We’re around halfway through The Pendragon Cycle: The Rise of the Merlin, and we’ve reached the climax of the series.
During The Pendragon Cycle: The Rise of the Merlin Season 1 Episode 4, lines were drawn and loyalties were tested as many men wanted to be the next high king of Britain.
King Avallach said it best when he stated that there were more men than sheep and more princes than crows on the battlefield. Unless these men learned to join forces, Britain would fall.
It had the fast-paced fight scenes that were in The Pendragon Cycle: The Rise of the Merlin Season 1 Episode 3, and added some emotional family scenes and sinister drama with Merlin’s return home and to Pendaran’s home.
The battle for the high king has only just begun, as Aurelius put his hat in the ring, but others remembered Merlin’s time as king.
There were too many potential kings, and they needed to come together before an all-out war broke out. Hengist, the Saxon king, was brutally vicious with anyone who opposed him and enemy number one.
A Joyous Family Reunion Mixed With New Plans
While most of this episode dealt with finding a new High King, the highlight of the episode was reuniting Merlin with his mother and grandfather.
It’s never been a secret that Charis is my favorite character, and both she and Avallach were delighted to have Merlin return.
You could tell the difference between Aurelius and Uther immediately: Aurelius didn’t want to impose on the family reunion, while Uther wished to discuss business immediately, since his brother was superior to the other petty kings.
Avallach thought the most like Merlin and the brothers, stating, “Until this island is ruled by one who wields both justice and mercy, there will be no peace.”
I loved how the celebration became not only about Merlin’s homecoming, but about bringing forth peace once again.
You’ll have to suspend belief frequently because while Merlin is immortal, his family isn’t, yet Charis and Pelleas appear not to have aged either.
From the few conversations with his family, Merlin seemed nervous to use the Fisher King sword again and implied that Aunt Morgian had some influence over him in a past life.
Both his mother and grandfather stressed the importance of praying to God, a practice Merlin knew and had seen, but in the heat of battle, it can be difficult.
I appreciated that we saw how close Merlin was to his family, and I hope he returns to Avallach’s soon, as the king seemed much more laidback with his grandson than he was with his daughters previously.
Who is the Righful Heir To Maridunum?
While Merlin insisted on gathering supporters for Aurelius, Uther didn’t trust him, and that feeling increased when the men stopped in Maridunum, where Pendaran used to reign.
His son, Tewdrig, welcomed Merlin with open arms and even invited him back into his old quarters. That’s how Uther realized Merlin had once been king there, and it opened several cans of worms.
Tewdrig and his family had been king there for three generations, and Merlin didn’t want to interfere, but he wanted Maridunum to be led better.
It’s difficult to understand why kings make certain decisions, and maybe Tewdrig just didn’t want to make waves with the neighboring town and King Morcant when they stole their grain.
But, he would never be respected if he didn’t stand up for their food and their people, and Merlin seemed like a natural-born leader.
Uther Almost Made a Fool of Himself by Distrusting Merlin
Uther was not the type to appreciate being treated like a servant and seeing Merlin fawned over. Things got worse when Tewdrig’s son, Meurig, informed him how easy it would be for Merlin to become king again.
Merlin was once one of the best warriors because he had fighting skills and God on his side, making him better than anyone else.
Uther seemed threatened by that since he didn’t want anyone to usurp his brother’s spot on the throne. I’m unsure what he and Meurig planned since Pelleas caught them scheming.
Pelleas was the most loyal friend as he went to battle for Merlin, and I loved how embarrassed Uther looked when Merlin told Tewdrig he didn’t intend to reclaim the throne, and only wanted him to support Aurelius.
Uther reminds me of the older version I’ve seen in other adaptations, where he’s distrustful of magic and others, and hopefully, now that he’s seen Merlin prove himself, they can become true friends and allies.
Aurelius Learned There Was More to Being King than Brute Strength
Aurelius has become one of my favorite characters. He’s honorable and loyal, and he wants to protect the people of Britain.
However, he’s also young and foolish and doesn’t always think before he acts.
I understood why he was angry about the violence Hengist and his men were causing, and that no one, not even King Avallach, stopped them.
But even Charis knew there were rules and that he couldn’t win a war alone.
I loved that she found loopholes to assist him even if she had to stand back, and that when he was in danger, she saved his life.
That was a vicious battle, and Aurelius could have perished if Charis hadn’t arrived with an army of men.
Aurelius was lucky to deal with an understanding king like Avallach, who was used to his feisty daughter going rogue and understood why Aurelius wanted to protect the people, even if it was dangerous.
Aurelius seemed humbled since he realized he needed assistance, and not all battles were quick and decisive.
He could learn a great deal from King Avallach and Charis if he keeps an open mind and Uther doesn’t interfere.
Why Was Morgian Aligned With the Saxons?
We haven’t seen much of Morgian since The Pendragon Cycle Premiere, but she’s more powerful and has her husband and her sons under her spell.
Only her son, Lot, even dared to speak on Aurelius’s behalf, saying they should support him, but Morgian insisted they support Aurelius.
I felt for her son since she left the choice up to him, but kept speaking in riddles, so he’d know he should please her.
Does Morgian hope to wield the power and know that Aurelius holds it? Merlin will also be a key player, but if someone else is, she has a chance to influence them.
I suspect that’s part of it since she was watching Merlin’s every move right before Lot saw that magical horned creature appear to her.
Her children must be traumatized. While she’s an intriguing character, I long to know her real plan.
Over to you, Fanatics. What were your thoughts on “The King of Maridunum”? Who do you think will become high king? Is Uther to be trusted? What’s Morgian’s magical plan?
Let us know in the comments.
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