Merlin‘s fifth and final series saw the central character under pressure as the return of Mordred sent ripples through Camelot’s Golden Age.

As Merlin struggled against ‘The Circle of Fate’ and tried to save Arthur there were many memorable moments; these are ours…

 

The vision of Arthur’s death (Episode 1: ‘Arthur’s Bane – Part One’)

Finding a dying seer in a druid encampment, our hero receives a fateful vision that shapes his destiny. He sees Arthur’s death at the hands of Mordred after a climatic battle, setting the scene for the whole series.

 

“I’m much more than that!” (Episode 3: ‘The Death Song of Uther Pendragon’)

As Merlin faces off against a ghostly Uther, he takes great satisfaction in revealing that he has magic. Sadly, we were cheated a reveal to Arthur as the young King banishes his ghostly predecessor with a toot of the magical horn just a moment too soon.

 

Mordred stabs Morgana (Episode 2: ‘Arthur’s Bane – Part Two’)

The druid boy returns as a grown up, much to the horror of Merlin. Confounding expectations, Mordred does not ally himself with Morgana, but rather knifes her in the back to save Arthur and earns a knighthood for his trouble.

 

Gwen sentences Sefa to death (Episode 1: ‘Arthur’s Bane – Part One’)

Queen Gwen finds herself holding the reigns of power and discovers a traitor inside Camelot. Though part of a greater plan, it was a truly shocking moment when sweet natured Gwen seemed prepared to send a serving girl to her death for treason.

 

Merlin confronts the Dochraid (Episode 9: ‘With All My Heart’)

Disguised as Dragoon, Merlin visits the ancient oracle of the old religion on order to find the key to restoring Guinevere. The untrustworthy creature refuses to help him and Merlin has to compel her by force, wounding her by wielding Excalibur.

 

Gwen’s torture (Episode 6: ‘The Dark Tower’)

Trapped in a room with dripping mandrake roots, we see Gwen subjected to a psychological torture like no other. From blood curdling screams to phantoms of friends and loved ones who laugh in her face, it is no wonder she breaks to Morgana’s will.

 

Morgana Kills Alator (Episode 10: ‘The Kindness of Strangers’)

After a few episodes on the sidelines, Morgana is back with vengeance here, setting magical explosions off with her eyes and relishing the torture of her former ally. When he is of no further use of her, she despatches Alator with a one-liner and a simple snap of the neck, delivered magically of course.

 

Mordred Reveals Merlin’s Secret (Episode 11: ‘The Drawing of the Dark’)

Enraged at the execution of his druid love, Mordred storms straight to Morgana and reveals to her the identity of her nemesis, Emrys.

 

Merlin at Camlann (Episode 13: ‘The Diamond of the Day – Part Two’)

In their hour of direst need, the sorcerer appears in his aged form on the hilltop and reigns energy down on the battlefield, turning the tide of the battle in Camelot’s favour.

 

“There can be no place for magic in Camelot” (Episode 5: ‘The Disir’)

Forced into a corner and believing that he condemns Mordred to death to save Arthur’s life, Merlin is forced to advise the King against his own hearts desire. The episode’s twist of course is a bitter pill to swallow as unbeknownst to the young warlock; he could have had his way and seen Mordred dealt with too.

 

What was your favourite moment of Series 5? Let us know below…

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