The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

Episode aired Jan 18, 2013
TV-14TV-14
43m

8.2/10

667

S5.E3

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Adventure Drama Fantasy

Arthur rescues an old lady accused of sorcery, who gives him a horn with which to summon the spirit world. Despite Gaius's warning, he uses it to briefly meet his father but soon realises hi... Read allArthur rescues an old lady accused of sorcery, who gives him a horn with which to summon the spirit world. Despite Gaius's warning, he uses it to briefly meet his father but soon realises his error as Uther terms him weak for his non-political marriage, his practice of knighting ... Read allArthur rescues an old lady accused of sorcery, who gives him a horn with which to summon the spirit world. Despite Gaius's warning, he uses it to briefly meet his father but soon realises his error as Uther terms him weak for his non-political marriage, his practice of knighting ordinary young men on merit, and his lack of cruelty to make his subjects fear him. When C... Read all

8.2/10

667

Director
- Justin Molotnikov
Writers
Stars
- John Hurt(voice)
- Bradley James
- Colin Morgan

Top credits

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Photos6

Rupert Young, Tom Hopper, Bradley James, and Alexander Vlahos in Merlin (2008)

Tomiwa Edun and Alexander Vlahos in Merlin (2008)

Arthur rescues an old lady accused of sorcery, who gives him a horn with which to summon the spirit world. Despite Gaius's warning, he uses it to briefly meet his father but soon realises his error as Uther terms him weak for his non-political marriage, his practice of knighting ordinary young men on merit, and his lack of cruelty to make his subjects fear him. When Camelot falls prey to poltergeist attacks, with Guinevere the principal victim, it becomes clear that Arthur has unwittingly released his disapproving, vengeful father's spirit on the court. With a potion made by Gaius to make the spirit visible, and with Merlin's help, he sets out to return Uther to the grave, delivering a few home truths before it goes. —don @ minifie-1

Trivia
The idea for this royal poltergeist story actually came from the real world. Just like king Uther was haunting Camelot here, some say that another king - Henry VIII - has haunted the former royal court of the Tudors seeking forgiveness for all his mistakes.

Quotes
Arthur: Ready the horses and gather some supplies.
Merlin: Uh... where are we going?
Arthur: You don't need to know.
[holds a spoon in front of Merlin's face]
Arthur: Do not breathe a word of this to anyone. Not even Guinevere.
Merlin: [sarcastically] You're threatening me with a spoon?
[in the next frame, there is the sound of a smack and Merlin screams in pain, off screen]

Top review

8/10

The right mixture of fun and scares

I was a bit surprised by this episode as Arthur is very ready to use magic, he uses the horn even when Merlin warns him of the dangers. This goes against everything we know about Camelot, where magic has often caused trouble and where attitudes are still suspicious. There are consequences of course and trouble arises very quickly. Head is excellent in his guest appearance, you really do wonder whether Arthur will do what is right or whether he will succumb to temptation. This is the whole point of the story, to believe in yourself and to stand by your friends and your values. Uther gives people a hard time attacking and abusing them. Another important message is also featured in this episode: the dead return to cause trouble when we look back to find them. Sometimes looking back is the worst thing that you can do and you have to stay on course. This episode was a lot of fun, but also reminded us that this series can be scary when it needs to be although not too much, this is family viewing not a horror series. Merlin is one of the best repeats on television right now, and one of the best shows on any channel period.

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