0:00:02 > 0:00:04'In a land of myth and a time of magic,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08'the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11'His name...Merlin.'
0:00:16 > 0:00:20Yehairamay wan knicht awak.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25Beyar stranger an steacra for brektha wanei.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Upares arek
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Uther Pendragon!
0:00:31 > 0:00:33THUD
0:00:33 > 0:00:35STONE BEGINS TO CRACK
0:00:37 > 0:00:38MAN: Do you solemnly swear
0:00:38 > 0:00:42to govern the people of this kingdom and its dominions
0:00:42 > 0:00:45according to the statutes, customs and laws
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- laid down by your forebears? - I do, Sire.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Do you promise to exercise mercy
0:00:51 > 0:00:54and justice in your deeds and judgments?
0:00:54 > 0:00:56I do, Sire.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59And do you swear allegiance to Camelot now,
0:00:59 > 0:01:01and for as long as you shall live?
0:01:01 > 0:01:09I, Arthur Pendragon, do pledge life and limb to your service
0:01:09 > 0:01:13and to the protection of this kingdom and its peoples.
0:01:15 > 0:01:21Now being of age and heir apparent, from henceforth,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25you shall be Crown Prince of Camelot.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29APPLAUSE
0:01:36 > 0:01:39So how does it feel to be servant to the Crown Prince?
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Washing his royal socks will be even more of a privilege.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44You're proud of him, really!
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- I am not. - You are. I can see it in your face.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Those socks are clean! Of course I'm proud.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39HORSE WHINNIES
0:02:45 > 0:02:49I, Sir Owain, accept your challenge.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Single combat. Noon tomorrow.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Have you ever seen this Black Knight before?
0:03:50 > 0:03:51I don't believe so.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- You didn't recognise his crest? - Crest?
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- Which house is it? - I'm not sure.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57I didn't see it clearly.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59But he's not someone you'd forget in a hurry.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01No.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05So you don't think he's from around here?
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- That would seem likely. - Then what's he doing here?
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Your faith in my knowledge is both touching and wholly misplaced.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Maybe if you've finished your work,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16you could go to bed and leave me to finish mine.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18OK, I'm going.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20Gaius?
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Merlin.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Do you think Owain can beat him?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30We will find out soon enough.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- He shouldn't have picked it up! - So put an end to it.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45The challenge has been taken up. It cannot be stopped.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- Then fight in his place. - I can't!
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Why not? - Owain picked up the gauntlet.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Owain is the one who must fight. That is the Knight's Code.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55He knew that.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- You know why I'm here? - The Black Knight.
0:05:02 > 0:05:03So it is he?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- You saw his crest? - Have you confirmed it?
0:05:06 > 0:05:07It is the crest of Tristan de Bois.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11And he's the only knight ever to have carried such a crest?
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Yes. According to the records.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23DOOR OPENS VIOLENTLY
0:05:26 > 0:05:28Yes?
0:05:28 > 0:05:30I'm sorry to disturb you, Sire.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32What is it?
0:05:32 > 0:05:33The knight,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35the stranger.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39He bears the crest of Tristan de Bois.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40Yes.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44But he's been dead for 20 years.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46I know.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53You've never fought in mortal combat before. It's different.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- It's not like the training. - Yeah, I know.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Listen to me. The problem is, we've never seen him fight.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- You have to get the measure of him. - But I have the same advantage.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05He's never seen me fight.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07True.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- You've watched me. - Yes.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10And?
0:06:12 > 0:06:14And I know no-one braver.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24The Lady Morgana asked me to give you this token.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28She wishes you to wear it for luck.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31You can thank her,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34and tell her I shall wear it with pride,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36but I won't need luck.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Now remember, find the flow of the fight and try to control it.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18The fight shall be to the knight's rules.
0:07:41 > 0:07:42Let battle commence.
0:07:49 > 0:07:50Come on, Owain!
0:08:03 > 0:08:05One well-aimed blow!
0:08:07 > 0:08:08Yes!
0:08:21 > 0:08:24CROWD GASPS IN HORROR
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Who will take up my challenge?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47I, Sir Pellinor, take up the challenge.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52So be it.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Should we tend to his wounds?
0:09:11 > 0:09:12He took a hit.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13Owain didn't land a blow.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- The sword definitely pierced him. - Are you sure?
0:09:16 > 0:09:18My eyes are quicker than yours.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- Why did you stop me? - Our knights must prove themselves.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- Have you seen how he fights?! - Sir Pellinor is his match.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27He's not recovered from the wounds he suffered at Othanden.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30It was his choice to take up the gauntlet.
0:09:30 > 0:09:31I am not to blame.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Are you sure we should be doing this?
0:09:40 > 0:09:41You're not scared, are you?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45No, I love old crypts. I wouldn't be seen dead anywhere else.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47THUD!
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Must've been a gust of wind.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51We should've brought a torch.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54Leoc morla.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Huh...handy! - Yes.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01What are we looking for?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Bring your torch over here.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06We're breaking into someone's grave?
