0:00:02 > 0:00:03In a land of myth and a time of magic,
0:00:03 > 0:00:09the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy.
0:00:09 > 0:00:10His name...Merlin.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21ANIMAL GROWLING
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Merlin! Spear.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- Do you have any natural gifts, Merlin?- No.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Let me think...
0:00:41 > 0:00:43I'm not naturally rude or insensitive.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Just naturally irritating.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53ANIMAL GROWLING
0:00:59 > 0:01:01It's probably more scared of you than you are of it.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15BEAST ROARS
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Have we lost it? Who's missing?
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Where's Sir Bedivere?
0:02:11 > 0:02:14The creature you describe has all the characteristics
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- of the Questing Beast. - Surely that's a myth.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19The appearance of the Questing Beast
0:02:19 > 0:02:23is supposed to foreshadow a time of great upheaval.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Gaius, that's an old wives' tale.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Look, whatever it is, it is spreading panic.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30The people fear it will enter the city.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Then we must kill it. Arthur, gather the guard together. We ride at dawn.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43I beg you, Sire - do not dismiss this.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Arthur will destroy the beast and we no longer suffer at its hand.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54This is no ordinary beast, Merlin.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- Don't worry.- No, listen to me. You don't understand.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Uther may not respect the Old Religion, but it is very real.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04To face a beast such as this, you must understand where it came from.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- What do you mean?- At the very heart of the Old Religion
0:03:07 > 0:03:10lies the magic of life and death itself.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13The Questing Beast carries that power.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31You've seen the foe we face.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34It's a creature of nightmare.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36But you are the best knights in the realm.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41We can and will kill it, before it harms another citizen of our kingdom.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- For the love of Camelot! - For the love of Camelot!
0:04:02 > 0:04:04Let's follow the trail.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07BEAST GROWLING
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Keep close.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- HISSING - What is it?
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Shh!
0:05:18 > 0:05:21BEAST GROWLS
0:05:23 > 0:05:26BEAST ROARS
0:05:36 > 0:05:37Hey!
0:05:37 > 0:05:38Aaagh!
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Fleoge. Bregdan anwiele gefeluec!
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- He's been bitten! - I tried to save him.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10We must tell the King.
0:06:10 > 0:06:16- There must be something you can do. - I wish there was.- I'll find a cure.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- Merlin!- Trust me.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Can you hear me, Sire?
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- Here.- The King will be here any moment.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27It is my destiny to protect him.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30We haven't done all the things we're meant to do!
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- That is the lament of all men. - Gaius, he's my friend.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Then save him.
0:06:45 > 0:06:46Gethlio!
0:06:51 > 0:06:52Thurhaele!
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Maybe the spells need time to take effect.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01DOOR OPENS
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Arthur!
0:07:07 > 0:07:08Do something, Gaius!
0:07:08 > 0:07:10I will do everything in my power.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12I will bear him to his chamber.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50I have failed Arthur,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52failed in my destiny.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55And yet, you would not be here if that were true.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57He was bitten by the Questing Beast.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Does he still breathe?
0:07:59 > 0:08:04- Only just. - Then there is still time to heal him.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07I've tried, I cannot save him.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10You do not know HOW to save him.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12But you can tell me how?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Perhaps.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17It will not be easy.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- I will do anything.- Anything?
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Please. Just tell me what I have to do!- Very well.
0:08:23 > 0:08:29The Questing Beast is a creature conjured by the powers of the Old Religion.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33You must use the same ancient magic to save him.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36The Old Religion died out centuries ago.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39The Old Religion is the magic of the earth itself.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42It is the essence which binds all things together.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46It will last long beyond the time of men.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48But how can that help me save Arthur?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51You must find those who still serve it.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Those who hold dominion over life and death.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Where?
0:08:57 > 0:09:01Go to the place that men call the Isle of the Blessed,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05where the power of the ancients can still be felt.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09There you will discover Arthur's salvation.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12Thank you.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Thank you.- And Merlin -
0:09:15 > 0:09:22the young Pendragon must live, no matter what the cost.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29The Beast comes from the Old Religion - the cure must too.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31There are few left with such an art.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32The Old Religion is still alive.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- There is an island beyond the white mountains...- No!
0:09:37 > 0:09:40The Isle of the Blessed - you know it?
0:09:42 > 0:09:44It was said to be the centre of the Old Religion,
0:09:44 > 0:09:46the focus of its power.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Why did you keep this from me?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Because it was too dangerous, Merlin.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51It's our only chance!
0:09:53 > 0:09:55I have to find it.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- And once you are there, what will you ask?- For Arthur to be saved.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00The Questing Beast chose Arthur.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03That means the Old Religion has decided his fate.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- Then I will convince them to change their minds.- It is not that simple!
0:10:11 > 0:10:15The high priests have the power to mirror life and death.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17But there will be a price to pay.
0:10:17 > 0:10:24Merlin, please, I beg of you...
0:10:24 > 0:10:27I'm sorry, Gaius.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32But whatever the price is, I will pay it gladly.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Here. You'll need a map.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48And I'm going to give you this.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52My mother gave it to me.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57It's a rabbit's foot.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- To keep you safe?- It was said to protect you from evil spirits.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06It's rubbish. I don't believe the superstition.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- I don't know why I gave it to you. - No.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09I want it.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Thank you.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19You've got to keep Arthur alive until I get back.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50HE MOANS IN PAIN
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Sleep, Arthur.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12'You must travel to the place that men call the Isle of the Blessed,
0:12:12 > 0:12:17'beyond the white mountains, through the Valley of the Fallen Kings.
0:12:22 > 0:12:28'To the north of the Great Seas of Meredor, you will find a lake.'
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- SHE KNOCKS AT THE DOOR - Gaius.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44You should get some rest.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46He must not be left alone.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47I will nurse him.
0:13:07 > 0:13:13You're not going to die, Arthur. I'm telling you.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Because I know that one day, you will be King,
0:13:18 > 0:13:23a greater king than your father could ever be.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28It's what keeps me going.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35You are going to live to be the man I've seen inside you, Arthur.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39I can see a Camelot that is fair and just.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45I can see a king that the people will love and be proud to call their sovereign.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Astyre!
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Hello?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Hello, Merlin.
0:15:52 > 0:15:53You?
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- Do you know who I am?- Nimueh.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02You can't be who the Dragon meant.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03And why is that?
0:16:03 > 0:16:05You tried to kill me.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Before I understood your importance.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- And Arthur...- Arthur was never destined to die at my hand.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15And now, it seems I will be his salvation.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18So you know what I've come to ask?
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- Yes.- Will you do it? - I do not have the power
0:16:21 > 0:16:24to mirror life itself and yet give nothing in return.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26I know a price will be asked.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29I willingly give my life for Arthur's.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Once you enter into this bargain, it cannot be undone.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33Whatever I have to do, I will do.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36His life is worth a hundred of mine.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40The Cup of Life,
0:16:40 > 0:16:45blessed by centuries of powerful sorcery so that it contains the very secret of life itself.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50If Arthur drinks water from the cup...he will live.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Tidrenas!
0:17:31 > 0:17:33The bargain is struck.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36I hope it pleases you.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Merlin! - We need to give this to Arthur.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- What is it? - Water, drawn from the Cup of Life.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10If Arthur drinks from it, he will recover. Please hurry!
0:18:14 > 0:18:16What are you waiting for?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19What price did you pay?
0:18:19 > 0:18:20- We don't have time.- Merlin!
0:18:20 > 0:18:24Don't worry, Gaius, everything's going to be all right.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39What are you doing, physician? What are you giving him?
0:18:39 > 0:18:41It's, er...
0:18:46 > 0:18:49It's a tincture, made from the lobelia plant.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54An ancient remedy for poisonous bites.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- A cure?- We hope.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Do you really think it will have some effect?
0:19:03 > 0:19:05It's our last resort, Sire.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- Perhaps you should allow him to rest.- I will not leave him.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39Please, Merlin, you must beware.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42This is only the beginning.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Arthur!
0:20:28 > 0:20:29The Prince lives.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53I thought we'd lost you.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58I think there's someone watching over me, keeping me from harm.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Maybe you're right.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04On your long journey to become King,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06you'll need a guardian angel.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11I shall inform the court that their Prince lives.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21I knew it.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23I said you'd be all right.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30I can remember you talking to me.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- You can?- You stroked my forehead.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- I was tending to your fever. - Never lost faith.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- I was just talking. - Tell me again what you said.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43I don't remember.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Yes, you do.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- No, I don't.- Come on.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Something about the man I am inside.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- No, I never said that.- Guinevere!
0:21:57 > 0:21:59I have to get these washed, Sire.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07THUNDER RUMBLES
0:23:01 > 0:23:02Gaius!
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- I'm alive! What is it? What's happened?- Merlin, stay there.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10No, don't.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11Mother?
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- What's happened to her? - She's gravely ill.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Do something! - If I could...- Please, Gaius.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Merlin, this is no ordinary illness.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- This cannot happen!- Who did you meet at the Isle of the Blessed?- Nimueh.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Merlin, I wish there was something I could do.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38You knew this would happen!
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- I knew the price would be a heavy one.- But you sent me anyway.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44We need Arthur to live.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46I'm not one of you!
0:23:46 > 0:23:49We are both creatures of the Old Religion.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51It is the source of your power.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53What's that supposed to mean?
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Your destiny is to protect the young Pendragon until he claims his crown.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02And when he does, magic can be returned to the realm.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Only then will I be free.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12So that's all you cared about?
0:24:12 > 0:24:15I thought you were my friend.
0:24:15 > 0:24:16I am more than that, Merlin.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20I am your kin.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23No, the only family I have is my mother.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27We will achieve great things together, you and I.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29You will never be released!
0:24:29 > 0:24:36For what you've done, I'll make sure you never see the light.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Merlin!
0:24:47 > 0:24:51You...won't see me...again.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Where is she?
0:25:03 > 0:25:07She's sleeping.
0:25:29 > 0:25:34- I have to save her.- You cannot.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Yes. I will return to the island.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37You are young.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39This is my mother.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43My powers mean nothing if I cannot save her.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49You have taught me so much.
0:25:51 > 0:25:57You taught me who I am, taught me the purpose for my skills,
0:25:57 > 0:26:02taught me that magic should only be used for great deeds.
0:26:05 > 0:26:11But most of all, you have always taught me...to do what is right.
0:26:15 > 0:26:16Merlin...
0:26:24 > 0:26:25I need to say goodbye to Arthur.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- Ah, Merlin.- How are you?
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Good.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49I'm pleased.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Yes.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53I owe it all to Gaius.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59I need to talk to you.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03You still haven't got it yet, have you?
0:27:04 > 0:27:05I decide when we need to talk.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Not today.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- Are you ever going to change, Merlin? - No. You'd get bored.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20Promise me this, if you get another servant, don't get a bootlicker.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- If this is you trying to leave your job...- No.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29I'm happy to be your servant, till the day I die.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Sometimes I think I know you, Merlin.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- Other times...- Well, I know you.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47And you're a great warrior.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51One day you will be a great king.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53That's very kind of you.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- But you must learn to listen as well as you fight.- Any other pointers?
0:27:57 > 0:28:00No.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03That's it.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Gaius had to go and get some supplies.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- He asked me to keep an eye on her until you got back.- Thank you.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- I'm sorry.- No, she'll get better.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35I've tried to make her feel comfortable.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40You've such a good heart, Gwen.
0:28:40 > 0:28:41Don't ever lose that.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59I'm gonna make you well again. I promise.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01You'll see.
0:29:24 > 0:29:25Gaius?
0:29:41 > 0:29:42'Dear Merlin,
0:29:42 > 0:29:44'my life is already near to its end.
0:29:44 > 0:29:52'There has, for the most part, been very little purpose to it.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55'Very little that will be remembered.
0:29:56 > 0:30:02'In contrast, Merlin, your life is destined for greatness.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07'Live by the tenets I have taught you,
0:30:07 > 0:30:13'and I believe you will, in time, become the greatest warlock ever.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17'To have known you has been my greatest pleasure,
0:30:19 > 0:30:25'You are, and will always be, the son I never had.'
0:30:28 > 0:30:29No!
0:31:00 > 0:31:03I never thought I'd see you here again.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07My Lady.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- It is a long time since you called me that.- I've come to ask for your help.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Merlin intends to offer his life for his mother's.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18I want you to take mine in his place.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Ha-ha-ha-ha!
0:31:20 > 0:31:24With all my powers of prediction, I could never have foretold this.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Gaius the hero!
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Why should I grant your wish?
0:31:38 > 0:31:42Merlin is the one man who can bring magic back to this land.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45At Arthur's side, he can help forge a new kingdom.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50A world of peace and beauty that we can only dream of.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52And you're willing to give your life, Gaius,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55for the future they will bring?
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Gaius?
0:31:59 > 0:32:00For Merlin.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13Ic, seo heahsacerd, the acwelle strengthe ealdan aewfaestnesse!
0:32:13 > 0:32:14Stop!
0:32:14 > 0:32:18Back again so soon, warlock?
0:32:19 > 0:32:21What have you done?
0:32:21 > 0:32:22It was his wish.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Your childish tricks are useless against me, Merlin.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33I am a priestess of the Old Religion.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Forbearne!
0:32:46 > 0:32:48You too are a creature of the Old Religion.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50You should join me.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54You think I would join forces with such a selfish and cruel magic?
0:32:54 > 0:32:55Never.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58So be it. Akwele!
0:33:06 > 0:33:07Pity.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Together, we could have ruled the world.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26You should not have killed my friend.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48EXPLOSION
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Gaius!
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Gaius!
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Merlin...
0:34:15 > 0:34:18Gaius, you're alive!
0:34:19 > 0:34:21What did you do?
0:34:21 > 0:34:24The balance of the world has been restored.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26You amaze me.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30You've mastered the power of life and death itself.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36We'll make a great warlock of you yet!
0:34:36 > 0:34:38So you believe in me now?
0:34:38 > 0:34:44Well, I would do...if...
0:34:44 > 0:34:47if you could...
0:34:47 > 0:34:51stop this rain!
0:34:54 > 0:34:56THEY LAUGH
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:35:32 > 0:35:35E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk