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| − | <div style="position: fixed; bottom: 0px; right: 10px; padding: 25px; background: #E2E8EB; border: 3px solid Black;-webkit-border-radius:50px;-moz-border-radius:50px;-border-radius:50px;-khtml-border-radius: 50px; -icab-border-radius: 50px; -o-border-radius: 50px;-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 100px blue;-moz-box-shadow:0 0 100px black;box-shadow:0 0 100px black;-khtml-box-shadow:0 0 100px black;-o-box-shadow:0 0 100px black;"><big>'''Rate this episode!'''</big><br />{{StarRatings |
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| − | |series = 4 |
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| − | |episode = 12 |
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| story name = ''The Sword in the Stone'' |
| story name = ''The Sword in the Stone'' |
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| series = [[Series 4|4]] |
| series = [[Series 4|4]] |
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| − | | number = 12 |
+ | | number = 12 & 13 |
| + | | cast = {{Collapse| |
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| − | | cast = [[Colin Morgan]]<br>[[Bradley James]]<br>[[Katie McGrath]]<br>[[Ben Daniels]]<br>[[Miranda Raison]]<br>[[Eoin Macken]]<br>[[Angel Coulby]] |
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| + | * [[Colin Morgan]] |
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| − | | enemy = [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]]<br/>[[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]]<br/>[[Helios]] |
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| + | * [[Bradley James]] |
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| − | | place = [[Camelot]]<br>[[Ealdor]]<br>[[Essetir]]<br>[[Dragoon the Great's Hut]] |
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| + | * [[Angel Coulby]] |
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| − | | writer = [[Jake Michie]] (Part 1)<br/>[[Julian Jones]] (Part 2) |
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| + | * [[Katie McGrath]] |
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| + | * [[Richard Wilson]] |
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| + | * [[Nathaniel Parker]] |
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| + | * [[Ben Daniels]] |
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| + | * [[Miranda Raison]]}} |
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| + | | enemy = {{Collapse| |
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| + | * [[Helios]] |
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| + | * [[Southrons]] |
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| + | * [[Morgana Pendragon]] |
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| + | * [[Agravaine de Bois]]}} |
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| + | | place = |
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| + | * [[Camelot]] |
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| + | * [[Cenred's Kingdom]] |
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| + | | spells = {{Collapse| |
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| + | * [[Fire Spells]] |
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| + | * [[Ageing Spell]] |
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| + | * [[Stunning spells]] |
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| + | * [[Dragonlord Magic]] |
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| + | * [[Animal Control Spells]] |
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| + | * [[Poppet Enchantments]] |
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| + | * [[Simpleton Enchantment]] |
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| + | * [[Locking/Unlocking Spells]]}} |
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| + | | objects = |
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| + | * [[Poppet]] |
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| + | * [[Excalibur (Sword)|Excalibur]] |
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| + | | writer = |
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| + | * [[Jake Michie]] (Part 1) |
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| + | * [[Julian Jones]] (Part 2) |
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| director = [[Alice Troughton]] |
| director = [[Alice Troughton]] |
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| producer = [[Sara Hamill]] |
| producer = [[Sara Hamill]] |
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| − | | broadcast date = |
+ | | broadcast date = |
| + | * Part 1: 17th December |
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| + | * Part 2: 24th December |
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| format = 2x45 |
| format = 2x45 |
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| production code = 4.12/4.13 |
| production code = 4.12/4.13 |
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| − | | previous story = [[The Hunter's Heart]] |
+ | | previous story = ''[[The Hunter's Heart]]'' |
| − | | next story = [[Arthur's Bane]] |
+ | | next story = ''[[Arthur's Bane]]'' |
| preview = Preview4x12}} |
| preview = Preview4x12}} |
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| + | {{Quote|All I know is that, for your many faults, you are honest and brave and truehearted, and one day you will be the greatest [[king]] this land has ever known.|[[Merlin]] to [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]]}} |
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| − | |||
| − | {{Quote|All I know is that, for your many faults, you are honest and brave and truehearted, and one day you will be the greatest [[king]] this land has ever known.|[[Merlin]] to [[Arthur]]}} |
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'''''The Sword in the Stone''''' comprises the twelfth and thirteenth episodes of the [[Series 4|fourth series]] of ''[[Merlin (TV Series)|Merlin]]'' and is the two-part finale which was first broadcast on the 17th and 24 December 2011. |
'''''The Sword in the Stone''''' comprises the twelfth and thirteenth episodes of the [[Series 4|fourth series]] of ''[[Merlin (TV Series)|Merlin]]'' and is the two-part finale which was first broadcast on the 17th and 24 December 2011. |
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| − | ==Synopsis== |
+ | == Synopsis == |
| + | === Part One === |
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| − | [[File:Merlin 4x12 PROMO "The Sword in the Stone part I"|thumb|right|300px|Trailer for The Sword in the Stone]] |
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| + | With [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]] at the helm of a vast [[Southrons|Southron]] army, a deadly net is closing in around [[Camelot]]. When the [[sorceress]] strikes, the ferocity of [[Second Fall of Camelot|her attack]] forces everyone to run for their lives - even [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]]. But Morgana will not let him escape that easily. And so begins a chilling hunt... |
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| − | ===Part One=== |
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| − | With [[Morgana]] at the helm of a vast Southron army, a deadly net is closing in around [[Camelot]]. When the sorceress strikes, the ferocity of her attack forces everyone to run for their lives - even Arthur. But [[Morgana]] will not let him escape that easily. And so begins a chilling hunt... |
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| − | Can [[Merlin]] save the King from |
+ | Can [[Merlin]] save the [[King]] from Morgana's clutches? Or has Arthur's luck finally run out? |
| − | ===Part Two=== |
+ | === Part Two === |
| + | [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgan]] and [[Helios]] have successfully [[Second Fall of Camelot|captured]] [[Camelot]], and [[Merlin]] and [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] are outlaws on the run. Trapped in [[Ealdor]] with a ruthless army closing in, their situation becomes desperate. |
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| − | + | Arthur must take control before Camelot is lost forever, but faced with [[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]]'s betrayal and the strength of Morgana's forces, the young [[King]] has lost his conviction. Only Merlin can restore his faith, and only an extraordinary act can prove to the King that he was born to rule. Will the young [[warlock]] convince Arthur before his dreams of [[Albion]] fall to pieces? |
|
| − | ==Plot== |
+ | == Plot == |
| − | ===Part 1=== |
+ | === Part 1 === |
| + | [[File:Agravaine-ep12.jpg|thumb|left|220px|[[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]] leads the [[Southrons]] into [[Camelot]].]] |
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| − | While [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] celebrates [[Feast of Beltane|Beltaine]] in [[Camelot]], [[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]] uses the siege tunnels under the castle with which he's able to have some of the Southron enter the citadel. Agravaine also signals to [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]] and [[Helios]] that it is finally time for the High Priestess and the warlord to attack Camelot. Morgana's army attack and burn down many parts of the kingdom while the Knights of Camelot attempt to protect the kingdom. Arthur is then alerted of the attack, while enjoying the feast and he orders everyone to leave while he goes into battle. [[Merlin]], who is helping [[Gaius]] treat the wounded, decides to protect Arthur. |
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| + | While the [[Court of Camelot|court]] of [[Camelot]] celebrates [[Beltane]], [[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]] uses the siege tunnels to lead a contingent of [[Southrons]] into the city. They quickly kill the sentries and set the [[Lower Town]] ablaze, signaling to [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]] and [[Helios]] that it is time to launch [[Second Fall of Camelot|their attack]]. |
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| + | As the [[Knights of Camelot]] work to put out the fires and repel the invading Southrons, [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] is alerted to the attack and he and the other knights attending the feast leave to join the battle. [[Merlin]] evacuates the guests and helps [[Gaius]] treat the wounded, then leaves to find and protect Arthur. |
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| − | [[File:412 3.jpg|thumb|[[Morgana]] about to conquer [[Camelot]]]] |
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| − | [[Arthur]] is wounded during the battle after killing many soldiers but Merlin arrives in time and distracts the soldiers with his magic, allowing both of them to escape. As they hide, Arthur looks out and sees Agravaine walking through the courtyard with Morgana, Helios and the army marching into the citadel, finally discovering his uncle's treachery. Enraged at Agravaine's betrayal, Arthur attempts to fight his uncle but Merlin talks him out of it as there are too many soldiers and Arthur is wounded. When Morgana finally captures Camelot, the Knights of Camelot, including Sir [[Leon]], evacuate the citizens and escape from the kingdom while Merlin and Gaius tend to Arthur's wound. Gaius tells Merlin that they need to evacuate Arthur from the kingdom to [[Ealdor]] but since Arthur is willing to die to protect Camelot, Merlin enchants Arthur, making him confused and easily controlled. He agrees to leave the kingdom and go to Ealdor. While Merlin and Arthur leave with [[Percival]], Gaius remains behind with [[Gwaine]] to distract Morgana, however as Morgana enters, she has Gaius and Gwaine captured and goes to hunt down Arthur. |
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| + | Merlin finds Arthur battling Southrons in the castle corridors. Noticing that the [[King]] has been injured, Merlin quickly distracts the Southrons with his [[magic]] and helps Arthur escape. They find a hiding place near the courtyard, where Arthur sees Agravaine marching with Morgana and Helios. Enraged by his uncle's betrayal, Arthur moves to confront him, but Merlin talks him out of it. |
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| − | [[File:412 4.png|thumb|left|[[Arthur]] and [[Merlin]] trapped]] |
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| − | [[File:Merlin215.png|thumb|[[Merlin]] and the simpleton]] |
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| − | [[Elyan]] joins Arthur, Merlin and Percival as they escape the kingdom but Morgana eventually catches up to them and uses her magic to knock them over, separating Percival from Arthur, Merlin and Elyan. As Percival has disappeared, Merlin and Arthur continue while Elyan fends of Morgana's soldiers and is later captured. Merlin orders the enchanted Arthur to change his clothes and disguise into a villager as they continue their journey to Ealdor. However, along the way they are captured by some smugglers led by [[Tristan]] and [[Isolde]] but they allow the disguised Arthur (whom Merlin introduces as a 'simpleton') and Merlin to stay when Merlin tells them that they are heading for Ealdor. Meanwhile, Morgana returns to Camelot and uses a [[Nathair]] to torture Elyan who is forced to tell her that Arthur is heading for Ealdor. Morgana then tells Agravaine to go to Ealdor and capture Arthur while imprisoning Elyan with Gaius and Gwaine. During the night, Arthur, under his enchantment, tells Merlin that he finds it hard to be polite to Merlin and that he still has much to learn, to which Merlin tells him to clear their belongings. |
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| + | As Morgana's forces capture Camelot and [[Morgana's Second Reign|she takes her place on the throne]], [[Leon|Sir Leon]] leads the Knights of Camelot in evacuating Camelot's citizens into the [[Darkling Woods]]. Meanwhile, Gaius binds Arthur's wounded ribs and conspires with Merlin, [[Gwaine]], and [[Percival]] to sneak him out of the [[citadel]]. |
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| − | [[File:412 6.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tristan]], clearly upset and worried about [[Isolde]]]] |
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| − | The next day, Arthur is free from Merlin's enchantment and demands to know where they are and why he is dressed as a villager. Merlin tells him that Camelot has fallen and that he had to disguise him to prevent his true identity from being revealed to Morgana's men. They come across a smuggler's caravan led by Tristan and Isolde and Arthur, when introduced to them, continues pretending to be a 'simpleton' under Merlin's supervision. However, when Agravaine catches up and ambushes them, he reveals his true identity to Tristan and Isolde. As they escape the ambush, Tristan reveals that the taxes Arthur enforced was the reason why he and Isolde had to become smugglers, making it hard for Arthur to help them. However, when Arthur saves Isolde's life , Tristan reluctantly allows Arthur to join them but only does it for Isolde who is grateful to Arthur for saving her. As they camp, Arthur laments over Agravaine's betrayal, saying that he had been blind to his treachery as he was to Morgana's but Merlin comforts him, saying that people only hate him as they are hungry for power. |
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| − | [[File: |
+ | [[File:Tristan n isolde.png|thumb|right|220px|[[Merlin]] arranges to travel with [[Tristan]] and [[Isolde]].]] |
| + | Knowing that Arthur would never willingly abandon his people, Merlin secretly casts an [[Enchantments|enchantment]] on Arthur that [[Simpleton Enchantment|takes away his free will]], leaving him compliant and easily controlled. Merlin easily persuades the confused king to escape into the woods with him and Percival, but Gaius and Gwaine remain behind to distract Morgana. However, when she realises the situation, Morgana immediately orders Gwaine and Gaius to be imprisoned and chases after Arthur. |
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| − | Meanwhile, in Camelot, Gwaine is forced to fight a man to get food for Gaius, who is starving, but when he wins, Morgana only gives him a piece of bread and tells him that he has to fight more men to get more food. Arthur, Merlin, Tristan and Isolde eventually arrive in Ealdor where Merlin is reunited with his mother, [[Hunith]]. Arthur is also reunited with [[Guinevere|Gwen]], who has been staying in Ealdor since Arthur had her exiled for her apparent betrayal. Gwen tells Arthur that she has missed him and Arthur says that he has also missed her, and they embrace each other. Arthur later apologises to Tristan for the taxes he gave which caused him and Isolde to become smugglers, as well as the loss of his cargo during Agravaine's ambush but Tristan says that he while he has lost his cargo, he still has Isolde. Agravaine later arrives in Ealdor with his men, forcing Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, Tristan and Isolde to escape while Agravaine orders his men to pursue them. |
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| + | Merlin, Arthur, and Percival reunite with [[Elyan]] in the woods and at Merlin's suggestion, the group decides to seek refuge in [[Ealdor]]. However, Morgana soon chases them down and attacks them with a [[Stunning spells|stunning spell]]. Percival becomes separated from the rest of the group and Elyan decides to stay behind to fend off the Southrons following them, forcing Merlin and Arthur to continue alone. |
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| − | ===Part 2=== |
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| − | [[File:Merlin 4x13 "You have magic"|thumb|left|300px|You have magic!]] |
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| − | [[File:Merlin 4x13 "You are the only friend I have"|thumb|right|200px|You are the only friend I have...]] |
