#merlin 2x07

[purpleplaid17]

#my favourite part about the madness of gestures wildly at this is how the context changes

#the first one arthur's deliberately trying to subjugate/ intimidate merlin (or at least lord his physical and social superiority over him)

#the second one arthur still does it roughly but it's to subdue merlin - it's to get him to stop acting feral for one second and listen

#arthur does it because he knows merlin now - even empathises with his anger - and knows that it's the only way to talk him down #and merlin knows it too

#it's so intimate!!! and not just physically!!! they know how to navigate each other now!!! it sends me every time (via @inkmyth)

1x01 // 2x07

[merlinemrys]

the narrative is SO mean to merlin in s2 especially. arthur took a possessed cedric as a servant, druids died when merlin sent morgana to them, gaius gets imprisoned and interrogated by aredian bc merlin wanted to do a little fun bit of magic, he falls in love with freya and she dies, he has to lie to arthur so he won't kill his tyrant dad, he has to poison morgana so that camelot won't die, and then merlin has to set kilgarrah free and then he wrecks havoc on camelot... it is unbearable how much the narrative MAKES merlin hide his magic even further

[merlin-gifs]

MERLIN | 2x07 "The Witchfinder"

[adhd-merlin]

*based on my observations and my subjective opinion!! don't come at me with data. unpopular episodes I don't like did not qualify (4x08 I'm looking at you).

[dearest-lady-disdain]

hello and welcome to the bi-yearly celebration of bradley james' bloody death in a season finale of a tv show that has rewired my brain

[godmerlin]

Merlin 2x07 The Witchfinder

[medievalandfantasymelee]

THE HOT MEDIEVAL & FANTASY MEN MELEE

FIRST ROUND: 33rd Tilt

Gawain, The Green Knight (2021) VS. Matrim “Mat” Cauthon, The Wheel of Time (2022)

Propaganda

Gawain, The Green Knight (2021) Portrayed by: Dev Patel Defeated Opponents: - Sir Elyan [Adetomiwa Edun], Merlin (2008-2012)

“So, first off the movie is based on the anonymous poem from the 14th century so not only is the setting medieval, so is the story. The Green Knight is a vivid dreamscape of a film with all sorts of delightful weirdness to stretch 101 stanzas into a modern movie. And Dev Patel looks incredible whether he's flopping about the forest floor like a dying fish or enthroned in all the finery of the sun itself.”

Matrim “Mat” Cauthon, The Wheel of Time (2022) Portrayed by: Donal Finn Defeated Opponents: - Prince Hamlet [Christopher Plummer], Hamlet at Elsinore (1964)

"He is a rogue with a heart of gold who is loyal to his friends in their times of need. He doesn't want to be a hero but he always steps up even though he complains the whole time. This man is the luckiest man of his age, and he. Fucks."

Additional Propaganda Under the Cut

Additional Propaganda

For Gawain:

“You look at Dev Patel's big, beautiful, brown eyes and tell me he's not perfect. To quote the director "He's incredibly appealing in every sense of the word and yes, he's incredibly sexy. I see no shame in wanting to capture that. I was like, 'I want to see Dev looking as beautiful as he is onscreen and I don't want to shy away from that.' He has such a nobility to him that hasn't been utilized in films because he's such an affable actor who's so quick to break into this boyish smile. It's what made everyone fall in love with him, but in addition to that, there's severity to him that's really captivating." A movie made to say this man is sexy and they did it.”

For Mat Cauthon:

[aceofwhump]

Day 1 : “But now this room is spinning while I’m trying just to fill in all the gaps.” - Swooning

Game of Thrones 3x05 | Iron Fist 1x09 | Supergirl 2x07 | Bull 4x15 | Merlin 4x01 | The Umbrella Academy 1x09 | Ted Lasso 3x02 | The Mentalist 1x16 | Our Flag Means Dead 1x06 | Gracepoint | Ode to Joy

@whumptober @whumptober-archive

[earthshine-moon]

Merlin Parallels

(happy/funny ones as an apology for the sad ones)

“Not that I’d want to be her. Who’d want to marry Arthur?” (1x01)

(4x13)

“In this circle, we are all equals.” (1x10)

“A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other.” (3x13)

“I was fearful I might injure you, sire.” (2x02)

“To kill Arthur.”

“Driving you mad is he?”

“Not for much longer.”

*wheezes* (4x06)

In which Arthur’s reaction to someone saying that Merlin is a sorcerer is exactly the same (2x07) and (5x13)

[aaand-read-all-over]

Windows: Notes on Prejudice and Consequences

A recurring theme that I think is found in Merlin is the use of windows as a symbol for watching the impacts of Magic and the prejudice against those who have it from a (seemingly) safe distance. As if the effects of persecution don't cut deeper than the purge it attempts.

1x01: Morgana turns her face away from the beheading of Thomas Collins in defiance and denial, as she watched from her window. While she has not yet accepted that she has Magic herself, she acts as a fiercely outspoken ally to those who were persecuted in the great purge. Morgana also turns her face away as she tries to deny her inherent qualities and avoid suffering the same fate.

Referenced in 1x04

“I can’t stand by and watch him die.” “Then don’t look.”

Arthur is recognizing the extent of his father’s elitism and rigid views, which enrages him and inspires him to defy Uther. 

Callback to Morgana turning her face from the window in S1E1 because she cannot bear to see Thomas Collins die.

Arthur and Morgana know that they cannot stop the horrible fates that await those who have Magic, and Morgana cannot bear to watch.

1x09 Morgana and Arthur speak at the window in half-light, as she begs Arthur not to fight the Black Knight. Morgana knows Arthur’s future is dire, but she can’t tell why she feels that way. Morgana has an innate ability to sense the dark Magic that revived Tristan's spirit.

The half-light represents the half of herself that Morgana has to hide not only from herself, but also from those she loves.

Merlin and Arthur look down through the window to where the Black Knight stands still, not eating or sleeping. There is no uncertainty that the Black Knight is conjured from Magic, and that the Magic is sure to kill whomever blocks its path.

2x07 Morgana watches the building of the Witchfinder's pyre outside her window. The punishment for sorcery has only increased in severity in the time that she started to accept her true nature. The glass of the window represents the final, fragile barrier between Morgana and the fate she would suffer if she were found out.

(Gwen is so afraid for Morgana to be found by Auredian because she is always and forever an ally.)

2x08 Arthur must convince himself that Magic has no place in Camelot and that he was wrong to think it ever could. As he stands at the window, half in darkness, he separates himself from Magic and can’t look Merlin in the eye. 

“I am indebted to you, Merlin. I had become...confused. It is once again clear to me that those who practice magic are evil and dangerous. And that is thanks to you.”

Arthur can sense that what he is saying is wrong, but Merlin does not usually lead him astray. Merlin has always been his voice of honest advice and earnest reason. If Merlin tells Arthur that Magic cannot be legal in Camelot, he has no choice but to believe him. Arthur is fighting his instincts to embrace what he knows is right and fair because of the judgments from those around him.

Arthur looks out the window, away from Merlin, looking down on and keeping himself carefully separated from the people he started to believe he should protect.

4x03 Merlin watches Uther’s vigil through the same window where Arthur declared all Magic was evil in S2E8. This time, Arthur joins Merlin at the window and suggests that they use Magic to save Uther’s life. 

If Magic can save Uther’s life, Arthur may change his attitude, and Merlin has real hope for the first time that he could be able to finally live freely.

Arthur would not confide this desire in any other person because he knows that Merlin holds no judgment toward others. 

“If you were me, and it was your father, would you use Magic to save his life?” Merlin’s answer is immediate and confident, giving Arthur all the resolve he needed.

The vulnerability and openness in Arthur’s face is as fragile and clear as the glass of the windows they stand by -- so delicate that Merlin is afraid to blink. If he blinks, Arthur's vulnerability might crumble. If he changes his mind, the opportunity might be lost forever.

5x11 Arthur stands at the window and contemplates if he should free Mordred and Kara, despite their Magic. This time, he claims it is his decision to make. 

Arthur stands on his own, and Merlin is proud of him for choosing to give Kara a chance to repent. Arthur chooses to pardon a person with Magic, so long as she repents for killing innocent men.

Kara refuses to apologize and seals her fate. 

“I’ve made a terrible mistake, haven’t I?”

Arthur sits at the window and recognizes his error. Arthur could be referencing any number of things. He may be regretting his decision to execute Kara, not making an exception for Mordred, or the lasting impacts of his lifelong position on Magic.

I maybe could expend on this a bit, as it is all very precariously pieced together at the moment. Feels like it should ultimately be more of an essay than a list of notes like this? idk lol

[thisisjustmefangirling]

Merlin rewatch, 2x07 : "The Witchfinder"

Rewatched on the 21rst of March, 2024.

Poor Merlin just wanted to have fun and be himself in the woods and it started a witch hunt.

It's funny how so many "Game of thrones" actors were on "Merlin" first. Charles Dance is impressive. I like seeing him act with Anthony Head.

Incredible how the witchfinder talks to Uther "You've gotten too soft". Who talks to a king like that ?

Only a witchfinder can make Uther look not genocidal enough...

Poor Morgana is scared to death. She's so sure she'll be found out and burnt.

Everybody's reaction to Merlin being accused of sorcery is interesting. Morgana is very relieved, and shaken. Arthur and Gwen are confused and clearly don't believe it. Arthur particularly seems to think it's the stupidest thing he's ever heard.

My video player is buffering and I can see Arthur's full outfit and once again, I think this is not an outfit good enough for a prince. A Crown Prince. The fabrics should look better and more expensive.

Leon is so eager to be a good cop and find proof that Merlin is guilty...

Until that episode, Arthur has no idea that Gaius used to practice sorcery. "We must give him benefit of the doubt, surely". I like that Arthur is not that keen on witch hunting. He was eager to please his father at the beginning of the episode and search for the person who had played with the smoke, but who can say he would have been thorough in his search ?

What a shame Merlin only had Gaius and Kilgarrah to guide him... They were both not that good for him. He was so young.

"If you were to die, you would endanger the lives of all those who rely on you." Merlin would do well to remember this.

Argh Gaius you're accidentally putting Morgana in danger !

When Gaius "confesses", Arthur looks directly at Merlin to see how he's reacting. My Merthur heart !

I think it's so interesting to see how Uther reacts to Gaius being accused of sorcery, facing the possibility of torture, and hearing him confess. He wants to trust Gaius, and he doesn't wish him harm. "By the laws of Camelot, I must sentence you... to death". MUST ! That pause ! Uther doesn't want to do it ! He turns away to face his throne. I think Merlin is going to remember this later and he would probably know that Arthur wouldn't want to sentence him but he would feel like he has to do it because it's the law.

Arthur's eyes are not on Gaius as he's being taken away. They're still on Merlin. He's so attentive to Merlin. And then he physically drags him away from the room. "I'll deal with this". "Breaking the law" for Merlin. I love him <3

It's nice to see Gwen and Merlin being partners in crime and justice again !

Arthur asking to show Gaius some respect <3

Damn Gwen really knew what to say to Arthur... She didn't even play on his crush for her, she went right for the jugular, reminding him he let her father die on false accusations of sorcery, and "I thought you were a prince, so act like one" and "do the right thing".

The toad was a bit too much indeed.

That antefinal scene between Gaius and Uther was interesting. It's the first time I see Gaius standing up to Uther. I'm actually impressed that Uther apologised. He said "sorry". I didn't think it was in his temper.

[purpleplaid17]

Jess Watches // Mon 14 Oct // Day 381 & Tues 15 Oct // Day 382 Synopses & Favourite Scenes & Poll

Merlin 3x03 Goblin's Gold

Merlin finds a secret chamber and accidentally releases a Goblin, which wreaks havoc.

Arthur: [brays] Gwen: *is a furry* Gaius: B I G P U S S Y Merlin: *blows a goblin* Morgana: *farts* Uther: I'm bald

Interview with the Vampire 2x07 I Could Not Prevent It

Louis, Claudia and Madeleine are put on trial before a jury composed of the audience at the Theatre des Vampires.

Madeleine: My coven is Claudia. Me, from the cheap seats: Fuck all these other bitches!

Step Brothers (2008) (with B)

Two aimless middle-aged losers still living at home are forced against their will to become roommates when their parents marry.

I would've maybe appreciated this more if I'd seen it when I was a teenager when it originally came out. Intentionally awkward comedy just isn't my thing. The secondhand embarrassment is too strong. Although, if Mary Steenburgen and/or Kathryn Hahn want to give me a call, hmu. *twirls hair, kicks feet*

Amphibia 2x02 The Ballad of Hopediah Plantar / Anne Hunter

Hop Pop's efforts to be hailed as a hero backfire when he stands up to the wrong family. / Anne must put her self-consciousness aside in order to learn the true way of the hunter.

♪ There was a little frog who stood for revolution. The toads didn't like that, so they tried to execute him. But thankfully, our Anne stepped up to take the tower. And she saved Hop Pop, who... mostly hid and cowered. And cowered and cowered and cowered and cowered and cowered and cowered and cowered and cowered. ♪

[merlinemrys]

i love that aredian managed to name merlin as the sorcerer by planting evidence and not, like, knowing merlin is an actual sorcerer. so close to the truth and yet so far from reality

[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

[bbcmerlinbracket]

Episode descriptions under the cut (contains spoilers).

1x01 The Dragon’s Call

Merlin arrives in Camelot, meets the Great Dragon, and gets appointed as Arthur’s manservant in payment for saving Arthur’s life.

3x01 The Tears of Uther Pendragon Part 1

After a year of searching, Morgana is finally found, but all is not well. With Uther becoming rapidly untethered from reality, Merlin puts his life on the line to figure out whose side Morgana is on.

4x02 The Darkest Hour Part 2

Merlin and Lancelot hurry to catch up with the knights before Arthur sacrifices himself and Lancelot sacrifices himself instead. Meanwhile, Morgana tries to kill Gwen and sends Agravaine sniffing for information on who Emrys is.

3x06 The Changeling

Arthur gets engaged to a less-than-polite young woman who turns out to be a fairy changeling. Merlin and Gaius step in to battle her inhuman nanny and save Arthur and the changeling before the wedding.

2x07 The Witchfinder

Uther’s witchfinder accuses Merlin of magic, but Gaius takes the fall for him. Merlin has to expose the witchfinder’s false evidence to save Gaius from being burned at the stake.

[poetry-my-lord]

Merlin / Gilli 

There is a reason why Merlin is so repressed with his magic more than before, and maybe even more than he will be in any next episode. This episode is directly after the one he was accused of using magic and sentenced to death (3x10). Nothing new, he went to prison before. Being accused of magic is not new either (Aredian, 2x07). But always someone (Gaius, Arthur) pulled the strings to get him out because he's Merlin. In that episode (3x10), he wasn't Merlin and he almost burned. Remember how devastated Arthur was when he was arresting Merlin for magic? Remember the same for the old man? No. The cold look of Arthur's eyes and being too close to death did it. The trauma remained, and then, some village boy playing with magic entered the kingdom and challenged those whose one word would have him killed - sounds familiar, doesn't it?

The boys are a wonderful opposition to what Merlin has been thinking of magic, and it's already been said before (Gilli = Merlin EP 1-2), but I just wanted to emphasise why.