor and helped him escape from Camelot when Uther ordered the Dragon Lord’s execution, risking being executed himself by doing so. Balinor was grateful to Gaius for saving his life and called him a good man. Gaius indirectly influenced Balinor to return to Camelot to save Camelot from Kilgharrah since Balinor felt he had to repay Gaius to saving him all those years ago.

Morgause
Before The Great Purge, Gaius smuggled Morgause out of Camelot due to an unknown reason and handed her over to the High Priestesses of the Old Religion, where she was trained from very young to become the powerful sorcerer she was in Series 2 and 3. When Morgause later returned to Camelot in order to seduce Arthur into coming to her castle so she could turn him against Uther, Gaius tended to her wounds. Morgause told Gaius she was in Camelot when she was a baby and Gaius recognised her wrist bracelet, which he later used as non-physical evidence to inform Uther of where Arthur was going and what Morgause intended on doing with him. Gaius met Morgause again in the Series 3 finale where he used a spell to hurl her across the room as she was about to kill Merlin. As she stood up to strike back at Gaius, Merlin attacked her, along with Gaius who went for another blow, and their combined hits knocked Morgause unconscious against a pillar. Whether Morgause previously knew of Gaius’ magical abilities is unknown, but she possibly did or expected him to have some magical knowledge as Morgana did not seem to comment on it when she met Gaius in Series 4 following the events.

Nimueh
"You stood and watched as our friends burned in the Great Purge. You are nothing but a traitor."

- Nimueh to Gaius Gaius knew Nimueh well as they practised magic together before the Great Purge. Gaius asked her for magical help on Uther's behalf in order to make Ygraine conceiving a child, Arthur,  from Uther. However when Uther Pendragon outlawed magic, Gaius remained loyal to Uther, while Nimueh was determined to take revenge on Uther. Nimueh believed that Gaius betrayed her and his kind by his loyalty to Uther, and called him a traitor when he confronted her on the Isle of the Blessed. Contradictory to what Nimueh told Uther about not knowing that Ygraine would be the price for creating a life, Gaius accused her of having chosen Ygraine deliberately. Despite her resentment for Gaius, she agreed to sacrifice his life when he wanted to save the life of Merlin's mother, Hunith, which resulted in her death at the hands of Merlin.

Agravaine de Bois
Gaius knew Agravaine for many years, but he and Merlin grew suspicious of him and Gaius thought that Agravaine was not as virtuous as he appeared. The exact nature of their relationship before Agravaine betrayed Camelot is unclear, but Agravaine treated Gaius with respect and even used flattery sometimes, speaking of Gaius's knowledge and wisdom when he tried to get Gaius to tell him about Emrys, although Gaius was too humble to allow the flattery to affect him. However Agravaine did not care about Gaius and helped Alator kidnap him before trying to kill him and was only prevented from doing so by Gwaine. Agravaine managed to convince Gwaine that he was merely making sure that Gaius was breathing and helped the knight take him back to Camelot in order to keep his true loyalties hidden.

Abilities
Gaius believed that basic problems should be solved by science. He was an excellent physician which has been proven on many occasions. However, Edwin Muirden claimed his methods were "outdated", though this was possibly a lie to give Uther reason to appoint him as Court physician instead.

Gaius had a very broad theoretical knowledge of magic but when he used magic in Season 1, he initially forgot the words (The Poisoned Chalice) or mispronounced the words (A Remedy to Cure All Ills). This shows that his magical skills have greatly decreased due to the many years he went without practice. The only successful time Gaius used magic in Season 1 was when he created an antidote for Merlin when he got poisoned by Nimueh.

However Gaius’ magical skills have clearly improved as the series went on. He used fairly strong magic when the goblin took over his body, though this was probably the goblins magic not his own (Goblin's Gold). He later used magic to destroy a box that contained a Manticore, after luring the Manticore out of the box though he had to try three times before he succeeded. However it required powerful magic to destroy a Manticore’s box, showing that Gaius had indeed grown stronger in magic. Gaius was even able to successfully attack Morgause, who was an extremely powerful sorceress, in order to protect Merlin, hitting her with a spell which sent her flying and stunning her long enough for Merlin to seriously injure her, by throwing her into a pillar (Although the fact that he caught her off guard while she was focused on Merlin may have contributed to his victory). Recently, Gaius was captured by Alator, a powerful warrior and sorcerer. Though he was eventually defeated, he resisted Alator's mental torture for quite a while though it is unclear if he did this through magic or willpower. Gaius even magically put out the enchanted ring of fire keeping him captive although it was quickly reactivated by Alator. Gaius used his magic again to save Merlin after Morgana put the young warlock in an enchanted coma. Though he was succesful Gaius was unsure if his old heart could take the strain were he forced to use such powerful magic again.

Gaius also had a talent for keeping secrets; being able to hide a sorcerer, Merlin, right under the nose of Uther Pendragon, smuggle Morgause out of Camelot without Uther knowing until many years later and help Balinor and Alice escape Camelot (the latter individual twice). Gaius was also capable of hiding and avoiding attacks, because he was the only person, apart from Elyan, to escape capture when an immortal army invaded Camelot. (The Coming of Arthur)

Trivia

 * Gaius was the first name of Julius Caesar, as well as the first name of Caesar's uncle Marius. It is a Roman praenomen but the odds of someone being called this in fifth or sixth century England ( at the time the series presumably takes place) when the Western Roman Empire had already fallen are unlikely.
 * Gaius is perhaps based on Blaise, who according to some sources such as Robert de Boron’s epic poem Merlin, was Merlin’s mentor.
 * In Secrets and Magic, Gaius is twice referred as Merlin’s uncle. Richard Wilson also said this in an interview, though this relationship has never been mentioned in the series.
 * Richard Wilson plays a similar character, Father Simeon, in Shine Limited's shorter-lived other Saturday-night drama, Demons. Both are experts on the prominent theme of their series, Gaius is an expert on magic, and Simeon is an expert on supernatural creatures.
 * Gaius is aged around 72 (from the time of Series 3) as he stated in 'Love in the Time of Dragons that a book was given to him by Alice. The incription inside the book states it was given to him on his 50th birthday, by Alice, before the Great Purge, which was 22 years earlier. He is still alive in Series 5, which takes place five years after Series 3, making him 77 years old, which was incredibly ancient for someone who lived in King Arthur's time.

Gallery
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