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| − | The episode continues where Part 1 left off with Arthur, Gwen, Isolde, Tristan, and Merlin are running though the woods to escape from Agravaine and his men. Merlin stays back to cover their tracks, even though once the others are gone he calls the Great Dragon who comes and breathes fire on the troops of Agravaine, killing them. Merlin returns to his friends and leads the group through some caves. However, Agravaine follows them and Merlin goes back leading him away form the others. Merlin is cornered and Agravaine threatens to kill him. Merlin uses magic to repel the men. Only Agravaine recovers and realizes Merlin has magic and that he is Emrys. When he tries to kill Merlin, Merlin uses magic again to blast Agravaine back onto some rocks, killing him. Meanwhile, Arthur goes back to search for Merlin and finds him returning. They make it out of the cave and have to decide where to go next. |
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| + | Once he's sure they're safe, Merlin has Arthur disguise himself by exchanging his [[Chain Mail|chain mail]] for peasant's clothes. They continue their journey and eventually run into a group of smugglers led by [[Tristan]] and [[Isolde]]. Though initially weary, Merlin decides to tag along with them when he learns that they're heading in the same direction. |
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| − | [[File:ImagesCA3T665M.jpg|thumb|left|[[Gwaine]] and [[Elyan]], starving]] |
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| − | Tristan still shows resentment towards Arthur and he decides to head back towards Camelot to the Forest of Ascetir. Back in Camelot, Gaius, Sir Elyan and Sir Gwaine are locked up in a cell and are starving. Morgana makes Gwaine fight for food again with a short wooden sword against many fighters. Tristan continues to poke at Arthur convincing him he is no one special and that doesn't deserve to be king. Gwen attempts to talk to Arthur, but he cannot bring himself to forgive her, saying that their reunion in Ealdor was merely "a moment of weakness". Gwaine is thrown back into the cell and is given a small loaf of mouldy bread. Morgana sneers and tells Gwaine to enjoy his meal, and that it will probably be his last, implying that she would make the next battle even more unfair. The three are all starving, Gwaine also worn from fighting, and Gaius weakening by the moment. |
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| − | [[File: |
+ | [[File:2012-06-22 2107.png|thumb|left|220px|[[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]] uses a [[Nathair]] to torture [[Elyan]].]] |
| + | Meanwhile, back in Camelot, Morgana uses a [[Nathair]] to torture Elyan, who reveals that Arthur is heading for Ealdor. Morgana then has Elyan imprisoned with Gaius and Gwaine and orders Agravaine to Ealdor. Agravaine is reluctant to leave and cautions Morgana not to trust anyone but him, not even Helios, but Morgana successfully manipulates him into leaving. |
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| − | Arthur and Merlin talk - Arthur doubts himself and his decisions and thinks that he is just like anyone else. Merlin calls the Great Dragon to ask for advice on how to help Arthur believe he can be king. Merlin figures out a way by himself. The next morning, Merlin wakes Arthur up and leads him through the forest, telling him a story that supposedly Gaius told him. The story is about the first King of Camelot, who placed a sword in a stone before he died. He tells Arthur he found the stone and at first, Arthur doesn't believe him but then he sees Excalibur in the rock. All the survivors of Camelot appear and surround the clearing. Arthur doesn't think he can pull the sword from the rock, but Merlin keeps telling him to believe and that he is special. At first, he tries but can't pull it out. He tries again, Merlin telling him that he is meant to pull the sword from the rock, and that he has to believe he is destined to be Albion's greatest King. When he sees Arthur starting to truly believe in himself, Merlin uses his magic to unseal Excalibur from the stone. Morgana learns that Agravaine and his men dead, and she is convinced that Emrys is responsible, believing that only he could command a dragon. |
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| + | The next day, Merlin's enchantment finally wears off and Arthur demands to know what's going on. Merlin explains that Camelot has fallen and that they're escaping to Ealdor. He also advises Arthur to continue acting like a simpleton to avoid suspicion, but Agravaine and his men ambush the smugglers soon afterward and Arthur's identity is revealed to Tristan and Isolde. |
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| − | With the knights, Sir Leon, Sir Percival and his people back at his side, Arthur returns to being himself as King. Even though they are outnumbered, Arthur decides to fight, and Sir Leon tells Arthur that everyone is fighting for him not just for Camelot. Tristan watches and starts to have a change of heart. When Isolde catches Gwen looking at Arthur, she tells her to never give up hope, and that love is stronger than anything. Arthur confides in Merlin that Morgana's powers greatly tilt the odds in the enemy's favour. Merlin tells Arthur the rest of the story and that he has always believed in Arthur that he would unite the Land of Albion and would rule over the greatest kingdom the world had ever known. |
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| + | Though Tristan despises Arthur for his status as [[King of Camelot|King]], Isolde was injured in the ambush and Merlin convinces them to accompany him and Arthur to Ealdor. When they make camp that night, Arthur laments over Agravaine's betrayal, saying that he was as blind to his treachery as he was to Morgana's, and Merlin comforts him by assuring that they didn't betray him out of hatred, but because they crave his power for themselves. |
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| − | [[File:413 5.jpg|thumb|left|[[Merlin]] places an enchantment that will prevent [[Morgana]] from using magic]] |
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| − | He then leaves him to think about what he said. Merlin sneaks into Camelot that night and transforms into Dragoon the Great and lights a straw doll on fire and hangs it under Morgana's bed with an enchantment. Having been spotted by Morgana, Merlin is chased by some guards but transforms back and disguises himself in some stolen clothing from a slain guard and escapes. This unsettles Morgana, but she goes to sleep. The next morning, everyone is preparing to leave - Isolde and Tristan forgive Arthur and decide to fight with them since Arthur showed them that he fights for what is right and fair. The people head to Camelot where they try to go unnoticed for as long as possible. They fight their way through many guards and men. Sir Percival frees Gwaine and Elyan who then help Gaius. |
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| − | [[File: |
+ | [[File:412 7.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] and his allies plan their escape.]] |
| + | Meanwhile, in Camelot, Morgana forces Gwaine to fight her Southron soldiers for her entertainment. If he wins, he is given bread for Gaius, who is ill and starving. |
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| − | [[File:Merlin - Gwen and Morgana Sword Fight 4x13|thumb|right|200px|[[Gwen]] and [[Morgana]] Swordfight]] |
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| − | Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, Isolde, and Tristan confront Morgana and Helios in the throne room.Arthur and Morgana finally face each other. Arthur wants to know why she has changed so much for the worse, but Morgana bitterly retorts that he is no different from Uther and should pay for his crimes. Morgana attempts to kill them with her magic, but Merlin's enchantment nullifies her powers and she flees, perturbed. Merlin and Gwen pursue her while Helios and other guards attack the others. Morgana is wounded as she tries to escape but later engages Gwen in a duel and easily defeats her. |
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| − | [[File:029.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Gwen]]'s coronation]] |
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| − | Before Morgana can kill Gwen, Merlin uses his magic to blast her back, which causes some stone and rubble to fall on her. When the dust clears, Morgana is gone. Arthur fights Helios while Tristan and Isolde fight the others. Arthur is injured and gets knocked down. Helios is about to kill him when Isolde stabs Helios from behind, but she gets stabbed in the stomach. Tristan holds her as she dies. Arthur comes into his chambers where Gwen is tidying up. She says she will leave if he wants her to, but Arthur tells her to stay. Gwen says she can never forgive herself but Arthur says that he doesn't care and never wants to lose her again, finally forgiving her. He asks her to marry him, and she says yes with all her heart. Later, everyone is gathered in the great hall and Arthur crowns Guinevere, Queen of Camelot. They share a kiss and ascend to their thrones as Merlin, Gaius, and everyone else proudly watch. |
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| + | The next day, Arthur, Merlin, Tristan, and Isolde reach Ealdor. Merlin is reunited with mother, [[Hunith]], and Arthur is unexpectedly reunited with [[Guinevere Pendragon|Gwen]], who has been staying in Ealdor since [[The Hunter's Heart|escaping from Helios]]. Gwen and Arthur admit they've missed each and tentatively reconcile. |
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| − | [[File:Merlin - Aithusa saves Morgana 4x13|thumb|right|200px|[[Aithusa]] saves [[Morgana]]]] |
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| − | Meanwhile, Morgana is seen stumbling through the woods and collapses on the ground, seemingly at her end. However, Aithusa, the white dragon, arrives and uses its breath to heal Morgana, who is grateful for the first time in a long while. The season ends as Aithusa flies away. |
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| + | As Gwen and Arthur embrace, Agravaine and his men arrive and begin to surround the village. Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Tristan, and Isolde escape into the woods, but Agravaine sees them and orders his men after them. |
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| − | ==Cast== |
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| − | ===Main Cast=== |
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| − | *[[Colin Morgan]] as [[Merlin]] |
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| − | *[[Bradley James]] as [[Arthur|King Arthur]] |
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| − | *[[Katie McGrath]] as [[Morgana]] |
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| − | *[[Richard Wilson]] as [[Gaius]] |
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| − | *[[Nathaniel Parker]] as [[Agravaine]] |
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| − | *[[Angel Coulby]] as [[Guinevere]] |
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| − | *[[Rupert Young]] as [[Leon|Sir Leon]] |
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| − | *[[Eoin Macken]] as [[Gwaine|Sir Gwaine]] |
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| − | ===Recurring Cast=== |
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| − | *[[John Hurt]] as the Voice of the [[Great Dragon]] (Part 2 only) |
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| − | *[[Tom Hopper]] as [[Percival|Sir Percival]] |
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| − | *[[Adetomiwa Edun]] as [[Sir Elyan]] |
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| − | *[[Terence Maynard]] as [[Helios]] |
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| − | *[[Caroline Faber]] as [[Hunith]] (Part 1 only) |
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| − | ===Guest Cast=== |
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| − | *[[Miranda Raison]] as [[Isolde]] |
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| − | *[[Ben Daniels]] as [[Tristan]] |
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| − | == |
+ | === Part 2 === |
| + | [[File:Merlin and Agravaine.png|thumb|left|220px|[[Merlin]] kills [[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]].]] |
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| − | {{Hidden|Click "show" to see the gallery.| |
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| + | [[Merlin]], [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]], [[Guinevere Pendragon|Gwen]], [[Tristan]], and [[Isolde]] run through the woods to escape [[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]] his men. Merlin briefly lingers behind the rest of the group and calls the [[Kilgharrah|Great Dragon]] to come and breathe fire on Agravaine and his men, killing most of them, then leads Arthur and the others to a tunnel system in the [[White Mountains|nearby mountains]]. |
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| − | <gallery> |
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| − | </gallery> |
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| − | }} |
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| + | Though they initially appear to be safe, they soon realize that Agravaine and his remaining men are pursuing them through the tunnels. Sending the others ahead, Merlin doubles back and [[Skirmish in the Caves|leads Agravaine to a dead end]]. |
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| − | ==Transcript== |
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| − | {{Transcript}} |
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| + | Seeing that he has Merlin cornered, Agravaine threatens to kill him if he doesn't tell him where Arthur is. However, Merlin uses his [[magic]] to [[Stunning spells|repel him and his men]]. The soldiers are instantly killed, but Agravaine recovers and gleefully realises Merlin has magic. He also guesses that Merlin is [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]]'s enemy [[Merlin|Emrys]] and tries to kill him, but Merlin quickly blasts him into some nearby rocks, killing him. |
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| − | ==Release & Reception== |
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| − | *Part One: 17th December 2011. |
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| − | *Part Two: 24th December 2011. |
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| − | *The last episode, ''The Sword in the Stone: Part Two'', marks the first time an episode of ''Merlin'' has been originally broadcast on December 24, Christmas Eve. Unlike the revived ''[[Wikipedia:Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'', which has annual Christmas specials on December 25, ''Merlin'' has never had an episode on Christmas Day nor an official Christmas special. |
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| + | Merlin catches up with the rest of the group and leads them out of the tunnels. They decide to head back to [[Camelot]] through the [[Forest of Ascetir]]. When they make camp that night, Tristan continues to poke at Arthur, convincing him he is no one special and doesn't deserve to be [[King]]. Gwen tries to talk to Arthur, but he cannot bring himself to forgive her and says their reunion in [[Ealdor]] was "a moment of weakness". |
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| − | ==Production Errors== |
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| − | *Footage from [[The Tears of Uther Pendragon]] and [[The Coming of Arthur]] are shown in this episode, a scene when Leon is fighting, which is identical to the scene in [[The Tears of Uther Pendragon]], a scene shows [[Percival]] battling one from Morgana's immortal army in [[The Coming of Arthur]], and another scene from [[The Coming of Arthur]] when Arthur defeats one of Cenred's army.[[File:Double Takes.png|thumb|left|666px]] |
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| − | *The scene where Guinevere is crowned queen comes to pass, except there are several changes to what happened in Morgana's dream in ''[[Queen of Hearts]]'' to what really happened in ''The Sword in the Stone''. Though the future could have been slightly changed as Morgana only saw one possible future. |
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| + | [[File:413 2.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] prepares to claim [[Excalibur (Sword)|Excalibur]].]] |
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| − | ==Trivia== |
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| + | Meanwhile, in Camelot, [[Gaius]], [[Gwaine]], and [[Elyan]] are still imprisoned and slowly starving. Morgana continues to make Gwaine earn food them by fighting her [[Southrons]] and orders him to fight several men at once with a short wooden [[sword]]. After winning, Gwaine is thrown back in their cell and given a small loaf of mouldy bread. Morgana sneers at him to enjoy his meal, as it will probably be his last. |
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| − | *This is the fifth two-parter in Merlin, after ''[[Beauty and the Beast]]'', ''[[The Tears of Uther Pendragon]]'', ''[[The Coming of Arthur]]'', and ''[[The Darkest Hour]]''. |
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| − | *[[Ealdor]] and Merlin's mother [[Hunith]] both reappear in Part One. |
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| − | *Agravaine's betrayal is finally revealed to Arthur and everyone else oblivious to his true nature. |
||
| − | *After [[The Coming of Arthur]], this is the second time Morgana has taken Camelot, however while her first reign was official, this one was not. |
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| − | *Dragoon the Great makes another appearance. |
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| − | *Aithusa appears and is healing Morgana. |
