9.1/101,180 votesLoading...#1 - The Coming of Arthur (2)
Season 3 Episode 13 - Aired 12/4/2010
Will Arthur be able to save Camelot from the evil Morgana? Morgana, newly crowned as Queen of Camelot, begins a reign of terrible evil over the innocent citizens of the kingdom. Counting on Morgause and her immortal army at her command all hope seems lost for Uther, who is forced to witness how his kingdom crumble under the unimaginable cruelty of his own daughter. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Camelot, Arthur recovers his strength and plans a counter attack with the help of a few loyals at his side: Gwaine, Lancelot, Elyan and Percival. However, Merlin is aware that not even a skilful warrior like Arthur can defeat an immortal foe without magic. Will he be able to reclaim the great sword Excalibur from the Lake of Avalon in time to save the lives of those he cares the most about?
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Julian Jones
8.9/101,153 votesLoading...#2 - The Last Dragonlord (2)
Season 2 Episode 13 - Aired 12/19/2009
The Great Dragon is finally free. Full of rage, he attacks Camelot with pitiless intensity. The castle is crumbling and Arthur's men cannot hold out much longer but only a Dragonlord can kill a dragon and Uther wiped them all out years ago. Or did he? Gaius admits one such man could still be alive and in hiding. The last Dragonlord is the key to Merlin's own past as well as the future of Camelot, but will Arthur and Merlin find Balinor in time to save the kingdom?
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Julian Jones
8.9/101,008 votesLoading...#3 - The Diamond of the Day (1)
Season 5 Episode 12 - Aired 12/22/2012
High in the mountains, a great horde gathers; Morgana prepares for war with a vengeful Mordred at her side. Merlin feels the weight of his destiny like never before as the ancient prophecies play out with terrifying accuracy. But before he can save his beloved Camelot, he must save himself. For it is not just the kingdom Morgana wishes to destroy – it is also Emrys.
Director: Justin Molotnikov
Writer: Jake Michie
8.8/10937 votesLoading...#4 - The Darkest Hour (2)
Season 4 Episode 2 - Aired 10/8/2011
The kingdom is on the brink of collapse and Morgana poised to strike, in the final part of this opening episode of the fantasy drama. As Lancelot races back to Camelot with the dying Merlin, Arthur must continue on his mission to vanquish the Dorocha without them. Though the Knights know their journey to the Isle of the Blessed is fraught with danger, none could anticipate the sacrifice Arthur intends to make there. Friendship and loyalty are tested to the limit, but in the end, it's the power of love that changes all their lives for ever.
Director: Alice Troughton
Writer: Julian Jones
8.8/10838 votesLoading...#5 - The Sword in the Stone (2)
Season 4 Episode 13 - Aired 12/24/2011
Morgana and Helios have successfully captured Camelot, and Merlin and Arthur are outlaws on the run, in the last episode in this season of Merlin. Trapped in Ealdor with a ruthless army closing in, their situation becomes desperate. Arthur must take control before Camelot is lost forever… But faced with Agravaine’s betrayal and the strength of Morgana’s force, the young King has lost his conviction. Only Merlin can restore his faith, and only an extraordinary act can prove to the King that he was born to rule. Will the young warlock convince Arthur before his dreams of Albion fall to pieces?
Director: Alice Troughton
Writer: Julian Jones
8.6/10909 votesLoading...#6 - The Coming of Arthur (1)
Season 3 Episode 12 - Aired 11/27/2010
Arthur and Merlin embark on a dangerous mission to capture the Cup of Life, a powerful magical artifact that carries the gift of immortality. However, before they are able to retrieve the Cup they fall prey to Jarl, an unscrupulous slave trader. They manage to escape when a trusted friend comes to their rescue but with Jarl's help, the Cup of Life ends up in Morgause's hands. Now that the dreadful sisters count on an immortal army at their disposal, will Morgause and Morgana overthrow Uther once and for all?
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Jake Michie
8.6/101,083 votesLoading...#7 - The Darkest Hour (1)
Season 4 Episode 1 - Aired 10/1/2011
Evil sorceress Morgana summons mighty gatekeeper the Cailleach, who opens a door to another world from which hellish creatures pour forth. As Arthur and his loyal knights take up arms, Merlin discovers the only thing that will stop them is an unimaginable sacrifice.
Director: Alice Troughton
Writer: Julian Jones
8.5/10914 votesLoading...#8 - The Fires of Idirsholas (1)
Season 2 Episode 12 - Aired 12/12/2009
For the first time in over 300 years the fires of Idirsholas burn and Gaius is worried that a sorcerer has revived the deadly Knights of Medhir. Morgause returns and is determined to end Uther's reign at Camelot.