0:10:09 > 0:10:11We're too late.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14I think someone has already broken out.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20It's my guess we're dealing with a wraith.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21A wraith?
0:10:23 > 0:10:25So this is the work of a sorcerer?
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Powerful magic can make a grieving, demented soul live again.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31- How do we stop it? - We can't.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32There must be something.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Nothing can stop it until it has achieved what it came for.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37What's that?
0:10:37 > 0:10:38Revenge.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40On Camelot?
0:10:40 > 0:10:42What does that mean for Sir Pellinor?
0:10:42 > 0:10:45I'm afraid it doesn't look good.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50CROWD GROANS
0:11:00 > 0:11:04I, Arthur Pendragon, challenge you.
0:11:07 > 0:11:08So be it.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Single combat.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Noon tomorrow.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28How could you be so stupid? I will revoke the challenge.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32The Knight's Code must be upheld. That's what you told me.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33This is different.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- Once the challenge is laid down... - You are Crown Prince.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41There cannot be one rule for me and one for all the rest.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42I forbid you to fight.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45You want me to prove I'm worthy of the throne.
0:11:45 > 0:11:46I cannot do that by being a coward.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52I'm sorry you have so little faith in me, Father.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Arthur!
0:11:55 > 0:11:59You said yourself, no mortal weapon can kill it.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01We have to find a way to defeat the wraith ourselves.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- How do you propose to do that? - With mortal magic.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- It's too dangerous. - We don't have a choice.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- Good evening, Sire. - Gaius.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29There is a matter of great urgency which I must discuss with you.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Then spit it out.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Tristan's tomb is empty.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36I believe he's a wraith.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37A spirit?
0:12:37 > 0:12:42He has come to take vengeance. You cannot allow Arthur to fight.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45No weapon forged by man can kill a wraith.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49It will stop at nothing until it has accomplished what it came for.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Arthur cannot win. You must tell him who the knight is.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- No. - You cannot hide the truth forever.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58I am the King!
0:12:58 > 0:13:02You will not tell me what I can and cannot do!
0:13:02 > 0:13:03Very well, Sire.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Leave me.
0:13:15 > 0:13:16DOOR SLAMS
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Cume hay forbearnar.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52BLACK KNIGHT ROARS
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Merlin, that conversation we had about knocking...
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- You have to pull out. - Why does everybody think that? - Because they're right.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Just pull out. You're the Crown Prince.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- I am not a coward. - I know that.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22I've watched you overcome every fear you've ever faced.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- That's what's required. - You are more than a mere warrior.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29You're a prince, a future king. You've proved your courage,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- but you must prove your wisdom. - I'm not backing down.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Arthur, listen to me. This is no ordinary knight.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Look at him. He doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40He just stands there.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41I'm not listening to this.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52DISTANT GROWLING
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- Haven't you tired of revenge? - You began this war.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00You brought it on yourselves. You practised evil.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I was your friend, Uther! You welcomed me here.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- You betrayed that friendship. - I did as you asked!
0:15:06 > 0:15:08CRASHING
0:15:25 > 0:15:26How did you get in here?
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- The door was open. - No, I locked it.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Someone else must've opened it.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33And you thought you'd come in and help yourself?
0:15:33 > 0:15:34I was looking for a book.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37For Gaius. He thinks the Black Knight is a wraith.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Then Arthur is in grave peril.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Which is why I'm here. I need to find a weapon
0:15:43 > 0:15:46that will kill something that's already dead.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49I have read of such things in the ancient chronicles.
0:15:49 > 0:15:50Really? What did they say?
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Several fables speak of ancient swords.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Can you show me one of these fables?
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Well, let me think. Yes.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Mm...
0:16:04 > 0:16:06I'm sort of in a hurry.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Yes, you young people always are.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16This is the Chronicle of Beltain.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Now then... Ah, here we are.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Sir Marhaus looked upon the great sword,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27begotten in the dragon's breath and found it passing good.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- What did you say? - Sir Marhaus...
0:16:30 > 0:16:34No, no, no. Not about him. The dragon.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39The great sword begotten in the dragon's breath
0:16:39 > 0:16:41and found it passing good.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Merlin. What're you doing here?
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- I've come to ask a favour. - Yes?
0:16:48 > 0:16:50I'm not sure how to ask it.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Ask, Merlin. You know I'd grant you anything.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56I...I've come to ask for a sword.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58The strongest your father's ever made.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00What for?
0:17:00 > 0:17:02To save Arthur.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18I don't want you to fight tomorrow.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22You're worried about me?
0:17:24 > 0:17:26I don't know what it is.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Please, I'm begging you.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31I have to do this.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33It's my duty.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38I understand.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53I'm sorry.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59You knew that this business would come back to haunt me.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Not quite so literally.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04I should've listened to you.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- I cannot let Arthur die. - Then you must stop the fight.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09No, I will take his place.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Do you know what you're saying?
0:18:12 > 0:18:14I have no other choice.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17But it means that you are the only person left
0:18:17 > 0:18:21who knows the truth about Arthur's birth.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I want you to swear to me that you will keep your oath.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33I will take it to my grave.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39You have always been a good friend,
0:18:39 > 0:18:41despite my temper.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48I have one other favour to ask.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54My father's been saving this.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57He's always said it was the best sword he's ever made.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58It's perfect.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26Merlin!
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Do you know why I'm here?
0:19:28 > 0:19:30It may surprise you, Merlin,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33but my knowledge of your life is not universal.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36It's to do with Arthur. His life's in danger,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38unless I can make a weapon.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41So what do you come to ask of me?
0:19:46 > 0:19:50Will you burnish it, to save Arthur?
0:19:50 > 0:19:54That is your destiny, young warlock, not mine.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58But if Arthur fights the wraith and dies, Camelot will have no heir.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00I will have no destiny.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06A weapon forged with my assistance will have great power.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07I know.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11You do not know. You can only guess.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14You have not seen what I have seen.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18If you had, perhaps you would not ask this of me.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19What do you mean?
0:20:19 > 0:20:23In the wrong hands, this sword could do great evil.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28It must be wielded by Arthur and him alone.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29I understand.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31You must do more than understand.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33You must promise.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36I promise.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38DRAGON GROWLS
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Heed my words.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24The sword was forged for Arthur,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26and him alone.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39KNOCKING ON DOOR
0:21:39 > 0:21:41I've brought you something to help you sleep.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I'm fine. I don't need it.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Here.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48It'll relax you,
0:21:48 > 0:21:50take the edge off your nerves.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Ugh...I wouldn't drink it for pleasure.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07Why don't you sit down for a moment?
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Mind you, if you...
0:22:14 > 0:22:18forget about the taste, the after effect is...
0:22:18 > 0:22:20quite pleasurable.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Just lie back.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26I will be taking Arthur's place.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28But Sire...
0:23:28 > 0:23:29Prepare me for battle.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Arthur should fight.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34The grievance was with me, the fight is mine.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- I don't have your armour. - That will do.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40It's likely to make little difference.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- I'll get you your sword. - This one will be fine.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48No, Sire. You don't understand.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51That one was made specifically for Arthur.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Who made it?
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Um, er, Tom, the blacksmith.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59It's worthy of a king.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03You would be better off with a sword you trusted.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07No. It has almost perfect balance.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Tom is not the Royal Swordsmith. I'm surprised Arthur went to him.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14That was me.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I felt he needed a better sword.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27You show him the most extraordinary loyalty.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29That is my job, Sire.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31But beyond the line of duty.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Well...
0:24:35 > 0:24:37..you could say...
0:24:38 > 0:24:40..there is a bond between us.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42I'm glad.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45Look after him.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25You can have what you came for.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29The father, not the son.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22SWORDS CLASH >
0:26:32 > 0:26:33HE ROARS
0:26:50 > 0:26:52CROWD GASPS
0:27:09 > 0:27:11CHEERING
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Is that a new sword, Sire?
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It's the best I've ever fought with.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41May I have a look?
0:27:41 > 0:27:43I was intrigued by those markings.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49On one side it says, "Take me up,"
0:27:49 > 0:27:51and on the other, "Cast me away."
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- What does that mean? - May I ask who made it, Sire?
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Merlin gave it me. It was forged for Arthur.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06That should heal pretty quickly. I'll re-dress it tomorrow.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Thank you, Gaius. Thank you for everything.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- I was meant to fight him! - No, you weren't.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17You mean more to me than anything I know,
0:28:17 > 0:28:21more than this entire kingdom, and certainly more than my own life.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26I've always thought that...
0:28:26 > 0:28:28What?
0:28:29 > 0:28:32That...I was a big disappointment to you.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Well, that is my fault, and not yours.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40You are my only son.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43And I wouldn't wish for another.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- I heard you fought pretty well. - Thanks.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55You should join us for training.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Sort out your footwork.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00I'll show you footwork.
0:29:01 > 0:29:02UTHER GROANS
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Uther told me you provided him with his sword today.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25- Did you enchant it? - No...I didn't.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Who did then?
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Wasn't me.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Shame.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35It saved the King's life, I'd have been very proud of you.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37- Well... - Never mind.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57'Merlin!
0:29:59 > 0:30:01'Merlin...
0:30:03 > 0:30:06'Merlin!'
0:30:21 > 0:30:23So, does Arthur live?
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Yes, the sword worked. It was incredible, amazing.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- As I promised. - But...
0:30:29 > 0:30:30Yes?
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Things didn't quite go according to plan.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39I mean they did, except...it wasn't Arthur who wielded the sword.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42It was Uther.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44HE ROARS
0:30:44 > 0:30:52The sword was born of the old magic. You have no idea of its power.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56In the hands of Uther, it will bring only evil.
0:30:56 > 0:30:57I'll get it back.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01You have betrayed me. You are not ready to be trusted.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03I'll bring it to you.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05You can destroy it.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08What is made cannot be unmade.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11So what do you want me to do?
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Take the sword far from here
0:31:14 > 0:31:20and place it where no mortal man can ever find it.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk