Classic Moments: Arthur's final task ('Merlin')
Published Sunday, Dec 21 2008, 2:00am EST | By Ben Rawson-Jones
The Context
Arthur kills a unicorn while out hunting and is proud despite Merlin's sadness over the death. This act leads to an elderly wizard called Anhora placing a curse upon Camelot. Soon, all the food begins to rot and the water supplies run out. Only Arthur can prevent a massacre by undertaking a series of tasks set by Anhora, although he initially fails to impress. It's left until the last task for his true nature to emerge.
The Moment
After emerging from a labyrinth, Arthur and Merlin sit down on a bench situated on the seashore. Anhora sets them a lethal challenge. In front of them are too goblets - one with deadly poison in the water and one without. The fluids must all be drunk, but the two young men can only drink from one goblet each.
Merlin insists that he must be the one to drink the poison and hatches a plan to pour Arthur's liquid into his own goblet and drink it all - thus saving his master. However, Arthur distracts him, combines the fluids and drinks the lethal cocktail, much to Merlin's horror.
"You know me Merlin, I never listen to you," he states before sinking to the ground.
"Arthur, no what have you done?!" cries Merlin, before trying to revive him. "Let me take his place!" he begs Anhora, but the plea is refused and Merlin is left cradling the prince.
The Aftermath
"Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours," explains Anhora to Merlin immediately afterwards. "He has proven what is in his heart. The curse will be lifted."
The news becomes even better for Merlin when he is told that the poison was only a sleep-inducing concoction. Arthur later emerges and shows huge remorse for his killing of the unicorn and returns to the forest to pay his respects.
There, the unicorn is restored to life and trots along happily. The people of Camelot are also saved as their food and drink supplies return.
No comments:
Post a Comment