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| − | *Part 2 marks Morgana's final attempt to stop Gwen becoming Queen. At the end of the episode, Gwen is married to Arthur and is crowned Queen of Camelot, hence Morgana's vision becomes true. It is unknown what her reaction was when she realised this. Although Morgana's vision of Guinevere becoming Queen came true, the vision differed from the reality in a few details, such as how Gwen was dressed and the crown that Arthur is wearing. |
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| − | *When Arthur pulls the sword from the stone, it resembles when Link obtains the Master Sword in the many Legend of Zelda games |
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| + | As Arthur continues to doubt himself, Merlin calls Kilgharrah for advice and is told he must restore Arthur's confidence. The next morning, Merlin leads Arthur through the forest and tells him the story of [[Bruta]], the first [[King of Camelot]], who placed a sword in a stone before he died to serve as a test for his descendants to prove that they were true Kings. He tells Arthur he found the stone and leads him to [[Excalibur (Sword)|Excalibur]], still lodged in the rock [[The Coming of Arthur|Merlin had placed it in]]. |
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| − | ==See also== |
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| − | *Characters: [[Tristan]], [[Isolde]], [[Hunith]], [[Helios]], [[Dragoon the Great]] |
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| − | *Locations: [[Ealdor]], [[Forest of Ascetir]] |
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| − | *Magic: [[Elemental Magic]] ([[Fire spell]]) |
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| − | *Creatures: [[Kilgharrah|The Great Dragon]], [[Aithusa]], [[Nathair]] |
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| − | *Objects: [[Excalibur (Sword)|Excalibur]] |
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| + | The survivors of Camelot appear and surround the clearing. Arthur doubts he can pull the sword from the rock, but Merlin tells him to believe and that he is special. Arthur tries, but can't pull it out. He tries again as Merlin tells him he is meant to pull the sword from the rock, and that he has to believe he is [[Destiny|destined]] to be [[Albion]]'s greatest King. When he sees Arthur starting to truly believe in himself, Merlin uses his magic to unseal Excalibur from the stone. |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:Arthur merlin isolde percival leon.jpg|thumb|left|220px|[[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] and his men plan their attack.]] |
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| + | Back in Camelot, Morgana learns that Agravaine and his men are dead. She convinces herself that Emrys is responsible, declaring that only he could command a [[dragon]]. |
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| + | |||
| + | With many of his [[Knights of Camelot|Knights]] - including [[Leon|Sir Leon]] and [[Percival|Sir Percival]] - and his people back at his side, Arthur decides to retake Camelot. Tristan watches his efforts and begins to have a change of heart and Isolde urges Gwen not to give up hope that Arthur will forgive her. |
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| + | |||
| + | Arthur confides in Merlin that Morgana's powers greatly tilt the odds in the enemy's favour. Merlin assures Arthur he believes in him, and sneaks into Camelot that night [[Ageing Spell|disguised]] as [[Dragoon the Great]]. He casts an [[Poppet Enchantments|enchantment]] by burning a [[poppet]], which he then hangs beneath Morgana's bed. He is spotted by Morgana as he leaves the [[citadel]] and is chased by some guards, but manages to escape. |
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| + | |||
| + | The next morning, Arthur and his forces leaves for the citadel. Tristan and Isolde decide to join the fight because Arthur showed them that he fights for what is right and fair, and Gwen tells Arthur that she understands why he can't forgive her, but has never stopped loving him. |
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| + | |||
| + | Upon reaching the citadel, Leon leads most of the Knights in an open assault on the castle while Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, Tristan, Isolde and Percival sneak in through the back. Once inside, Percival separates from the rest of the group and frees Gwaine, Elyan, and Gaius from the dungeon. |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:Arthur morgana confrontation.png|thumb|right|220px|[[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] finally confronts [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]].]] |
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| + | Meanwhile, Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, Tristan, and Isolde confront Morgana in the [[Helios]] in the throne room. Arthur asks Morgana what happened to her and why she turned against him, but Morgana bitterly reports that he is no different than [[Uther Pendragon|Uther]] and should pay for his crimes. She then attempts to kill him with her magic, but Merlin's enchantment nullifies her powers and she flees. |
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| + | |||
| + | Merlin and Gwen pursue her while Arthur and the others fight Helios and his guards. Morgana is wounded by a knight as she tries to escape, but later engages Gwen in a [[Duel between Guinevere and Morgana|duel]] and easily defeats her. However, before Morgana can kill Gwen, Merlin uses his magic to blast Morgana away from her, causing some stone and rubble to fall on her. When the dust clears, Morgana is gone. |
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| + | |||
| + | Meanwhile, [[Duel between Arthur and Helios|Arthur fights Helios]] while Tristan and Isolde take care of his men. Arthur is injured and gets knocked down, but as Helios prepares to kill him, Isolde stabs Helios from behind. As he dies, Helios swings around and slices Isolde across the stomach, mortally wounding her. Tristan holds her as she dies. |
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| + | |||
| + | In the aftermath of the battle, Arthur finds Gwen in [[Arthur's Chambers|his chambers]] tidying up. She says she will leave if he wants her to, but Arthur tells her to stay. Gwen says she can never forgive herself but Arthur says that he doesn't care and never wants to lose her again, finally forgiving her. He asks her to marry him, and she says yes with all her heart. |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:2011-12-26 011554.jpg|thumb|left|220px|[[The Coronation of Queen Guinevere]]]] |
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| + | Later, the [[Court of Camelot|court]] gathers in the Great Hall and Arthur [[The Coronation of Queen Guinevere|crowns]] Guinevere, [[Queen of Camelot]]. They kiss and ascend to their thrones as Merlin, Gaius, and everyone else proudly watch. |
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| + | |||
| + | Meanwhile, Morgana stumbles through the woods and collapses on the ground, seemingly at her end. However, the white dragon [[Aithusa]] finds her and uses its breath to [[Healing Spells|heal]] her. Morgana gratefully watches it fly away. |
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| + | |||
| + | == Cast == |
||
| + | === Main Cast === |
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| + | * [[Colin Morgan]] as [[Merlin]] |
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| + | * [[Bradley James]] as [[Arthur Pendragon]] |
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| + | * [[Angel Coulby]] as [[Guinevere Pendragon]] |
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| + | * [[Katie McGrath]] as [[Morgana Pendragon]] |
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| + | * [[Richard Wilson]] as [[Gaius]] |
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| + | * [[Nathaniel Parker]] as [[Agravaine de Bois]] |
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| + | |||
| + | === Recurring Cast === |
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| + | * [[Rupert Young]] as [[Leon|Sir Leon]] |
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| + | * [[Eoin Macken]] as [[Gwaine|Sir Gwaine]] |
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| + | * [[Tom Hopper]] as [[Percival|Sir Percival]] |
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| + | * [[Adetomiwa Edun]] as [[Elyan|Sir Elyan]] |
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| + | * [[Terence Maynard]] as [[Helios]] |
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| + | * [[Caroline Faber]] as [[Hunith]] <small>(Part 1 Only)</small> |
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| + | * [[John Hurt]] as the voice of [[Kilgharrah]] <small>(Part 2 Only)</small> |
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| + | |||
| + | === Guest Cast === |
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| + | * [[Ben Daniels]] as [[Tristan]] |
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| + | * [[Miranda Raison]] as [[Isolde]] |
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| + | |||
