Merlin (TV series)/Recap/S01/E11 The Labyrinth of Gedref
The Labyrinth of Gedref
Arthur is leading a small group of men through the forest on a hunting trip. Hearing a rustle in the bushes ahead he signals for his men to spread out and then instructs Merlin to go flush out whatever’s there. Reluctantly Merlin creeps further into the forest, brandishing a stick.
He drops it the moment he sees what kind of animal is before him: a unicorn. Realising that it’s about to be shot dead he tries to scare it away, but Arthur has already taken aim from behind a tree. Merlin cries out, but Arthur has already taken the killing shot and the unicorn topples before him.
Arthur is delighted at his kill though Merlin is clearly upset, and looks up from the dead animal to see a man dressed in white, with a hood and a staff, standing behind Arthur at a little distance. The next moment, he’s gone.
Back in Camelot Arthur presents the unicorn horn to his father who is very pleased, though Gaius voices his concern that anyone who kills a unicorn risks bad fortune. Uther and Arthur dismiss this claim, but outside Merlin expresses his sadness that Arthur would kill such a beautiful creature.
In Arthur’s chambers Merlin is oblivious to the list of tasks that Arthur sets for him.
Arthur: You've got a face like a wounded bear ever since we got back from that hunting trip. Don't tell me you're still upset about the unicorn. |
He’s soon distracted by the sight of rat droppings on the floor and orders Merlin to get rid of the infestation as a knight requests his presence with the King.
Outside the city walls Uther and Arthur look over a field of crops, all of which have withered on the stalk. Uther orders that the remaining supplies be carefully rationed as Gaius begins to test the plants for a scientific explanation.
Outside the palace grounds a long line is forming as villagers line up for their rations, and Uther and Arthur are concerned by the lack of supplies they have in the storeroom. With reports of looting, Uther declares that order must be kept at all costs and places Camelot under curfew.
On his way through the main courtyard Merlin passes Gwen at the well and tells her of the situation. As she pumps for water she finds that only sand emerges from the siphon. One cut scene later and Uther and Arthur are investigating the same well, with Arthur reporting the news that the underground reservoir is filled with sand.
Arthur: It's the same throughout the kingdom. There's precious little water anywhere. |
In the physician’s quarters Merlin sits, trying to conjure a bucket of the sand into water, but to no avail.
That night in the courtyard Arthur orders the guards to the lower town to ensure that no one leave their homes when he sees Merlin approach and questions him about the rat. Merlin is distracted by the sight of a white-cloaked man disappearing into the shadows. He and Arthur run after him, through the corridors and up and down the stairs, getting momentarily confused as to where he’s gotten to, and then surprised by his sudden reappearance before them.
Anhora: Are you looking for me? I am Anhora, Keeper of the Unicorns. |
Arthur lunges for him, but Anhora disappears and reappears at the top of the staircase behind them, telling Arthur that if he does not make amends, then Camelot will be doomed.
The following morning Merlin and Gaius find themselves drinking Merlin’s bathwater and Gaius recommends that Merlin convince Arthur as to the truth of Anhora’s words.
Up in his room Arthur is frustrated at the discovery of a rat-gnawed hole in his boot, but Merlin tries to make him see reason, telling him that he first saw Anhora in the forest after the death of the unicorn. Arthur dismisses his claims, warning him that a sorcerer’s word cannot be trusted, but that they need a plan as to how to proceed.
That night Arthur awakens Merlin from guard-duty outside the storeroom; irritated by the thirsty noises that he’s making in his sleep. The two of them hear movement in the storeroom and confront a frightened-looking man who introduces himself as Evan and claims he’s stealing grain for his hungry child. Though Arthur reminds him that looters are to be executed, he allows the man to go free, and even gives him a small sack of grain to take with him.
Arthur: Use it sparingly. It might be the last food you and your family get for some time. |
The following morning Gwen watches the guards chase a man accused of looting, only for something else to catch her eye. Water is dripping from the spout, and as she works the pump, water gushes out.
In his room, Merlin and Arthur enjoy the return of the water, and Merlin suggests that Arthur’s act of mercy in letting the villager go was the first test that Anhora spoke of.
Merlin: If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering. I know you want that more than anything. Perhaps we should seek Anhora out. |
Arthur is not yet convinced, ordering Merlin to find some food and get rid of the rat. As he goes, Merlin’s eye catches the rat squirming out of a hole in the wall. He looks rather thoughtful…
Outside, Arthur is joined by Morgana as a crowd of people arrive from the outlying villagers in search of food. Arthur realizes that there’s not going to be enough to go around, and as he leaves Gwen approaches Morgana, having smuggled some food from the kitchens. Morgana instructs her to pass it around to the children and old people.
