Merlin Season 5 Episode 2 ((top)) Site

Can Merlin change the future, or do his attempts to stop it actually cause it?

In the dark, mystical caverns, MERLIN crouches behind a rock formation. He watches as MORGANA kneels before the ancient, withered creature known as THE DRAGON, AITHUSA. The dragon is chained, its scales dull, its breathing ragged.

This is noble. But the show argues that in a world of prophecy and magic, nobility can be fatal. Arthur dies not because he's cruel, but because he's good. His faith in people is exploited by destiny itself. merlin season 5 episode 2

A carriage travels the lonely road away from Camelot. Gwen sits inside, gazing out at the passing trees, leaving her life behind. Suddenly, the carriage lurches to a halt. Shouts are heard.

Mordred in this episode is brave, loyal, and kind. He saves Arthur. He refuses to abandon the knights. He shows no malice. Can Merlin change the future, or do his

You are weak, Aithusa. But I have found it. The key to everything. Arthur’s Bane.

Because Merlin knows Mordred is destined to kill Arthur. Yet he cannot reveal why without exposing his magic. So Merlin is forced to watch Mordred grow closer to Arthur, powerless — and that growing closeness (Arthur trusting Mordred) is exactly what will lead to Arthur's death. The bane is not Mordred alone. It's the love Arthur has for people he shouldn't trust, and the silence Merlin is forced to keep. The dragon is chained, its scales dull, its breathing ragged

You haven't eaten.

However, things don't go according to plan, and Arthur is captured by Eriol, who uses the diamond's power to make him see visions of his future, including a possible death at the hands of a loved one. Merlin must use all his skills and cunning to rescue Arthur and defeat Eriol.

That's the true bane of Arthur: not Mordred. But Merlin's helpless love.