| + | == Continuity == |
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| + | === Part One === |
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| + | * This episode marks the third and final appearance of [[Hunith]]. |
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| + | * This episode marks the second and final appearance of [[Ealdor]]. |
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| + | * This episode marks the first time [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]] uses a [[Nathair]] to torture someone (Elyan). |
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| + | * This episode marks the [[Second Fall of Camelot|second time]] Morgana conquers [[Camelot]] and becomes its [[Queen]]. |
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| + | * [[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]]'s true loyalties are revealed to [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] and the rest of the [[Court of Camelot|court]]. |
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| + | * It is revealed that [[Cenred's Kingdom]] is now ruled by [[King]] [[Lot]]. |
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| + | * [[Merlin]] and Arthur are reunited with [[Guinevere Pendragon|Gwen]], who is revealed to have started a new life in Ealdor following [[Lancelot du Lac|her exile]] and [[The Hunter's Heart|escape from Helios]]. |
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| + | |||
| + | === Part Two === |
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| + | * This episode marks the second appearance of [[Aithusa]]. |
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| + | * This episode marks the final appearance and death of [[Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine]]. |
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| + | * This episode marks the final appearance and death of [[Helios]]. |
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| + | * This episode marks the fourth appearance of [[Merlin]]'s alter ego, [[Dragoon the Great]]. |
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| + | * This episode marks [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]]'s fifth and final attempt to avert [[Guinevere Pendragon|Gwen]]'s [[destiny]]. |
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| + | * [[Merlin]]'s [[magic]] and identity as [[Merlin|Emrys]] are revealed to Agravaine shortly before Merlin [[Skirmish in the Caves|kills him]]. |
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| + | * [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] suffers a crisis of confidence due to Agravaine and [[The Coming of Arthur|Morgana's betrayals]]. |
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| + | * Merlin restores Arthur's confidence by secretly using his magic to help him pull [[Excalibur (episode)|Excalibur]] from the stone [[The Coming of Arthur|he'd previously placed it in]]. |
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| + | * Morgana blames Emrys for Agravaine's death and panics when she sees him (Dragoon) in the [[citadel]]. |
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| + | * Arthur and Morgana confront each other for the first time since the [[Fall of Camelot]]. |
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| + | * [[Duel between Arthur and Helios|Arthur duels Helios]] and kills him with the help of [[Isolde]]. However, Isolde is mortally wounded in the process and dies soon afterward. |
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| + | * Arthur forgives Gwen for [[Lancelot du Lac|her betrayal]] and asks her to marry him; she accepts. |
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| + | * Gwen fulfills her destiny by being [[The Coronation of Queen Guinevere|crowned]] [[Queen of Camelot]]. |
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| + | * Aithusa finds Morgana near death and [[Healing Spells|heals]] her. |
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| + | |||
| + | == Release & Reception == |
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| + | * Part One: 17th December 2011 |
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| + | * Part Two: 24th December 2011 |
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| + | * The last episode, ''The Sword in the Stone: Part Two'', marks the first time an episode of ''[[Merlin (TV Series)|Merlin]]'' has been originally broadcast on December 24, Christmas Eve. Unlike the revived ''[[Wikipedia:Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'', which has annual Christmas specials on December 25, ''Merlin'' has never had an episode on Christmas Day, nor an official Christmas special. |
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| + | |||
| + | == Production Errors == |
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| + | * Footage from ''[[The Tears of Uther Pendragon]]'' and ''[[The Coming of Arthur]]'' are shown in this episode: |
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| + | ** One scene where [[Leon]] is fighting is identical to another scene in ''[[The Tears of Uther Pendragon]]''. |
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| + | ** A second scene shows Leon battling one of [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]]'s [[Immortal Army|immortal soldiers]] in ''[[The Coming of Arthur]]''. |
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| + | ** A third scene shows [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] defeating an immortal soldier in ''[[The Coming of Arthur]]''. |
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| + | |||
| + | == Trivia == |
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| + | * There are some slight differences between [[Guinevere Pendragon|Gwen]]'s actual [[coronation]] and [[Morgana Pendragon|Morgana]]'s [[Seer#Gift of Prophecy|dream]] in ''[[Queen of Hearts]]''. |
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| + | * When [[Arthur Pendragon|Arthur]] pulls [[Excalibur (Sword)|Excalibur]] from the stone, it resembles when Link obtains the Master Sword in the many ''Legend of Zelda'' games. |
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| + | * This is the fifth two-parter in ''[[Merlin (TV Series)|Merlin]]'', after ''[[Beauty and the Beast]]'', ''[[The Tears of Uther Pendragon]]'', ''[[The Coming of Arthur]]'', and ''[[The Darkest Hour]]''. |
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| + | |||
| + | == Gallery == |
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| + | {{Gallery}} |
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| + | |||
| + | == Transcript == |
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| + | {{Transcript}} |
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| + | |||
| + | == See Also == |
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| + | * Characters: [[Tristan]], [[Isolde]], [[Hunith]], [[Helios]] |
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| + | * Locations: [[Ealdor]], [[White Mountains]], [[Forest of Ascetir]] |
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| + | * Magic: [[Simpleton Enchantment]], [[Stunning spells]], [[Poppet Enchantments]] |
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| + | * Creatures: [[Kilgharrah]], [[Aithusa]], [[Nathair]] |
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| + | * Objects: [[Excalibur (Sword)|Excalibur]], [[Poppet]] |
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| + | * Events: [[Beltane]], [[Second Fall of Camelot]], [[Morgana's Second Reign]], [[Skirmish in the Caves]], [[Duel between Arthur and Helios]], [[Duel between Guinevere and Morgana]], [[The Coronation of Queen Guinevere]] |
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| + | <div style="position: fixed; bottom: 0px; right: 10px; padding: 25px; background: #E2E8EB; border: 3px solid Black;-webkit-border-radius:50px;-moz-border-radius:50px;-border-radius:50px;-khtml-border-radius: 50px; -icab-border-radius: 50px; -o-border-radius: 50px;-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 100px blue;-moz-box-shadow:0 0 100px black;box-shadow:0 0 100px black;-khtml-box-shadow:0 0 100px black;-o-box-shadow:0 0 100px black;"><big>'''Rate this episode!'''</big><br />{{StarRatings |
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| + | |series = 4 |
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| + | |episode = 12 |
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| + | }}</div> |
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Latest revision as of 00:27, 27 December 2023
The Sword in the Stone comprises the twelfth and thirteenth episodes of the fourth series of Merlin and is the two-part finale which was first broadcast on the 17th and 24 December 2011.
Synopsis[]
Part One[]
With Morgana at the helm of a vast Southron army, a deadly net is closing in around Camelot. When the sorceress strikes, the ferocity of her attack forces everyone to run for their lives - even Arthur. But Morgana will not let him escape that easily. And so begins a chilling hunt...
Can Merlin save the King from Morgana's clutches? Or has Arthur's luck finally run out?
Part Two[]
Morgan and Helios have successfully captured Camelot, and Merlin and Arthur are outlaws on the run. Trapped in Ealdor with a ruthless army closing in, their situation becomes desperate.
Arthur must take control before Camelot is lost forever, but faced with Agravaine's betrayal and the strength of Morgana's forces, the young King has lost his conviction. Only Merlin can restore his faith, and only an extraordinary act can prove to the King that he was born to rule. Will the young warlock convince Arthur before his dreams of Albion fall to pieces?
Plot[]
Part 1[]
While the court of Camelot celebrates Beltane, Agravaine uses the siege tunnels to lead a contingent of Southrons into the city. They quickly kill the sentries and set the Lower Town ablaze, signaling to Morgana and Helios that it is time to launch their attack.
As the Knights of Camelot work to put out the fires and repel the invading Southrons, Arthur is alerted to the attack and he and the other knights attending the feast leave to join the battle. Merlin evacuates the guests and helps Gaius treat the wounded, then leaves to find and protect Arthur.
Merlin finds Arthur battling Southrons in the castle corridors. Noticing that the King has been injured, Merlin quickly distracts the Southrons with his magic and helps Arthur escape. They find a hiding place near the courtyard, where Arthur sees Agravaine marching with Morgana and Helios. Enraged by his uncle's betrayal, Arthur moves to confront him, but Merlin talks him out of it.
As Morgana's forces capture Camelot and she takes her place on the throne, Sir Leon leads the Knights of Camelot in evacuating Camelot's citizens into the Darkling Woods. Meanwhile, Gaius binds Arthur's wounded ribs and conspires with Merlin, Gwaine, and Percival to sneak him out of the citadel.
Knowing that Arthur would never willingly abandon his people, Merlin secretly casts an enchantment on Arthur that takes away his free will, leaving him compliant and easily controlled. Merlin easily persuades the confused king to escape into the woods with him and Percival, but Gaius and Gwaine remain behind to distract Morgana. However, when she realises the situation, Morgana immediately orders Gwaine and Gaius to be imprisoned and chases after Arthur.
Merlin, Arthur, and Percival reunite with Elyan in the woods and at Merlin's suggestion, the group decides to seek refuge in Ealdor. However, Morgana soon chases them down and attacks them with a stunning spell. Percival becomes separated from the rest of the group and Elyan decides to stay behind to fend off the Southrons following them, forcing Merlin and Arthur to continue alone.
Once he's sure they're safe, Merlin has Arthur disguise himself by exchanging his chain mail for peasant's clothes. They continue their journey and eventually run into a group of smugglers led by Tristan and Isolde. Though initially weary, Merlin decides to tag along with them when he learns that they're heading in the same direction.
Meanwhile, back in Camelot, Morgana uses a Nathair to torture Elyan, who reveals that Arthur is heading for Ealdor. Morgana then has Elyan imprisoned with Gaius and Gwaine and orders Agravaine to Ealdor. Agravaine is reluctant to leave and cautions Morgana not to trust anyone but him, not even Helios, but Morgana successfully manipulates him into leaving.
The next day, Merlin's enchantment finally wears off and Arthur demands to know what's going on. Merlin explains that Camelot has fallen and that they're escaping to Ealdor. He also advises Arthur to continue acting like a simpleton to avoid suspicion, but Agravaine and his men ambush the smugglers soon afterward and Arthur's identity is revealed to Tristan and Isolde.
Though Tristan despises Arthur for his status as King, Isolde was injured in the ambush and Merlin convinces them to accompany him and Arthur to Ealdor. When they make camp that night, Arthur laments over Agravaine's betrayal, saying that he was as blind to his treachery as he was to Morgana's, and Merlin comforts him by assuring that they didn't betray him out of hatred, but because they crave his power for themselves.
Arthur and his allies plan their escape.
Meanwhile, in Camelot, Morgana forces Gwaine to fight her Southron soldiers for her entertainment. If he wins, he is given bread for Gaius, who is ill and starving.
The next day, Arthur, Merlin, Tristan, and Isolde reach Ealdor. Merlin is reunited with mother, Hunith, and Arthur is unexpectedly reunited with Gwen, who has been staying in Ealdor since escaping from Helios. Gwen and Arthur admit they've missed each and tentatively reconcile.
As Gwen and Arthur embrace, Agravaine and his men arrive and begin to surround the village. Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Tristan, and Isolde escape into the woods, but Agravaine sees them and orders his men after them.
Part 2[]
Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Tristan, and Isolde run through the woods to escape Agravaine his men. Merlin briefly lingers behind the rest of the group and calls the Great Dragon to come and breathe fire on Agravaine and his men, killing most of them, then leads Arthur and the others to a tunnel system in the nearby mountains.
Though they initially appear to be safe, they soon realize that Agravaine and his remaining men are pursuing them through the tunnels. Sending the others ahead, Merlin doubles back and leads Agravaine to a dead end.
Seeing that he has Merlin cornered, Agravaine threatens to kill him if he doesn't tell him where Arthur is. However, Merlin uses his magic to repel him and his men. The soldiers are instantly killed, but Agravaine recovers and gleefully realises Merlin has magic. He also guesses that Merlin is Morgana's enemy Emrys and tries to kill him, but Merlin quickly blasts him into some nearby rocks, killing him.
Merlin catches up with the rest of the group and leads them out of the tunnels. They decide to head back to Camelot through the Forest of Ascetir. When they make camp that night, Tristan continues to poke at Arthur, convincing him he is no one special and doesn't deserve to be King. Gwen tries to talk to Arthur, but he cannot bring himself to forgive her and says their reunion in Ealdor was "a moment of weakness".
Meanwhile, in Camelot, Gaius, Gwaine, and Elyan are still imprisoned and slowly starving. Morgana continues to make Gwaine earn food them by fighting her Southrons and orders him to fight several men at once with a short wooden sword. After winning, Gwaine is thrown back in their cell and given a small loaf of mouldy bread. Morgana sneers at him to enjoy his meal, as it will probably be his last.
As Arthur continues to doubt himself, Merlin calls Kilgharrah for advice and is told he must restore Arthur's confidence. The next morning, Merlin leads Arthur through the forest and tells him the story of Bruta, the first King of Camelot, who placed a sword in a stone before he died to serve as a test for his descendants to prove that they were true Kings. He tells Arthur he found the stone and leads him to Excalibur, still lodged in the rock Merlin had placed it in.
The survivors of Camelot appear and surround the clearing. Arthur doubts he can pull the sword from the rock, but Merlin tells him to believe and that he is special. Arthur tries, but can't pull it out. He tries again as Merlin tells him he is meant to pull the sword from the rock, and that he has to believe he is destined to be Albion's greatest King. When he sees Arthur starting to truly believe in himself, Merlin uses his magic to unseal Excalibur from the stone.
Arthur and his men plan their attack.
Back in Camelot, Morgana learns that Agravaine and his men are dead. She convinces herself that Emrys is responsible, declaring that only he could command a dragon.
With many of his Knights - including Sir Leon and Sir Percival - and his people back at his side, Arthur decides to retake Camelot. Tristan watches his efforts and begins to have a change of heart and Isolde urges Gwen not to give up hope that Arthur will forgive her.
Arthur confides in Merlin that Morgana's powers greatly tilt the odds in the enemy's favour. Merlin assures Arthur he believes in him, and sneaks into Camelot that night disguised as Dragoon the Great. He casts an enchantment by burning a poppet, which he then hangs beneath Morgana's bed. He is spotted by Morgana as he leaves the citadel and is chased by some guards, but manages to escape.
The next morning, Arthur and his forces leaves for the citadel. Tristan and Isolde decide to join the fight because Arthur showed them that he fights for what is right and fair, and Gwen tells Arthur that she understands why he can't forgive her, but has never stopped loving him.
Upon reaching the citadel, Leon leads most of the Knights in an open assault on the castle while Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, Tristan, Isolde and Percival sneak in through the back. Once inside, Percival separates from the rest of the group and frees Gwaine, Elyan, and Gaius from the dungeon.
Meanwhile, Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, Tristan, and Isolde confront Morgana in the Helios in the throne room. Arthur asks Morgana what happened to her and why she turned against him, but Morgana bitterly reports that he is no different than Uther and should pay for his crimes. She then attempts to kill him with her magic, but Merlin's enchantment nullifies her powers and she flees.
Merlin and Gwen pursue her while Arthur and the others fight Helios and his guards. Morgana is wounded by a knight as she tries to escape, but later engages Gwen in a duel and easily defeats her. However, before Morgana can kill Gwen, Merlin uses his magic to blast Morgana away from her, causing some stone and rubble to fall on her. When the dust clears, Morgana is gone.
Meanwhile, Arthur fights Helios while Tristan and Isolde take care of his men. Arthur is injured and gets knocked down, but as Helios prepares to kill him, Isolde stabs Helios from behind. As he dies, Helios swings around and slices Isolde across the stomach, mortally wounding her. Tristan holds her as she dies.
In the aftermath of the battle, Arthur finds Gwen in his chambers tidying up. She says she will leave if he wants her to, but Arthur tells her to stay. Gwen says she can never forgive herself but Arthur says that he doesn't care and never wants to lose her again, finally forgiving her. He asks her to marry him, and she says yes with all her heart.
Later, the court gathers in the Great Hall and Arthur crowns Guinevere, Queen of Camelot. They kiss and ascend to their thrones as Merlin, Gaius, and everyone else proudly watch.
Meanwhile, Morgana stumbles through the woods and collapses on the ground, seemingly at her end. However, the white dragon Aithusa finds her and uses its breath to heal her. Morgana gratefully watches it fly away.
Cast[]
Main Cast[]
- Colin Morgan as Merlin
- Bradley James as Arthur Pendragon
- Angel Coulby as Guinevere Pendragon
- Katie McGrath as Morgana Pendragon
- Richard Wilson as Gaius
- Nathaniel Parker as Agravaine de Bois
Recurring Cast[]
- Rupert Young as Sir Leon
- Eoin Macken as Sir Gwaine
- Tom Hopper as Sir Percival
- Adetomiwa Edun as Sir Elyan
- Terence Maynard as Helios
- Caroline Faber as Hunith (Part 1 Only)
- John Hurt as the voice of Kilgharrah (Part 2 Only)
Guest Cast[]
Continuity[]
Part One[]
- This episode marks the third and final appearance of Hunith.
- This episode marks the second and final appearance of Ealdor.
- This episode marks the first time Morgana uses a Nathair to torture someone (Elyan).
- This episode marks the second time Morgana conquers Camelot and becomes its Queen.
- Agravaine's true loyalties are revealed to Arthur and the rest of the court.
- It is revealed that Cenred's Kingdom is now ruled by King Lot.
- Merlin and Arthur are reunited with Gwen, who is revealed to have started a new life in Ealdor following her exile and escape from Helios.
Part Two[]
- This episode marks the second appearance of Aithusa.
- This episode marks the final appearance and death of Agravaine.
- This episode marks the final appearance and death of Helios.
- This episode marks the fourth appearance of Merlin's alter ego, Dragoon the Great.
- This episode marks Morgana's fifth and final attempt to avert Gwen's destiny.
- Merlin's magic and identity as Emrys are revealed to Agravaine shortly before Merlin kills him.
- Arthur suffers a crisis of confidence due to Agravaine and Morgana's betrayals.
- Merlin restores Arthur's confidence by secretly using his magic to help him pull Excalibur from the stone he'd previously placed it in.
- Morgana blames Emrys for Agravaine's death and panics when she sees him (Dragoon) in the citadel.
- Arthur and Morgana confront each other for the first time since the Fall of Camelot.
- Arthur duels Helios and kills him with the help of Isolde. However, Isolde is mortally wounded in the process and dies soon afterward.
- Arthur forgives Gwen for her betrayal and asks her to marry him; she accepts.
- Gwen fulfills her destiny by being crowned Queen of Camelot.
- Aithusa finds Morgana near death and heals her.
Release & Reception[]
- Part One: 17th December 2011
- Part Two: 24th December 2011
- The last episode, The Sword in the Stone: Part Two, marks the first time an episode of Merlin has been originally broadcast on December 24, Christmas Eve. Unlike the revived Doctor Who, which has annual Christmas specials on December 25, Merlin has never had an episode on Christmas Day, nor an official Christmas special.
Production Errors[]
- Footage from The Tears of Uther Pendragon and The Coming of Arthur are shown in this episode:
- One scene where Leon is fighting is identical to another scene in The Tears of Uther Pendragon.
- A second scene shows Leon battling one of Morgana's immortal soldiers in The Coming of Arthur.
- A third scene shows Arthur defeating an immortal soldier in The Coming of Arthur.
Trivia[]
- There are some slight differences between Gwen's actual coronation and Morgana's dream in Queen of Hearts.
- When Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone, it resembles when Link obtains the Master Sword in the many Legend of Zelda games.
- This is the fifth two-parter in Merlin, after Beauty and the Beast, The Tears of Uther Pendragon, The Coming of Arthur, and The Darkest Hour.
Gallery[]
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To view the The Sword in the Stone gallery, click here.
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Transcript[]
See Also[]
- Characters: Tristan, Isolde, Hunith, Helios
- Locations: Ealdor, White Mountains, Forest of Ascetir
- Magic: Simpleton Enchantment, Stunning spells, Poppet Enchantments
- Creatures: Kilgharrah, Aithusa, Nathair
- Objects: Excalibur, Poppet
- Events: Beltane, Second Fall of Camelot, Morgana's Second Reign, Skirmish in the Caves, Duel between Arthur and Helios, Duel between Guinevere and Morgana, The Coronation of Queen Guinevere
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| Series 4 |
|---|
| The Darkest Hour • The Wicked Day • Aithusa • His Father's Son • A Servant of Two Masters • The Secret Sharer • Lamia • Lancelot du Lac • A Herald of the New Age • The Hunter's Heart • The Sword in the Stone |