Merlin is to face his toughest challenge yet when Morgana's blind determination puts at risk Arthur's future as well as the very balance of the world. With her unbounded powers at their highest, the sorceress uses powerful magic to tear the mystical veil between worlds making the mighty Cailleach to come forth.
Hellish creatures are released and wander around, killing everyone who succumbs to their touch. With Uther but a mere shadow of his former self, it comes down to Arthur and his loyal knights to safeguard the kingdom.
However, swords won't be enough to vanquish the newest threat and Merlin is utterly shocked to find out what it'll take to restore the equilibrium of the world: a sacrifice of unimaginable proportions is required.
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Colin Morgan |
Merlin |
Katie McGrath |
Morgana |
Bradley James (II) |
Arthur Pendragon |
Anthony Stewart Head |
King Uther Pendragon |
Richard Wilson (III) |
Gaius |
Angel Coulby |
Gwen (Guinevere) |
Gemma Jones |
The Cailleach |
Guest Star |
Zee Asha |
Audrey |
Guest Star |
James Greene |
Ferryman |
Guest Star |
Rupert Young |
Sir Leon |
Recurring Role |
Eoin Macken |
Sir Gwaine |
Recurring Role |
John Hurt |
Voice of the Great Dragon |
Recurring Role |
Goof: In the scene where Gaius is in his chambers and a gust of wind blows his candles out, we can clearly see that the top candle (the one highest on screen) is blown out. In the following shot, three candles, including the top one, are lit.
Goof: When Sir Leon and Sir Elyan come back to the castle and tell Arthur about Morgana's return in the Council Chamber, Arthur's hair style keeps swtiching between a perfectly combed fringe and a slightly less perfect one.
James Greene, who is credited as the ferryman, has no lines in the episode.
A little vaulted niche can be seen on the wall to the right of Merlin's bed that wasn't there before.
Camelot's royal seal depicts a wyvern, the Pendragon device.
Goof: In the scene where Arthur is looking out of his window at the citizens seeking refuge within the citadel, his hair style changes when he turns around to facethose present inside his room.
Goof: Tomatoes can be seen on Uther's plate and as part of the menu during the Samhain feast. However, they were first introduced in Europe following the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
Goof: At the beginning of the episode, Merlin retrieves Arthur's shirt hanging in the kitchen on a coat hanger. The very first coat hangers weren't invented until the late 1860s and the wishbone-shaped one Merlin is using didn't appear until 1907.
Goof: At the start of the episode, when Sir Leon, Sir Elyan and two other knights meet Morgana, they climb down from their horses. Seconds later, when they are thrown back, the horses are nowhere to be seen in the background. A bit later, Sir Leon and Sir Elyan come back to the castle, but only with two of the four horses.
Goof: When Arthur and the knights arrive at Howden, Drea's village, they observe it from the top of a hill. The sun is slightly behind Arthur, as betrayed by the way it is shining on his hair. However, when we get a view of the village, the sun is setting on the horizon, hence in front of the prince.
Goof: In the scene where Merlin and Arthur are hiding from the Dorocha in the castle, Arthur sports two different hair styles which keep alternating, and a third hair style appears briefly just before the Dorocha attacks Merlin.
The Isle of the Blessed is revisited for the second time after it was first depicted in episode 1x13 Le Morte D'Arthur.
The Isle seems to be bigger this time, with a lot more of towers and constructions. This is also the first time that wyvernsare seen at the Isle of the Blessed.
Morgause pays to the ferryman so they are transported to the Isle, whereas Merlin used a small boat and crossed the water expanse on his own.
The Cailleach is the fifth character who refers to Merlin as 'Emrys'. Mordred did so in episodes 1x08 The Beginning of the End, episode 2x03 The Nightmare Begins and 2x11 The Witch's Quickening, Taliesin in episode 3x05 The Crystal Cave, The Fisher King in episode 3x08 The Eye Of The Phoenix and then Iseldir in episode 3x12 The Coming of Arthur Part 1
(Morgana calls Old Merlin 'Emrys' in her prophetic dream).
