"Merlin", Season 1 Episode 9, "Excalibur"

The Story Behind the King, the Wizard, and the Sword

Emma Bostic

Intro

    The show "Merlin", Season 1 episode 9 "Excalibur", demonstrates concepts of the Arthurian world and the middle ages, through a modern form of entertainment. The series transforms medieval texts into a visual experience, that is available to a wider scope of people. Many people struggle to understand the language used in Arthurian texts and this adaptation provides a more recognizable use of langauge. Plus, it is a fun way to learn about the storyline for those who would prefer to watch this form of entertainment, as opposed to or in addition to reading. This episode includes several Arthurian characters including Arthur himself, his father, Merlin, Tristan, and other characters seen in the feudal system, of Arthurian literature. It also addresses components such as excalibur and its origins, magical creatures, the use of magic, and components of challenges and the proceeding battles.

Summary

The magical creature (Dragon) before he forges 
the sword for Arthur, at Merlin's request.

    The episode begins with a woman using magic to bring the spirit of a dead man back to life. We later discover this man is Tristan and that he has come back to seek his revenge of Arthur's father. Tristan blamed Arthur's father, King Uther, for the death of Arthur's mother, Igrane. Uther killed Tristan in battle and he has returned to kill Uther. Therefor, during a feast Tristan barges in, although his identity is unknown at this time, and challenges someone of the court to a battle. Two knights are killed before Arthur steps forward and challenges Tristan. Merlin, a friend and servant of Arthur, realizes that Arthur will die because Tristan can not be killed, since he is already dead. Merlin, goes to a dragon for help and has him forge a sword for Arthur. Uther, afraid his son will die, has Merlin drugged and takes his place in battle. He takes the magical sword, excalibur, and destroys Tristan. The dragon discovers that the sword was wielded by another and warns Merlin that there will be consequences. Per the dragons instructions, Merlin hides excalibur, by throwing it in a lake, far from the castle. 

Characters

Arthur realizing his father has his best interest at
heart. Uther was trying to protect his son, not steal
his spotlight.

    This adaptation represents the story of King Arthur as a young man before he was King. Throughout the episode he attempts to prove he is worthy of his kingdom. Unlike many well-known versions of Merlin, he is also a young man, maybe a boy, who is still new to magic and is acting as Arthur's personal servant. I enjoy that this version of the story includes Uther as a caring father, although demanding with high expectations. In other representations, Uther can be seen as a bad guy who forces a woman to marry him and who does not know his son well. The episode includes obvious signs of feudalism rankings such as a king, a prince, knights of the court, and various levels of servants. This is a refreshing difference. It is clear that the prince, Arthur, is highly valued and protected. Merlin and Uther both protest Arthur's insistance to fight. However, Arthur believes it is his duty to prove his courage, regardless of the consequences. Uther feels he has no choice, but to protect his son and the future king.

Objects and Events

Uther and The Black Knight Battling with medieval 
armour and weapons.

    The objects of the episode show an evident difference to common, modern items and styles. Today it is very uncommon to carry swords, but most wielded swords and other weaponry daily in the middle ages. The sword excalibur, was a main point of this episode, being a magical weapon forged by a dragon. Magical creatures and the use of magic is a common theme and somewhat normal occurrence in Arthurian literature, as demonstrated in the episode. However, modern literature tends to view and discuss magic as a shocking, uncommon, or hidden thing. Swords were prominent in the Arthurian world, due to the frequent challenges and battles. This episode demonstrates a common theme in Arthurian literature, of an unknown knight, interrupting a large castle gathering, to challenge on of their knights. In this case, it was the black night, also known as Tristan. Today, nobody challenges anybody to duals. Instead, if people get into a physical fight there are hopefully no weapons involved and definitely not swords. Plus, it it typically not a formal event, as it was. Lastly, the importance of oaths are addressed in the episode, when Uther warns Merlin's mentor to not break his oath, and to never tell Arthur that his birth resulted in the death of his mother. Oaths are very important in Arthurian literature as shown in many adaptations, including the story of "The Green Knight" and modern book "Legendborn". In modern times, our versions of oaths are promises. Many promises are not as binding and do not have as severe of consequences for breaking them, as oaths did, but they can be if it is from a legal stance.

Conclusion

Merlin as he is about to hide the sword in the lake.

    In conclusion, the episode provides a fun and entertaining form of learning the Arthurian story and the way of the middle ages. The characters and elements involved are all based off of Arthurian texts and their original stories. If you are looking for an intriguing and modern way of introduction to the stories, the show "Merlin" is a great option. 

“Merlin: Excalibur Season 1 Episode 9.’” Amazon, AmazonPrimeVideo, 2011, www.amazon.com/Valiant/dp/B07CJ2741V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DOQ2HEZKD8VC&keywords=merlin&qid=1700109825&s=instant-video&sprefix=merlin%2Cinstant-video%2C80&sr=1-1. Accessed 8 Nov. 2023.