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Julian Jones
8.5/10911 votesLoading...#9 - The Eye of the Phoenix
Season 3 Episode 8 - Aired 10/30/2010
Arthur embarks alone on a quest to prove himself worthy of the Camelot throne by retrieving the Golden Trident from the Fisher King. With the Prince beyond the protection of the citadel, Morgana takes the opportunity to use her dark magic. She gives him a precious bracelet that contains a Phoenix Eye, insisting that he wears it at all times for protection. However, the magical jewel takes away Arthur's life force and he is left defenceless in the Fisher King's perilous realm. With the help of Gwaine, will Merlin be able to reach Arthur in time and fulfil his own quest to protect the future king of Camelot?
Director: Alice Troughton
Writer: Julian Jones
8.5/10920 votesLoading...#10 - A Servant of Two Masters
Season 4 Episode 6 - Aired 11/5/2011
Merlin becomes a deadly weapon in Morgana's fight for supremacy when he falls into her hands. By recurring to ancient magic, she manages to turn friend against friend and creates the perfect assassin out of the young sorcerer which puts an oblivious King Arthur in great danger. Will anyone notice Merlin's unusual behaviour before he is able to do any serious harm to the King?
Director: Alex Pillai
Writer: Lucy Watkins
8.5/10804 votesLoading...#11 - The Sword in the Stone (1)
Season 4 Episode 12 - Aired 12/17/2011
Morgana is now the head of a vast Southron army and a deadly net is closing around Camelot. After the sorceress strikes everyone is forced to run for their lives including Arthur. It is down to Merlin to try and save Arthur from Morgana's clutches.
Director: Alice Troughton
Writer: Jake Michie
8.5/101,110 votesLoading...#12 - Arthur's Bane (1)
Season 5 Episode 1 - Aired 10/6/2012
Camelot faces a new golden age, but even as the city flowers, the dark seeds of destruction are being sown. In the frozen wastelands of the north, men are disappearing without a trace. King Arthur and his knights undertake a dangerous mission into the unknown in search of answers - but once there, Merlin finds himself locked in a battle unlike any he has fought before.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.4/10947 votesLoading...#13 - The Sins of the Father
Season 2 Episode 8 - Aired 11/14/2009
Arthur is challenged to a duel by a mysterious warrior. Arthur and Merlin then find themselves on a quest on Morgause's behalf. A dark secret is discovered by Arthur that could change Camelot forever.
Director: Metin Hüseyin
Writer: Howard Overman
8.4/10852 votesLoading...#14 - The Wicked Day
Season 4 Episode 3 - Aired 10/15/2011
The mighty citadel is buzzing in anticipation of the Prince's birthday celebrations, as the fantasy drama continues. But Arthur's old adversary, Odin, promises to ensure this is one party Camelot will never forget - for among the assembling guests lurks a deadly assassin set to strike. As the dust settles, Camelot is left devastated. Just how far is Merlin prepared to go to put things right; would he really risk everything and reveal his secret?
Director: Alice Troughton
Writer: Howard Overman
8.4/10890 votesLoading...#15 - Arthur's Bane (2)
Season 5 Episode 2 - Aired 10/13/2012
As dawn breaks across the icy tundra, Merlin and Arthur are close to exhaustion. With each tortured step, the fortress of Ismere looms ever nearer and Merlin's fear intensifies. What game is Mordred playing? And what powerful secrets are Morgana and the druid Ruadan (Liam Cunningham) searching for amongst its twisted catacombs? It seems like this time, not even Merlin can stop Arthur from walking right into the lion's den… For in this bleak and transient wilderness, only one thing is certain: the great trial for Albion has finally begun.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.3/101,087 votesLoading...#16 - Le Morte d'Arthur
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 12/13/2008
On a hunting trip, Arthur comes face to face with a creature of great power from the old religion. When Gaius informs them that it can only be killed by magic, Uther refuses to listen and sends out his knights to kill it. Arthur is fatally wounded and Merlin must go to the Isle of the Blessed to save him. But will he be able to pay the price?
Director: David Moore
Writer: Julian Jones
8.3/10833 votesLoading...#17 - Queen of Hearts
Season 3 Episode 10 - Aired 11/13/2010
When Uther banishes Gwen from the kingdom, Arthur resolves to leave Camelot with her.
