#alator of catha

[poisonedfate]

i come before you today with a new proposition - an 'arthur knows' reveal set at the end of 04x07. gaius is back safely, no longer thought to be the traitor and arthur asks merlin to leave the room so he could speak to gaius alone. in the episode he asks about emrys and gaius protecting him, but what if instead he simply said "i know". what if instead of enquiring about whether or not gaius gave away any of camelot's secrets he simply asks "does she know?". and gaius drains of all colour, of course, he just had to protect merlin and now he's being challenged to do it again.

i imagine this is where the episode would end, but just for more perspective - in my mind, arthur was already suspicious before this. not exactly "oh, he has magic" suspicious, but "there's something, i don't know what, but it's on the very tip of my tongue" suspicious. in comes gwaine, who was just on the rescue mission with merlin where he had a guy fly and land on him (which, obviously, in the episode was brushed off). perhaps in the changed scenario he even overheard merlin and alator of the catha just for a brief moment.

gwaine would never just give away merlin's secret like that, not without good reason, but he's smart. he knows. he sees. he also had the run-in with agravaine where he was very clearly being suspicious. so gwaine pulls arthur aside and tries to hammer into arthur's thick skull that merlin is in danger - he's unsure if morgana knows, if she's realised she was looking for merlin, at the end of the day he didn't exactly see it all play out. but arthur won't take it, keeps asking and asking until gwaine just says "it's him, help him". nothing more, nothing else.

and that's how he ends up having the conversation with gaius. just as a last little note - obviously arthur is very hung up on dragoon/emrys being at fault for uther's death. in the episode gaius does try and convince him that the sorcerer meant no harm, but yknow, it's arthur. so i think he'd have to bring up the necklace, explain the actual circumstances as much as he can. no magic reveal is complete without arthur having some sort of Moment, but i think he'd help first and think second. how that plays out afterwards is up to interpretation.

[kateis-cakeis]

Thinking about the structure of the Old Religion.

From what we know there's the Nine which refers to the High Priestesses of the Triple Goddess - powerful sorcerers who obtained immortality (unless killed by some form of magic), and performed important rituals of the Old Religion.

It is unknown if there was a High Priest equivalent, but Gaius in S1Ep13 does tell Merlin that "the High Priests have the power to mirror life and death". This suggests that perhaps there were High Priests of the Triple Goddess, and that they also had a Nine.

There's the Bendrui, women who failed to become part of the Nine. Just like those who eventually became High Priestesses of the Triple Goddess, they were chosen at birth for the priesthood - taken from their families and raised as initiates of the Old Religion. Despite their failure, Bendrui are practiced in potent magic, and appear to have above average gifts.

There's the Bloodguard, warrior priests who swore to protect the High Priestesses. They, like the High Priestesses, were the only people to ever set eyes upon the staff carved from the Rowan tree that grows at the very heart of the Isle of the Blessed.

It could be suggested that like the Bendrui, the Bloodguard could have been failed High Priests, but there is no evidence (other than the existence of the Bendrui, and the mention of High Priests) to truly suggest this.

It is also unknown if the Bloodguard served the Triple Goddess. It is possible that the priests served various different gods of the Old Religion, but due to their relation to the Nine specifically, it is likely these warrior priests served the Triple Goddess.

There's the Catha, which contains priests. (Alator is referred to being "of the Catha, warrior and priest", he also says "I'm a Catha priest").

It is unknown if they served the Triple Goddess, or a different god of the Old Religion (and we know they are priests of the Old Religion because Morgana says, "He's a Catha...priest of the Old Religion.").

They have their own language, however, suggesting that they are a unique culture, and perhaps even an ethnic group. (This is further supported by Alator saying Catha are trained from birth to master all physical pain, it is also said that they guard their ancient knowledge - which leans towards them being a people rather than just initiates of the Old Religion)

There's the Disir, the highest court of the Old Religion, made up of three women chosen at birth to be trained as seers and soothsayers. They are the mouthpiece of the Triple Goddess, and interpret her word. As Gaius says, "When they sat in judgement, their word was final". They pass on the runemark, which is both judgement and fate - it contains a person's guilt, as well as the path the gods have chosen for them.

There's the Druids, a peaceful people who worship the Old Religion and often possess magic. It's a part of their beliefs to help people in need of care, and therefore, those who weren't born a Druid can find a home amongst them (Morgana is one such example).

Moreover, the Druids look for children with the gift of telepathy to serve as apprentices (perhaps to keep them safe? perhaps to encourage their magic in childhood?). The Druids also have a tattoo of a triskelion somewhere on their body, perhaps as a part of a ritual (to indicate someone has become a Druid?).

While the Druids have an intimate knowledge of prophecy and destiny, especially regarding Emrys and the Once and Future King, they do not appear to be priests or priestesses in any form. Just like the Catha, they have their own language (called the Druid tongue and Druidic Runes by Gaius), therefore, it is possible that they too are a unique culture and/or an ethnic group.

There's the Isle of the Blessed, a sacred location of the Old Religion, said to be the centre of it, and the focus of its power - it is also where the power of the ancients can still be felt after the Great Purge. Artifacts such as the Rowan staff, the Cup of Life, and the Horn of Cathbhadh were kept there under the care of the High Priestesses. Furthermore, Morgana's healing bracelet was forged on Isle - suggesting that its power allowed for the creation of powerful artifacts (this is further supported by the Rowan staff which was carved from the tree that grows there).

In a deleted scene for S4Ep1, Morgause says when she was first brought to the Isle, the hallways were teeming with women - High Priestesses. Although it is said often within the fandom, canon never establishes if the initiates were trained on the Isle. This deleted scene, however, heavily suggests it.

There's the Caerlanrigh, a sacred spring within the Grove of Brineved. There, the Disir reside within a cave, where the spring feeds into an ancient pool - in which the Disir divine from. The old ways are at their strongest there, and it's at the very centre of their powers (whether Gaius meant the old ways or the Disir here is unclear).

There's the Cauldron of Arianrhod, a sacred site of the Old Religion. The lake contains the power of the White Goddess, who can be summoned to heal those affected by the Teine Diaga ritual. However, if such a person is tricked into entering the cauldron, their soul would be lost forever.

There's the Crystal Cave, said to be the birthplace of magic. It is filled to the brim with scrying crystals that show the past, present, and future. Taliesin used the cave as the source of his prophecies for the kings of old. And as much as the crystals can be controlled, they can force visions upon powerful sorcerers too.

The cave can also hold spirits within it, seen with both Balinor and Taliesin.

While this may have been the case for Merlin alone, the cave can restore a person's magic.

There are celebrations important to the Old Religion too, such as:

Samhain, a time of year where the people feel closest to the spirits of their ancestors, in which they celebrate their passing.

During Samhain it was traditional for the High Priestesses to gather on the Isle of the Blessed and perform a blood sacrifice to release the Dorocha. This was done on the stroke of midnight, when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest.

Since the Dorocha do not roam free in the world throughout the series, it is suggested that a second blood sacrifice was done by the High Priestesses - perhaps before the night was through - to close the veil once more.

In Camelot, a feast is held as part of the celebrations. (This suggests that while the Old Religion and its practices were abandoned during and after the Purge, the heart of the religion and its holidays were never replaced).

Beltane, a time of year where the High Priestesses would gather at the Great Stones of Nemeton and summon the spirits of their ancestors with the Horn of Cathbhadh. It opens the door to the Spirit World and allows the person who blew the horn to see and speak with their ancestor of choice.

In Camelot a feast is held as part of the celebrations (which much like Samhain seems indicate that the Old Religion has been around for so long that it cannot be removed from society entirely - that the people clung onto some traditions, including the royal family).

There's the Gods of the Old Religion, the Triple Goddess, the White Goddess, and Nemaine. It could be implied that the White Goddess, and the Earth Mother Nemaine are part of the Triple Goddess, but it is just as likely for them to be separate gods.

If so, the Triple Goddess is heavily associated with the Nine, destiny and fate, and the immortality of certain sorcerers. Perhaps she is also associated with the balance of the world, due to the power over life and death being tied to the High Priestesses and supposed High Priests.

The White Goddess, however, appears to be associated with one's soul and healing. It was only her power that could heal and retain Gwen's soul after Teine Diaga ritual.

The Earth Mother Nemaine is related to Gean Canach, as it is said her tears forged the creature. The book Gaius reads from has more information, and from what can be deciphered, it says that Nemaine first wept at the slaughter of war, resulting in the Gean Canach crawling out of the Earth's belly (there is more written on the page, but it is impossible to tell what it says). This suggests that Nemaine lives within the Earth's core, and that she is indeed associated with nature and living beings as her name implies.

Furthermore, since she wept at the slaughter of war, she is perhaps the god of life itself, but not of the entire cycle. And due to the Gean Canach's abilities, to devour and drain a sorcerer of their magic, it is likely that this war's slaughter was brought about by magic.

It is possible that The Earth Mother Nemaine could be related to the Pool of Nemhain. Despite having different spellings in the show (the subtitles), they have extremely similar pronunciations (even if it is a bit different). Perhaps they are unrelated, but if they are one and the same, it could be suggested that the Earth Mother is connected to death as well as life, due to the pool being the last of the Five Gateways to the Spirit World. (This contradicts what is analysed in the above paragraph, but this post is meant to speculate multiple possibilities.)

Honourable mentions:

It could be suggested that the Quest Ritual was once part of the Old Religion. It includes the heir to the throne of Camelot transcending their body in order to receive a vision of a quest. This quest is meant to prove their worth to the people, and their worthiness of the throne. The heir prepares themself by cleansing their body and dressing in white robes. They spend an entire night kneeling on the floor, barefoot, with their eyes closed.

Due to how Arthur reacts in the morning when Uther pulls him out of it, and how sacred the entire process appears to be, it is as if the heir is actually gifted with a vision of a quest. This is supported by his reaction, as he looks dazed when relays what he has seen. Therefore, it seems as if the ritual includes some form of magic due to the preparation, and if so, then it's likely it was a practice of the Old Religion (specifically for the heirs of Camelot? Due to Camelot's association with the very heart of magic?)

It has been around for hundreds of years, so it is not outside the realm of possibility that the Quest Ritual is so old that the general consensus has forgotten its ties to the Old Religion, or much like Samhain and Beltane, it is perhaps so baked into society that it couldn't be abandoned.

--

In S1Ep13, Merlin says that the "Old Religion died out centuries ago". Even in Series 1 this is far from true, but later seasons make this remark seem entirely ignorant. If anything, this sentiment comes from a post-Purge society, where the structures of the Old Religion no longer exist. Perhaps it is even propaganda that Uther pushed forward as people became more fearful over the years, turning away from the old ways despite once practicing such beliefs (and for the people of Camelot, still practicing some of those beliefs).

It is possible this was a retcon but if so then it's directly retconned in S1Ep13 when it's revealed that Nimueh is a High Priestess.

Anyhow, in response to Merlin's ignorance, Kilgharrah says, "The Old Religion is the magic of the Earth itself. It is the essence which binds all things together. It will last long beyond the time of men".

This shows that the Old Religion doesn't just refer to the religion and the gods, but rather it is the very magic that makes up the fabric of the world, and as Balinor says in S2Ep13 it's either a part of you or it isn't. This suggests that it is indeed not just a religion, but the very world, the Earth, magic.

He also goes on to say that Merlin must "find those who still serve it", which shows that Uther very much didn't succeed in eradicating the structure of the Old Religion entirely, at least at that point in the show. And perhaps that anyone could serve it, even after the very structure collapsed.

All this is to say that the Old Religion is extremely pagan. The structure itself is vague perhaps because Old Religion is personal, it is vague. The differences between the High Priestesses, the Catha, and the Druids make this clear. Following the Old Religion's beliefs, traditions, and holidays is personal and spiritual because it varies, because there is no wrong way. Because there are no set rules or a real structure at all. The High Priestesses had power, yes, but this seems to come directly from the Triple Goddess herself, rather than a societal standing.

Nimueh was at court, and she was Uther's friend, but she was also very quickly thrown from the court after Ygraine died. And yes, the High Priestesses went to war with the Ancient Kings, but that appears to be a difference in factions, rather than let's say the Christian church and its power over the centuries.

Therefore, I propose that the Old Religion as a religion was loose in its structure, that it never died out like Merlin said (which does seem to be a post-Purge sentiment), but instead simply changed and evolved, and continued to exist even after the Purge, with its holidays in Camelot, and with the Druids and their practices/beliefs.

-----

Overall, the information we have on the structure of the Old Religion is vague and patchy. This was perhaps intentional so the writers could work around existing canon to introduce new concepts without being constricted by their past worldbuilding. But that's getting into the Intentional Fallacy, so I'll leave that there.

It appears that the High Priestesses had the most power in society, due to their past wars with the Ancient Kings, and their sheer power and knowledge. Not to mention their artifacts and control over creatures like the Fomorroh.

But there are different beliefs and structures to the Old Religion, like with the Catha and the Druids, suggesting that there are multiple ways to worship and follow the Old Religion.

The many sacred sites show that there are different powers and sources to the Old Religion that have different purposes. Like how the path to the Cauldron of Arianrhod was lined with banners for pilgrims, not to necessarily summon the White Goddess, but to visit the site. Or how the Isle of the Blessed is a powerful religious site, while the Crystal Cave is a fairly legendary and unknown place that few ever get to see.

In conclusion, the Old Religion is vast and has many facets to it. There is some structure, but it doesn't seem entirely necessary in order to follow the Old Religion. And in reality, it is inherent to the Earth, it is magic itself.

[tiodolma]

things bbc merlin never did in the 3 year interim, implied in the show

use his lucrative alliance with alator of catha (and followers) to do something about his Mission;

give a damn about his own dragon hatchling;

use the stolen artifacts to help him and his mission: crystal of neahtid to seek information, sidhe staff to boost his magic;

establish more alliance with the druids

but hey he'd rather enjoying playing servant as much as he could. he'd rather take over other servants jobs as much as he could.

and then when mordred joins them, he's suddenly all "we will be free, we will be free"

and he goes almost weepy when he says "there can be no magic in camelot"

great priorities, man.

[xviruserrorx]

Merlin Tags

#bbc merlin

Seasons:

#merlin s1 : 1x01 - 1x02 - 1x03 - 1x04 - 1x05 - 1x06 - 1x07 - 1x08 - 1x09 - 1x10 - 1x11 - 1x12 - 1x13

#merlin s2 : 2x01 - 2x02 - 2x03 - 2x04 - 2x05 - 2x06 - 2x07 - 2x08 - 2x09 - 2x10 - 2x11 - 2x12 - 2x13

#merlin s3 : 3x01 - 3x02 - 3x03 - 3x04 - 3x05 - 3x06 - 3x07 - 3x08 - 3x09 - 3x10 - 3x11 - 3x12 - 3x13

#merlin s4 : 4x01 - 4x02 - 4x03 - 4x04 - 4x05 - 4x06 - 4x07 - 4x08 - 4x09 - 4x10 - 4x11 - 4x12 - 4x13

#merlin s5 : 5x01 - 5x02 - 5x03 - 5x04 - 5x05 - 5x06 - 5x07 - 5x08 - 5x09 - 5x10 - 5x11 - 5x12 - 5x13

Characters:

Main: arthur pendragon | morgana pendragon | guinevere pendragon | merlin emrys | sir gwaine | sir elyan | sir lancelot | sir percival | sir leon | sir mordred | gaius the court physician | uther pendragon | agravain de bois

Side: mithian of nemeth | ygraine de bois | bbcm sefa | bbcm freya | bbcm morgause | bbcm nimueh | bbcm iseldir | king cenred | geoffrey of monmouth | alator of the catha |

One Off: bbcm daegal | bbcm kara | eoghan the map makers apprentice | bbcm gilli | edwin muirden | tyr seward | will of ealdor | elena of gawant | princess vivian | anhora keeper of the unicorns | tristan de bois | bbcm alvarr | bbcm enmyria | julius borden | bbcm aglain | lady catrina | aredian the witchfinder | knight valiant | king alined | the cailleach | bbcm tauren

Extra: knight!merlin | shade!lancelot | enchanted!arthur | enchanted!gwen |

Ships: (that I know of)

Arthur: #arlance | #arlyan | # armor | #arwen

Elyan:

Gwaine: #gwaincelot | #gwainevere

Gwen:

Leon:

Lancelot:

Merlin: #merthur | #mergwen | #mergana | #merwaine | #merlance | #merleon | #merwill | #merthian |

Mordred:

Morgana: #morgwen |

Percival: #perwaine | #perlyan |

| #geon | #morgal | #morra

Poly ships:

#merwaincelot | #mergwenthur | #mergwainthur | #merlyanthur |

Group Tags:

pendragon house

pendragon siblings

smith siblings

knights of camelot

people of the old religion

awotc

[444names]

roman emperor, tolkienesque and french forenames + roman places and deities BUT excluding "i"

Adalf Adane Adanus Adette Adroth Aetor Agnus Alate Aldang Aldar Alemna Alemon Alenwë Alette Amrah Amrodda Anast Anbora Ancus Andel Andra Andred Androth Angeleb Annator Annon Annonum Antus Anáro Aphrod Apollus Aquaes Aracae Aracaen Arach Aragus Araharn Aranc Arancan Arata Arato Aravane Arazôn Ardanel Areth Arette Argestë Argetas Argette Argue Arles Arleth Arnar Aroma Artas Artha Arvedum Arvelyë Ascatar Ascate Astans Aules Auram Austus Bacca Baldar Balus Banna Barazôn Baugus Belebor Belegon Beles Belle Benor Beona Beorl Beracum Berence Berenée Beres Berna Berta Bolgero Bombul Brodel Caglas Caglor Calcar Calla Calmo Camed Cament Camuel Camula Caran Carazôn Carcel Carme Caros Castes Cates Catha Cator Celeg Celes Celle Celyne Celynea Celyë Cemeter Ceorn Cerea Clata Claud Claume Claur Claure Clotas Coelu Colas Coletor Comon Concal Concora Concorn Condela Consta Constan Constas Corum Cybello Daedalf Derna Deven Drastan Dylane Déago Ebona Ectho Ecthor Egaland Elander Elareth Elber Elendo Eleth Elfhel Elumer Emmanwë Eneldad Eorgel Eregorm Erenda Erylla Estans Estas Evert Eärenta Eärenus Eärené Eärenée Eärnus Faman Famanus Fannona Fanon Farahar Faunum Febrían Fenge Feronwë Ferra Ferula Florach Flore Forum Forus Franc Frandel Fëano Fëanon Gabalba Gaetas Galas Galda Galens Gantar Ganto Garwen Genel Geneta Gerent Gerette Gette Glander Glandre Glorach Glóred Golae Golane Gorba Gortona Gothéod Gratant Gratar Grato Hadoc Hadon Halba Haldog Haldor Halla Hallae Hanthor Helle Henator Henrva Heracum Hercel Hercus Herme Herucas Herum Herus Hestes Horon Jacque Jeanc Jeancan Jeanna Jessa Joanne Joceleg Jocetum Justes Justus Jutum Juven Juvenus Khamer Lactor Lagory Lalanta Laramna Laude Laume Laven Legund Leona Lette Lonna Lothéo Lucales Luent Lugduf Lugdus Léodwyn Madette Madoc Mador Maeda Magash Magast Magnès Magora Magund Mahtar Malanon Malas Malla Mallas Mamuel Mandrée Manos Mantona Manum Manus Mathel Matho Maura Meldë Menae Mendor Menette Mentas Menter Mohamen Mohamûl Monel Morges Mortune Mélan Nahael Narda Nathôn Necessa Nemes Neron Neros Nessor Nonum Océanel Océanes Olóred Orbag Ornen Ornovum Orodre Orona Orond Oronwë Ostanto Ostvera Palatar Palenwë Parcele Parcus Paulë Penae Perence Pereth Perette Pertus Perva Petella Peterre Phaesar Pollo Pollum Pompeda Porthur Portuna Portune Portus Porumor Posette Potent Quent Radanus Raphor Raymon Regon Regula Rence Robus Rogerme Rogeron Rogeros Rómence Sabeorl Sadoc Salmach Salmoth Sanck Sandel Sander Saradoc Sarus Satuta Secury Senoît Sephaël Sergel Sevent Shadoc Shagram Shelm Smaugus Smauhúr Sméagon Solas Solum Soros Sorsa Stred Stren Stéphan Summa Suzanna Taromë Taroth Tatan Teleb Tellane Telle Temnae Tempes Thena Thenrva Theodor Theophe Thorod Thoromë Thorond Thoros Thostor Thras Théod Tranc Trant Trebor Trebora Trenée Turna Turnus Vacum Vagna Vagnès Valad Valadûn Valas Valeth Vanne Vanny Vecthor Vector Venne Venua Verae Verna Verra Vertune Verula Verus Vette Volum Vorod Vulcar Vulturn Waldor Yandré Yanna Yanne Yanny Yavanus Yvonna Zenor Élodh Éomunda Éotha Éothéo Éverna Éverus

[send-noodles-not-nudes]

ALATOR THE CATHA

THATS THE SCOTTISH DUDE

I hope the torture doesn't break him

I didn't think the torture would break Gaius but here we are

Just hoping the Catha are tougher

[sneakyboymerlin]

@illfigureitoutlater YES !!!!! For those who don’t remember, Finna is one of the Bendrui, a class of magical peoples just short of becoming one of The Nine (women who are selected to train as High Priestesses). She is incredibly powerful, even serving under Alator (a Catha High Priest). And not only does she bow to Merlin on multiple occasions, but she also makes a conscious choice to die for him.

I have said it before, but Merlin experiences all of the struggles and downfalls of being a leader, with none of the luxuries. And when he is presented with those luxuries (see: Sigan, Nimueh, and Borden bribing him with ultimate world domination, wealth, and respect; Finna bowing to him) he refuses their offerings. He defeats Nimueh, Sigan, and Borden, who all promised him a place at the top, and he has Finna look him in the eye as an equal, because he doesn’t do it for any reward. However people choose to rank or respect him is beside the point. He’s the foot soldier who’s sent in first to die, he’s the captain, he’s the villager under attack, but no matter his position, he simply does what he believes must be done.

And it’s not even really a conscious choice to him. He’s not comfortable with treating others as his inferiors, and likewise he doesn’t want to be treated as a superior! He is ranked as thee most powerful sorcerer ever to walk the Earth, but he never loses his humility or his desire to help. He’s been at the bottom, so he doesn’t want to see (or put) anyone else there, either.

Alator shows his devotion to Emrys.

I love this scene. People who are willing to give up their lives for Merlin. It’s always Arthur who gets that special treatment. It goes to show that he’s not alone in that world and there are people who are loyal to him and they worship him.

[last-night-is-a-blur]

I really want a Merlin fanfic where Morgana and Morgause aren’t “civilian-killing-level of evil” and form a pro-magic restiance with Gili, Kara, Mordred, Sefa, Daegal, Finna and Alator and Orn. Just imagine all the cool dynamics and the utter chaos. 

Sefa, Mordred and Kara and Daegal would be “the kids”.

Morgana and Gili ( I assume Gili is closer to Morgana than the “kids” in age, and that Sefa and Daegal are about Mordred and Kara’s age) would be treated like the “older kids” in the family - old enough to participate in “adult stuff” like assasinations, but still treated as being more inexperience than the “adults”

Morgause would be the cool aunt teaching sword fighting and magic and encouraging everyone to reach their full potetional. 

She's usually only nurturing towards Morgana. Morgause needs love like everyone else, but once she founds her little sister, the ��caretaker compartment” of her heart was full. Morgause has a soft spot for kids because they need protection and guidance, and she respects that they are the future, but she just isn’t all that maternal. She is more a protector, leader and teacher than she is as caretaker.

She appriciates Kara’s and Gili’s feistiness though. They are her second and thir favorites after Morgana - when they don’t annoy her.

Finna, Orn, Morgause, Alator and Mordred spend most of their time keeping Morgana, Gili and Kara in check when their recklessness gets the better of them.

Morded also needs some railing in at times, due to his idealism and youth, even though he is usually more cautious than Morgana and Kara.

Merlin wants to join them, but can’t because he needs to stay in Camelot to protect Arthur

He is their inside man/ally in Camelot most of the time 

Sometimes he would work against (at least some of) them because some of their plans threaten Arthur

 He believes Arthur will come around to magic and create a golden age for both magic users and others.

The rebels have various level of faith in Arthur, and some just don’t want to wait for him to become king, and they can’t just protect everyone arrested for magic until then, even with Merlin as their inside man

This means going after Uther, but sometimes those plans put Arthur at risk because he is willing to put himself in harm's way for his father. 

Freya joins them at some point. She survived her time in Camelot and left with Merlin, who helped here break the curse (maybe they met Finna or Alator who taught them how). But then a crisis in Camelot reminded Merlin of his responsibilities and he returned. Freya seattled in a druid camp and later joined the resistance

She becomes more confident, even though she is troubled and guilt-ridden because of what the Bastet did, and still realing from all the trauma she has gone through

She has a dry sarcastic humour. Really sweet and romantic (like how she talked about her home) and artistic, but definately practical and realistic at the same time.

She becomes good friends with Morgana and calls her out when she needs to.

The pair of them are the cool big sister’s to “the kids”

Freya is usually the voice of reason more often than not when “the adults” (morgause, finna, alator, orn) aren’t around, or get too caught up in something

[merlinpetpeeves]

[merlin-reboot-when]

AU where Merlin tells Morgana his secret and they work out their differences. They begin studying magic together and fall in love. Morgana becomes a knight of Camelot when Morgause attacks, they are happy.

Until Uther catches them in Morgana's chambers together. He doesn't find out about the magic, but a servant trying to advance his daughter I mean ward? Off with his head! Morgana quick witted as ever makes a deal with Uther: He lets Merlin live and she will agree to marry a suitable Lord.

So Merlin gets banished, only Morgana, Uther, Lancelot and Gaius know why. Morgana is soon promised to a young Lord. He's kind and charming and doesn't disapprove of Morgana being a knight. She wouldn't even mind marrying him if she wasn't already in love. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

Arthur, Gwen and the knights notice a shift. Everyone seems to be a bit down these days, magical attacks happen more frequently and they still don't know where Merlin disappeared to. And why did Morgana, after years of fighting it, suddenly agree to get married? None of it makes sense.

Then shortly before the wedding Morgana disappears too. Together with Lancelot. She leaves a note saying she just can't go through with the wedding and not to worry. She'll be alright. They find Merlin and now that there's three of them who can work together they really get to work. They stay in touch with Gaius and take turns guarding Camelot while the others search for possible allies. Morgause is still out there and war is coming after all.

They end up gathering their people in the Fisher King's castle. The curse was lifted when he died, so it's perfectly safe and the land doesn't belong to anyone anymore. They start rebuilding and soon more people (who heard the Perilous Lands are a safe haven for magic users now) come and settle down. Merlin is declared King Emrys. He doesn't like the title, doesn't want it, but his people insist. So he creates a council immediately to help him rule. Iseldir and Alator are on it as well as some new faces. And of course Merlin's right hand Morgana and first knight Lancelot.

But although their new kingdom flourishes, sorcerers are still being killed elsewhere. So they start a diplomatic effort to forge alliances with other kingdoms. They can send their magic users Merlin's way and in return they get a good deal on grain and such. They meet with many Kings, Queens and Lords. Eventually they get an answer from Camelot as well. King Uther has fallen ill since Morgana's departure, but Prince Arthur wishes to meet and negotiate with this "Emrys".

Merlin, Morgana and Lancelot go of course. They haven't seen their friends in a long time and are looking forward to it. When Arthur realises who his guests are he feels betrayed though. He thinks it was magic which corrupted them and lead them to leave him and Camelot. He's not ready to sign any sort peace treaty. It doesn't help that Uther dies during the visit. The shock of seeing Morgana again and as a witch now, too, is too much for him.

So they leave again. Soon after Morgause launches her attack on Camelot. She thinks the King's death has left Camelot weak and vulnerable and she isn't entirely wrong. Camelot's army rides to battle Morgause's forces at Camlann. Merlin and Morgana hear the news and officially allied or not, Camelot needs help. Their friends need help. When a third army, not huge, but with many sorcerers in their rows arrives Arthur thinks it's over. Banners with triskelions and tridents (a tribute to the late Fisher King) and the golden sun of the Catha (and are those bloody dragons?)... But then the new arrivals turn against Morgause.

The battle doesn't last long after that. Morgause refuses to yield and dies at Merlin's hand. Everyone else who lays down their weapons is offered a home in the Perilous Lands. Arthur lives and after the events of that day has no more doubts about trusting Merlin and Morgana. Their kingdoms become close allies and friends.

Gwen marries Arthur and becomes Queen of Camelot. Merlin and Morgana wait a little longer, they have a kingdom to build after all. But eventually they too make it official. Morgana was born to become Queen after all - just not Queen of Camelot. Mordred finds his way to Camelot and becomes Gaius' new assistant. He already knows a lot about magic and healing and becomes a trusted and loyal member of the royal household. The knights live happy lives and don't die in war.

It takes almost another decade, but magic is eventually freed in all the kingdoms of Albion. Gaius lives to see that day and celebrates with everyone else. He dies a few months later of old age, peacefully in his sleep. Arthur and Gwen never have children, but they adore their nieces and nephew. The latter even comes to live with them for a while when he's sixteen and is named heir to the throne of Camelot. His older sister will one day become Queen of the Perilous Lands and the youngest wants to be a knight like her mother.

Arthur never has to fight a war as brutal as the one against Morgause again. His regency is a time of peace and prosperity. As foretold, he dies at Mordred's hand when the physician gives him a sleeping draught to ease his pain. His friends and family are with him. The prophecies, one way or another, came true, but this time nobody complains about it.

[arthur-rex]

@afterworded ..the gif with Agravaine. Is he about to cause Arthur and/or Artorius some trouble with the lords?

@thelonewendwater ...the gif with Alator (the Catha) freeing the horse. There’s our druid priest being a free spirit! Loving the hands raised up in the air! 😆

MERLIN | 4x07 “The Secret Sharer”

[kateis-cakeis]

I might make a bigger post with quotes about this eventually, but there really is something about how the Vates, Osgar, the Disir, Finna, they all talk about Camelot's downfall as a part of the prophecy. Not only that, but they all know how close it is, especially Finna (due to the Catha guarding the information that says just that for hundreds of years).

And I can't help but think about how Camelot was never really threatened? Like sure, if they failed at Camlann it could have fallen, but there's something about it as if... Camelot’s ruin was a destiny that could be thwarted and prevented, while Arthur’s death, which was what everyone was trying to stop (even the Disir arguably) was a fate so bound to the earth, so true, that any move to prevent it was a step closer to it happening.

Except, as much as Camelot was saved, it doesn’t survive forever. It becomes a legend, and Merlin lives to the modern day – a modern day that presumedly reflects our own.

Which brings me to an alternative interpretation: As Camelot flowers, the seeds of her destruction are being sown – because one day it will be no more.

I think much of the prophecies in BBC Merlin are simply talking about the wrong time. They think they know, but they have no idea of the larger scope of it all. Sure, uniting Albion, Arthur’s downfall, Mordred’s, Morgana’s, they were set for a certain time. But Camelot’s destruction? Hell, returning magic?

Maybe the prophecies were talking about a different age, and the seers across the centuries just got it wrong. We don’t even know how much it was known that Merlin was immortal, sure it says it in the name Emrys, but nobody talks about it until Balinor does in the Crystal Cave.

It seems as if the interpreters of the prophecy hoped that it would happen in the time when Emrys and the Once and Future King were born, but what if it was just that? Hope? What if it was always meant for the modern day we know now?

What if… even those who thought they knew, like Alator, like Finna, had no idea? What if the Disir were simply playing their part to ensure Arthur’s downfall would be right on time? What if the tragedy that followed was just to arrive at a better time, at a time where Camelot’s destruction came and went, at a time where magic is needed most?

It’s just the continued assertion that Camelot will fall from everyone knowledgeable about the prophecy in Series 5… it makes me think it’s talking about a future they cannot conceive of. And if that’s the case, then what else was never meant to happen in their time?

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

so I'm not sure if this story has any possible build up or base and stuff but I love your work and style of writing and felt you might like to write it?

basically merlin sees how the entire magic community is so out of order because not everyone is a druid and follows druid rules right and it's lowkey frustrating. so he's like wtf I'll just do it myself and basically builds a bunch of, rules and regulations and asks all the sorcerers (gilli ig) and druids he meets to pass it forward to other magic users they meet in the name of emrys. maybee arthur and Camelot and other kingdoms notice and are like oh wait they'd be good to like, team up with. or like Arthur straight up realizes when he makes magic legal and they're like oh thanks, we'll have to compare all our laws w yours to check if we have to compromise.

Ik they're are a lot of like, gaps you'd have to fill so like, feel free to do with this whatever you'd like!

Submitted by @waohilikethat

(This is #29 from This List)

This is cool! I'm not entirely sure how to write it yet, but I've got a few ideas:

So like... Merlin has interacted with a lot of different magic users over the years, Druids mainly, but also Catha, priests/priestesses, and just generic magic users. So whilst he can't enforce rules on everyone who uses magic, because not only would it be impossible, it would be a little immoral as well, he just works towards bringing everyone together and inspiring unity between different magical factions. Based mostly from the Druid (whose rules he can control to a certain extent, because he's basically their spiritual leader) camps, but all these magical people and groups basically slowly come to respect and bow to this one man who doesn't want anyone to be alone or unsafe or left out. So whilst there aren't... laws, as such, to follow, there are both spoken and unspoken rules that, if you break them, is very frowned upon by other magic users, and can end in you being sort of shunned from the communities. Or worse. For example, necromancy magic is VERY frowned upon unless you 100% know what you're doing, and you don't mess with anyone's actual remains or afterlife. Messing with time is a big no no. Any sort of life-for-a-life magic will potentially get you a smackdown meeting with The Man, Emrys, himself.

But Merlin of course has no idea that his influence is so wide spread, he just thinks it's among the Druids, Catha, and a few people he's met on the road within Camelot. And then there's some sort of meeting between Camelot's council, and various leaders of various magical groups, and they ALL basically go "Well we can't do this without The King. I saw him dressed all scraggly in the courtyard like an hour ago, so where's he at?" at which point Arthur goes "Y'all have a King?" Merlin stumbles in, everyone bows, Merlin is confused because like... other than Iseldir and Alator, he's never met any of these people before. King Merlin is very confuzzled and fairly displeased with the pile of weird and specific crowns that keep being handed to him.

~

Sounds like a hoot Woah, thank you!!!

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

Nobody in this thread has explained how Morgana would know that Merlin was Emrys, though. 

Morgana doesn’t know that Merlin has magic. On top of that, he is a servant-- something which becomes increasingly important to Morgana once she has betrayed Camelot. Beforehand, she was friends with servants. After working with Morgause, she came to look down on Gwen, and, by extension, Merlin. 

On top of that, we have a strong implication that there was... something between Morgana and Merlin, destroyed when he poisoned her in 2x12. Ever since then, Morgana has thought of him as a traitor and a coward-- another reason why he could not possibly be a powerful sorcerer. 

As far as Morgana is concerned, he is a pesky serving boy who interferes with her plans out of an inexplicable loyalty towards Arthur. 

morgana: who could possibly be emrys? i cannot figure it out for the life of me

merlin: *survives a serket sting* *somehow manages to survive every attempt on his life* *is the only one that had known her plans that miraculously got stumped over and over*

morgana:

morgana: get this weird punkass serving boy out of my sight

[botanicallyinclinednerd]

Gaius and Morgana interactions:

1x03: Morgana tells Merlin and Gaius that Gwen’s execution has been moved up and they had to do something. Gaius tells her they are trying and she asks what she can do to help

1x06: Gaius tends to a mysteriously ill Morgana.

1x06: Gaius asks Morgana what Edwin gave her and she doesn't know but is grateful he did.

1x07: Morgana goes to Gaius and apologizes for disturbing him. He says she isn't disturbing him and his "favorite patient is always welcome." He kisses her on the cheek. The bench on fire bit is very funny. Gaius tells Morgana teasingly that she is always getting him into trouble. Morgana tells Gaius about her dream. Morgana is distraught and Gaius comforts her/ convinces her her dreams are just dreams and not real. He pats her on the shoulders, gives her a stronger sleeping potion, and tells her she has nothing to fear. She thanks him and he gives her another air cheek kiss in farewell. He adds as she's about to leave that she shouldn't tell uther. Morgana looks confused but nods

1x07: Morgana visits Gaius for another sleeping draught. She's still having dreams. Gaius gives her the instructions on the potion ad she thanks him. He pats her shoulder and she leaves.

1x08: Morgana looks on worriedly as Gaius examines Mordred.

2x01: Gaius checks on Morgana and asks her what her dream was about. She tells him and asks him what it means. He says probably nothing and she worries her nightmares are returning. He comforts her, puts a hand on her knee, and tells her he'll give Gwen stronger potions to give to Morgana

2x01: Gaius tells Morgana she shouldn't be helping and she counters and when he tells her she needs rest she points out thats not likely to happen at that moment

2x03: Gaius comforts Morgana after the fire in her room. She says that Gaius is the only person she has told about her dreams and "I know I can trust you, Gaius." Gaius confirms this and she admits to him that she started the fire with magic. He puts an arm around her and calls her "my child" which causes her to snap "I'm not a child!" He insists she didn't do magic and had no part in the fire. He tells her he will make her a remedy to make her feel better. She starts to protest and Gaius tells her she must trust him. Morgana looks seconds from a nervous breakdown

2x08: Gaius brings Morgana her sleeping draught and she cheerfully tells him she doesn't need it, that she slept wonderfully thanks to the bracelet Morgause gave her. Morgana says it felt like she knew Morgause somehow. Gaius says he doesntsee how she could, but he was glad she felt better.

3x01: Gaius examines Morgana and tells her she needs to rest. Morgana nods tearfully.

3x01: Morgana asks what is bother Gaius and he tells her that Merlin didn't come home the night before. She observes that that's unusual for Merlin and Gaius agrees and leaves

3x02: Gaius comes across Morgana looking under Uthers bed and asks if she lost something. Morgana lies with a smile saying she lost her earring. She asks how Uther is and Gaius says he's better and he was enchanted. Morgana fiens surprise. Gaius assures her Uther will recover fully.

3x03: Morgana goes to Gaius (who is currently possessed by the goblin) for a sleeping potion, as her healing bracelet has been stolen. The goblin insults and dismisses her and Morgana is taken aback by his attitude. He brings up the evil in her heart and Morgana says she doesn't know whats come over him, "you were always such a good friend to me." The goblin observes the truth frightens her and she says he frightens her. Morgana leaves upset with a "sleeping potion"

3x05: Gaius tends to a mortally wounded Morgana.

3x10: Gaius looks at Morgana in suspicion after Gwen is implicated as a sorcerer

3x10: Morgana asks Gaius if he knows Dragoon. Gaius says no and asks if something is troubling her. "I would have thought you'd be relieved that true culprit has been found." She says she is and walks away quickly.

4x07: Morgana strokes Gaius’s cheek as he wakes up and croons that he needs to wake up so the fun can begin. Gaius tells her to get on with it, he's not afraid of death. She wants to know where Emrys is, Gaius deny knowing anyone by that name and she can do what she will, but he'll tell her nothing. She tells him that Alator is a catha before leaving

4x12: Gaius informs Morgana her victory is short lived (as Arthur isn't there) Morgana turns on her heel and leaves to pursue Arthur

4x12: Morgana visits their cell and Gaius asks if she's there to gloat. Morgana chides him "is that any way to treat an old friend? Oh, I'll forgive you. After all, you're not looking your best."

5x04: Gaius examines old woman Morgana (Hilda) and declares her healthy.

[fishoutofcamelot]

Top 5 underrated characters?

I wanna put Elyan on all 5 spots, but that's unfair. So instead I'll be focusing on background/supporting characters that don't get enough love from the fandom. Will and Daegal aren't on this list because while minor, i feel the fandom gives them a lot of love (as they darn well deserve!)

5. Alator of the Catha. They said Merlin had a whole army that would follow and obey him, but no one ever mentions that like ever again. I can think of like 3 different occasions where that wouldve been a useful resource to hit up

4. The druid boy from "Herald of a New Age". An innocent child who has a connection to Elyan? Arthur being forced to confront the Consequences Of His Actions? Sign me tf up!

3. Tyr Seward. He's a good boy who deserves better. Enough said

2. Isolde. Pretty lady who should've been knighted. Tristan too for that matter

1. Sophia of Tir-Mor. Have i been thinking about writing an au where Sophia lives and becomes Merlin's chaotic evil bff for like a year now? Yes. Her single episode of screentime hinted at a cool element of worldbuilding and depth that was never explored in canon. The way i see it, she's an inmortal entity that has a fear of death, condemned to a mortal form due to a crime her father committed. Not only that, but now she's trapped in a world where her very existence is outlawed. Combine that with her love for her father, and Sophia's motivations are surprisingly sympathetic/complex. I'd love the chance to write about her in greater depth

Thanks for the ask! <3

[Send me a category and ill give you my top 5]