During this episode a feast is thrown to celebrate Samhain's day. Samhain is the time of year when the spirits of the ancestors are honoured, when the lost ones are remembered and when their passing is celebrated.
The Cailleach is the Gatekeeper to the Spirit World. In Celtic myth, she is a celestial hag. In Old Irish it means "veiled one". Modern Scottish Gaelic still uses the word meaning "old woman".
The Dorocha are the spirits of the dead, the voices of the dead and like the dead they are numberless. In the time of the Old Religion, the high priestesses would perform a blood sacrifice on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's Eve, when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, to tear it and release the Dorocha. No mortal has ever survived their touch and they cannot be defeated by swords and arrows. The only way to repair the veil is to travel to the Isle of the Blessed and perform another blood sacrifice.
A year has gone by since the end of the previous season.
(The shirt Merlin is bringing to the prince gets stained with wine that a passing servant is carrying).
Merlin: Arthur is going to kill me!
Sir Lancelot: Let's see. You've faced far worse, Merlin.
Merlin: He needs it for tonight.
Sir Lancelot: I'm sure a man of your talents can think of something (He raises his eyebrows suggesting magic).
(Merlin cleans it up using a spell, then he shows it to Sir Lancelot who raises his arms approvingly).
Merlin: You're dressed!
Arthur: Yes, Merlin. I'm not an idiot.
(He turns around and his shirt isn't properly done at the back)
Merlin: (Laughing) Are you sure about that?
Arthur: I beg your pardon?
Arthur: I'm trying to write a speech!
Merlin: Do you want help?
Arthur: No.
Merlin: You won't want this, then. I spent all night working on it (Offers Arthur a scroll that he reads) What do you think?
Arthur: (Returning it to Merlin) It needs a polish.
Merlin: I'll add it to the list.
Arthur: Merlin, there aren't many servants who get the chance to write a prince's speech. Obviously it would be too much for you to say 'thank you'.
(Merlin doesn't say a word and Arthur smiles).
(About Uther)
Gaius: It's been a year since Morgana betrayed him. His heart is broken and his spirit is gone. Are you joining us for the feast tonight?
Gwen: I don't think so. I need to stay with the King.
Gaius: You're very good to him, Gwen.
Gwen: I don't do it for him. I do it for Arthur.
(After he's received news of Morgana)
Arthur: For months, nothing. Why now?
Agravaine: We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. Today, tomorrow, does it matter? We mustn't live in fear, Arthur. Camelot is strong. If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her.
Arthur: You're right, of course. I don't know how I'd've got through these last months without you. Thank you, Uncle.
Agravaine: I made a promise to your mother. I'll always be there for you.
(Morgana is about to sacrifice Morgause)
Morgana: I can't do this.
Morgause: Sister... remember what I've told you. It is the only way. What you are about to do will affect everyone, even you. But most importantly, it will bring our enemies to their knees. You must be strong and remember that. Do not be scared. I am not long for this world. There is nothing left for me here now. Please, sister... let my parting be my final gift to you.
The Cailleach: (To Morgana) I am The Cailleach, the Gatekeeper to the Spirit World. You have torn the veil between the worlds (The Dorocha scream) The Dorocha. They are the voices of the dead, my child, and like the dead they are numberless. You are right to be afraid, Morgana. Your enemies will rue this day and all the destruction it brings. But you must beware... tearing the veil between the worlds has created a new world... and you will not walk through it alone. The one they call Emrys will walk in your shadow. He is your destiny... and he is your doom.
Merlin: When she spoke, her voice, it was as though it came from the depths of the Earth. And her eyes... they were so sad. So much pain in them. Who is she?
Gaius: The Cailleach... the Gatekeeper to the Spirit World.
Merlin: Why was she there?
Gaius: It was on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's eve. The moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It cannot be a coincidence.
Merlin: Why was I the only one to see her?
Gaius: You have great power, Merlin. For someone so gifted, such visions are not uncommon.
Merlin: You don't understand. It wasn't a vision. She knew who I was. She called me Emrys... what is it? What does it mean?
Gaius: I'm not sure. But if someone has torn the veil between the worlds, then God help us all.
Drea: My mother, my father, my little sister, they're...
Arthur: It's all right. It's all right. Someone attacked them?
(Drea nods)
Arthur: Who?
Drea: There was no-one... just... shapes.
Arthur: You didn't see their faces?
Drea: They had no faces. I keep telling you. They were there, but they weren't there... They moved so quickly... it was as if they weren't real. But... they must have been. I could hear the people screaming and then... silence. They were all... dead.
Arthur: Merlin... you need your comfort blanket.
Merlin: What do you mean?
Arthur: You're making me edgy.
(Horse whinnies)
Arthur: That's a horse.
Merlin: Maybe it sensed something.
Arthur: Yes, that you're a clotpole.
Merlin: That's my word.
Arthur: Yeah, and it suits you perfectly.
(About the Dorocha)
Sir Gwaine: We are literally chasing shadows.
(After Sir Lancelot saves Merlin from the attack of the Dorocha)
Sir Lancelot: What happened?
Merlin: My magic... I couldn't use it.
Sir Lancelot: There's something out there!
Arthur: You saw it?
Sir Lancelot: When it saw the light, it fled.
Sir Percival: Let's get the horses!
Merlin: It's not something you can chase or something you can kill.
Arthur: We need to get out of here!
(About the Dorocha)
Merlin: My magic is useless against them. I've tried. I've never felt so powerless. Something deep inside... and when it came for me, I felt this emptiness... I couldn't breathe. I'm scared.
Gaius: Merlin. It's all right. It's not your fault.
(About the Dorocha)
Arthur: There's no way of fighting them?
Agravaine: No. Our only weapons are torches. The light doesn't kill them, it only repels them.
Arthur: What are they?
Gaius: The Dorocha, Sire. The spirits of the dead. On Samhain's eve in the time of the Old Religion, the high priestesses would perform a blood sacrifice and release them.
Agravaine: But who would do such a thing now?
Gaius: Morgana.
(About the Dorocha)
Arthur: How do we defeat these creatures?
Gaius: I don't know, sire. No mortal has ever survived their touch.
Arthur: You see, Merlin, I could never be like you. I could never let myself look so spineless.
Merlin: Oh, you see I'm different. I could never let myself look heartless.
Arthur: What?
Merlin: All right... thoughtless.
Arthur: Never.
Merlin: Definitely humourless.
Arthur: That's because you're not funny.
Merlin: You're not scared?
Arthur: Oh, I am, Merlin. Maybe more than you.
Agravaine: We cannot live like this forever, Arthur. We must find a way to vanquish these creatures.
Arthur: Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something. All I'm asking for is a way to fight them.
Gaius: I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, Sire. If I am right and the veil between the worlds has been torn, then there is only one path open to us... to travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it.
Arthur: And how do I do that?
Gaius: I'm not sure, but for the tear to be created it would have required a blood sacrifice. To seal it... will require another.
Arthur: We will ride before nightfall.
Gaius: And who will be the sacrifice?
Arthur: If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot then that is what I must do.
Morgana: I trust you bring me good news. Tell me.
Agravaine: The kingdom is on its knees.
Morgana: How terrible!
Agravaine: Indeed.
Morgana: What of the poor people?
Agravaine: More fall every night.
Morgana: Such a shame.
Agravaine: You should know Arthur intends to vanquish these creatures.
Morgana: Impossible.
Agravaine: He makes ready to go to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak. And if the Dorocha don't kill him on the way, our brave little lamb intends to sacrifice himself to repair the veil.
Agravaine: Something's troubling you... Morgana?
Morgana: Something the Cailleach said. She spoke of someone called Emrys. Called him my doom.
Agravaine: Your doom? What did she mean?
Morgana: I don't know.
Agravaine: Morgana, we should be celebrating. Arthur will be dead within the week leaving the throne open for Camelot's rightful heir.
Arthur: (At the verge of tears) There are many things I have to thank you for. You have taught me so much. But most of all you have taught me... what it is to be a prince. I hope that this time, you'll be proud of me (Kisses his father's forehead and turns to leave).
Uther: (Grabbing Arthur's arm) Don't leave me.
Arthur: (Crying) I have to, Father.
Uther: Please...
(Arthur squeezes his father's hand reassuringly and leaves).
Arthur: Promise me you'll look after him when I'm gone.
Gwen: What is it? You don't have to go.
Arthur: (Putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder) I do.
Gwen: (Touching his chest affectionately) Please, Arthur, take care. You're precious... not just the Kingdom.
Arthur: Smile.
Gwen: I can't (Looks down).
Arthur: (Grabbing her chin so she looks up into his eyes again) Do you remember the first time I kissed you?
(Gwen smiles)
Arthur: There (He smiles as well) That's the memory I want to take with me.
(They hug).
Arthur: Take this. It bears the royal seal. In my absence, responsibility for the kingdom rests with you.
Agravaine: What about your father?
Arthur: Should he die, you are to assume the throne.
Agravaine: Arthur...
Arthur: You are the only person I trust, Uncle.
Agravaine: I beg you, for the sake of the Kingdom, there must be another way (Tries to return the seal to Arthur unsuccessfully).
Arthur: My mind is made up. I am just grateful you are here.
Merlin: It's my destiny to protect Arthur.
Gaius: How? Your magic is powerless against the Dorocha.
Merlin: Then I must sacrifice myself in his place.
Gaius: No.
Merlin: My life has been marked out by destiny. If this is meant to be... I'm not afraid. I will gladly die, Gaius, knowing that one day... Albion will live.
(They hug).
Gwen: Will you grant me a favour?
Sir Lancelot: Anything.
Gwen: (Gestures towards Arthur) Look after him. Bring him home.
Sir Lancelot: I will protect him with my life. You have my promise.
Gwen: Thank you.
Sir Lancelot: You shouldn't be here. You have no powers.
Merlin: Doesn't matter.
Sir Lancelot: You are not a warrior, Merlin. I don't want to see you hurt. If you leave in the morning, I'll cover with Arthur.
Merlin: It is your duty to protect Camelot, no matter what the cost.
(Sir Lancelot nods)
Merlin: Well... it's my duty to protect Arthur. Surely you can understand that?
Sir Lancelot: I can understand that very well.
(Morgana has a prophetic dream of a battlefield where Pendragon and unknown banners can be seen among many dead men, Excalibur on the ground and the hand of a old woman reaching out)
Morgana: Help me, Emrys, please!
Old Merlin: Is this really what you wanted, Morgana?
Sir Gwaine: (Putting a log of wood in the fire) The last one. Maybe we should draw lots to see who gets some more.
Arthur: I'll go.
Sir Lancelot: (Stands up at once) You'll need help.
Merlin: (Stands up as well) I'll go with him.
Arthur: You sure you're the right person?
Merlin: Since when have you known how to collect firewood?
(All laugh).
Arthur: You know, Merlin, you're braver than I give you credit for.
Merlin: Really? Was that a compliment?
Arthur: Don't be stupid.
Arthur: All the things I've faced... I've never worried about dying.
Merlin: I don't think you should now.
Arthur: Sometimes you do puzzle me.
Merlin: You never fathomed me out.
Arthur: No.
Merlin: I always thought that if things had been different, we'd have been good friends.
Arthur: Yeah.
Merlin: That's if you hadn't been such an arrogant, pompous, dollophead.
(Arthur laughs).
Merlin: We'll defeat the Dorocha. We will, Arthur. Together.
Arthur: I appreciate that. You're a brave man, Merlin... between battles.
Merlin: (Laughs) You don't know how many times I have saved your life.
Arthur: If I ever become King, I'm going to have you made you court jester.
(Both laugh).
(Both are scared of the eerie screeches of the Dorocha)
Arthur: They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn.
Merlin: Feels pretty dark now.
Arthur: It can't be long now.
(More screeching is heard. A Dorocha attacks them and Merlin places himself between Arthur and the threat, saving his life.)
Arthur: Merlin, no!
It was Bradley James' idea that Arthur throws away the speech he had been working on after reading Merlin's.
The scene where Morgana sacrifices Morgause took 6 weeks to be filmed but Emilia Fox could only be present for 3 days due to her commitments with Silent Witness.
Colin Morgan improvised the bit where Merlin looks back over his shoulder as Drea is explaining to Arthur what happened in her village.
Her role of Drea was actress Katie Moore's first tv role after graduating from drama school.
Andy Bennett, Merlin stunt coordinator, has a small part in the episode as the knight who gets frozen in the castle hallway despite Gwen's efforts to save his life.
Tom Hopper was afraid of dropping any of the three kids that he has to carry by himself.
It was Eoin Macken's idea to leap through the castle window while looking out for the Dorocha at the end of the episode.
The sparks raising from the knights' fire at the end of the episode were obtained by burning pieces of wool.
Alice Troughton (episode director) and Katie McGrath recorded an audio commentary for this episode.
Also Known As:
France: L'Heure La Plus Sombre, Première partie.
Germany: Die dunkelste Stunde, Teil 1.
Italy: L'ora Più Buia 1ª parte.
Poland: Najczarniejsza Godzina (cz��� 1).
Portugal: A Hora Mais Escura Da Noite Part 1 (meaning The Darkest Hour Of The Night Part 1).
International Airdates:
Australia: October 16, 2011 on Ten.
Canada: January 8th, 2012 on Space.
France: March 2th, 2012 on Canal + Family.
Germany: January 4th, 2012 on Super RTL.
Italy: September 10th, 2012 on Italia 1.
Sweden: September 8th, 2012 on SVT2.
Turkey: February 19, 2012 on CNBC-e.
USA: January 6th, 2012 on Syfy.
DVD Release Dates:
Season 4, Volume 1 (episodes 1-6): November 28th, 2011.
Season 4, Volume 2 (episodes 7-13): January 23rd, 2012.
Complete Season 3: January 23rd, 2012.
New opening credits are used for series 4 where new background scenes are displayed.
Also, the catchphrase that can be heard at the beginning of the credits has changed from: "In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name... Merlin" to "In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name... Merlin".
This is the fourth time that a two parter episode is featured in Merlin (the first time being episode 2x05 Beauty and the Beast – Part One and episode 2x06 Beauty and the Beast – Part Two, the second being episode 3x01 The Tears Of Uther Pendragon Part 1 and episode 3x02 The Tears Of Uther Pendragon Part 2 and the third time being episode 3x12 The Coming Of Arthur, Part 1 and episode 3x13 The Coming Of Arthur, Part 2.
The Great Dragon does not appear in this episode, but John Hurt is credited (for the voice-over at the beginning of the opening credits).
Filming locations:
Château de Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds, Oise, France (Camelot).
Cardiff, Wales, UK (Studio sets).
Raglan Castle, Raglan, Wales, UK (Moat: ferry nearing the Isle of the Blessed. Castle: Daelbeth fortress).
Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, Coleford, Gloucestershire (Morgana's hut. Forest where Merlin and Lancelot collect firewood).
Cosmeton Medieval Village, Wales, UK (Howden village).
Speech House Lake, Spruce Ride, Ruspidge, Forest of Dean, England, UK (Jetty where Morgana and Morgause take the ferry).
Trefil Quarry, Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK (Knights ride through a field filled with bodies on their way to Howden. Knights ride towards Daelbeth).
Broadcasts:
Sat 1 Oct 2011 at 19:50-20:35pm on BBC One and BBC HD.
Fri 7 Oct 2011 at 19:00-19:45 on BBC Three.
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S 5 : Ep 12
Aired 12/22/12 (43:01)
S 5 : Ep 11
Aired 5/17/13 (43:16)
S 5 : Ep 11
Aired 12/15/12
S 5 : Ep 10
Aired 12/8/12
User Score: 7720
User Score: 573
User Score: 66
User Score: 61
User Score: 48
User Score: 32
User Score: 30
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User Score: 18