Director: Ashley Way
Writer: Howard Overman
8.3/10764 votesLoading...#18 - The Drawing of the Dark
Season 5 Episode 11 - Aired 12/15/2012
Mordred finds himself torn between loyalty and love, but little does he realise that the path he chooses will shape Camelot's destiny. As the drums of war beat ever louder, a desperate Merlin feels trapped by the cruel circle of fate - is he powerless to stop his dreams of Albion from crumbling to dust?
Director: Declan O'Dwyer
Writer: Julian Jones
8.2/101,082 votesLoading...#19 - Excalibur
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 11/15/2008
Uther's past comes back to haunt him as a mysterious Black Knight interrupts Arthur's coming-of-age celebrations, throwing down his gauntlet and challenging the Knights of Camelot to combat. The Black Knight, seemingly unstoppable, makes easy work of his combatants. But who is the Black Knight, and why is Uther so uneasy?
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Julian Jones
8.2/101,070 votesLoading...#20 - The Labyrinth of Gedref
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 11/29/2008
Arthur brings a curse upon Camelot. Eager to help his people, he asks Anhora for advice. But is he brave enough to face the challenges ahead?
Director: Stuart Orme
Writer: Howard Overman
8.2/10944 votesLoading...#21 - The Witchfinder
Season 2 Episode 7 - Aired 11/7/2009
In his determination to rule magic out of Camelot forever, Uther hires the services of Aredian, a terrifying witch hunter who is most feared due to the fact that he stops at nothing in the quest to uncover all and every kind of sorcery. Even though no one is under direct suspicion, several people in Camelot are afraid that the witch hunter could see straight through them: Morgana is worried that Uther might have her executed and Gaius is concerned for the fate of Merlin and his own, since caring for the young warlock is considered crime and treason. Will all three be able to escape a dreadful fate?
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Jake Michie
8.2/101,026 votesLoading...#22 - The Lady of the Lake
Season 2 Episode 9 - Aired 11/21/2009
Freya is found by Merlin trapped in a bounty hunter's cage and decides to try and help her escape. Merlin refuses to listen to Gaius' warnings not to get involved. After freeing her Merlin hides Freya in the tunnels beneath Camelot. Merlin is forced to make some hard decisions to keep Freya safe.
Director: Metin Hüseyin
Writer: Julian Jones
8.2/10953 votesLoading...#23 - The Tears of Uther Pendragon (1)
Season 3 Episode 1 - Aired 9/11/2010
A year after her disappearance and when almost all hope is lost, Morgana returns to Camelot. While Merlin is afraid she might remember the circumstances of her disappearance and give him away in front of the king, a delighted Uther announces a banquet to celebrate. However, soon afterwards evil magic starts to take hold of the king's mind, putting the safety of Camelot at risk as he is consumed with hallucinations and enemies reach his door. Merlin suspects Morgana is behind the enchantment but his search for the truth puts his life in peril while Arthur is forced to take control and face new foes on his own. Will they succeed to rescue the king and Camelot from destruction?
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Julian Jones
8.2/10878 votesLoading...#24 - The Tears of Uther Pendragon (2)
Season 3 Episode 2 - Aired 9/18/2010
With the help of the Great Dragon, Merlin manages to return to Camelot only to find out that is it on the verge of invasion: Morgause and Cenred have teamed up and plot against a weakened Uther. Cenred's initial reluctance is won over by the fact that they count on an ally within Camelot walls who will ensure the castle is taken. Uther is unable to rule which forces Arthur to step up front and defend the citadel agains Cenred's powerful army. With the help of Morgause and to make things worse, Morgana plays a deadly card and summons a skeleton army to wreak havoc within the castle walls. Camelot's fate rests once again on Arthur's shoulders and Merlin's magic as they fight in their own way to hold off both an army of the living and an army of the dead. Will they manage to succeed?
Director: Jeremy Webb
Writer: Julian Jones
8.2/10771 votesLoading...#25 - The Secret Sharer
Season 4 Episode 7 - Aired 11/12/2011
Morgana joins forces with enigmatic wizard Alator to uncover a secret that could change the course of destiny, as the magical drama continues. With allies on both sides of the castle walls, can anyone stop her before Merlin's greatest secret is revealed?
Director: Justin Molotnikov
Writer: Julian Jones
The Best Episodes of Merlin
Every episode of Merlin ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Merlin!
The unlikely friendship between Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, and Prince Arthur, heir to the crown of Camelot.
Genres:Action & AdventureDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
Network:BBC One
Best Episodes Summary
"The Coming of Arthur (2)" is the best rated episode of "Merlin". It scored 9.1/10 based on 1180 votes. Directed by Jeremy Webb and written by Julian Jones, it aired on 12/4/2010. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Last Dragonlord (2)".