In his room a depressed Arthur is reluctant to eat while his people are starving, and agrees with Merlin’s plan: that they’ll go to the forest first thing in the morning in search of Anhora. Merlin cajoles him into eating some of the stew he’s prepared, and it’s not long before Arthur realizes he’s eating rat.
The following morning Merlin and Arthur hunt through the forest for any signs of Anhora. In the distance Arthur catches sight of him and races after him, shouting for Merlin. Merlin goes another way and the two are soon separated. Arthur runs through the forest only to find a small encampment full of hoarded food, where Evan sits with a smirk on his face.
Arthur: You? You're a thief. |
Goaded by his taunts, Arthur attacks Evan and a fight breaks out. Just as Arthur makes the killing strike, Evan disappears and Anhora takes his place, asking Arthur why he behaved in this way. Stating that Evan insulted his honour, Anhora asks why he didn’t simply ignore him instead of giving in to his pride. Arthur demands that he lift the curse, but once again Anhora states that only Arthur is capable of that before disappearing.
Back in Camelot, Arthur learns from Uther that the remaining supplies have completely rotted.
Over a dinner of beetles, Merlin and Gaius discuss Arthur’s shortcomings, neither one certain what he’s going to do next.
In the Council Chamber Uther and Arthur have a disagreement over what is to be done with the palace food stores. Uther orders that they stop distributing food to the people and use it only to feed the armies; Arthur points out that there’s little point in having an army when there are no people to protect. He suggests that they go to the neighbouring kingdoms for help, but Uther considers this an affront to his pride, not to mention dangerous if their enemies perceive them as weak. Arthur speaks again on behalf of the people, but when Uther is not swayed, he tells him that the order to stop distributing food will have to be given by Uther himself.
From the castle parapets, Arthur and Merlin look down over the people, as yet unaware that their food supplies are about to be cut short. For the first time, Arthur takes responsibility for what’s happening.
Merlin goes to the forest by himself and shouts for Anhora, who appears behind him.
Anhora: You wanted to talk with me? |
Having received this message from Merlin, Arthur prepares to leave for the Labyrinth alone, against Merlin’s protests. Merlin is ordered to stay and help the people, though of course, Merlin has no intention of doing so and secretly follows Arthur.
Arthur travels across the countryside on horseback, till he reaches a valley that is filled with hedge mazes that make up a huge labyrinth. Behind him is Merlin, who follows him into the labyrinth. Both wander around, completely lost, until Merlin stumbles across Anhora, who waits with a drawn sword. Merlin accuses him of setting a trap, and Anhora calmly agrees: though it’s not a trap for Arthur. Vines snake out of the hedges and bind Merlin.
Arthur reaches the edge of the labyrinth and emerges on the seashore where Anhora waits. Merlin is seated at a small table with two goblets before him.
Arthur: Let him go. I'll take your test, but not till he's released. |
Depending on which goblet Arthur drinks from, the curse may or may not be broken. Arthur is not impressed by this test, but he and Merlin think it through, coming to the conclusion that they should pour the contents of the goblets into one cup, which is then drunk by one person. Arthur commends Merlin on his thinking, distracts him, and then drinks down the contents of the single goblet filled with all the liquid. He collapses on the ground and Merlin accuses Anhora of killing him, only for Anhora to reassure him that he’s only taken a sleeping draught.
Anhora: A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted. |
Sometime later Merlin and Arthur return to Camelot to learn that all the crops have been replenished and the curse lifted. Uther congratulates Arthur on getting rid of the sorcerer and Arthur agrees to restock the grain reserves.
Before that however, Arthur and Merlin return to the forest to lay the unicorn horn down on a small makeshift grave. As Arthur apologises for taking its life, Merlin notices something in the distance and the two look up to see that the unicorn has returned to life. Yes, the combined force of Merlin and Arthur has brought a unicorn back to life. You can’t make this stuff up.
Tropes
- Curse
- Disproportionate Retribution: Arthur kills a unicorn, and all of Camelot is made to suffer for it.
- Fairy Tale: Out of all the episodes thus far, this one bears the most resemblance to a traditional fairy tale.
- The Maze
- No Antagonist
- Pride: Too much of this is why Arthur fails the second test.
- Rule of Three: Arthur has three tests to pass before the curse is lifted.
- Secret Test of Character: Anhora's entire plot to make Arthur atone for the unicorn's death.
- Unicorn