From 2008 to 2012, the Air Force channel broadcast the television series Merlin. The project was created based on the legends of King Arthur and the most powerful wizard of Albion - Merlin. For five seasons in the series, a wide variety of myths have been affected.
However, the Air Force departed a little from the canons. The series turned out to be original and quite interesting. Ratings allowed to extend the series for a full five seasons. The project bypassed the fate of early closure. The creators managed to logically complete the story of the king and his wizard.
The plot of the series
The series takes place in canonical realities. Albion, Camelot. The kingdom is ruled by Uther Pendragon, who hates wizards. The harsh king executes anyone who has been caught using magic.
During this difficult period, a young wizard, Merlin, is in the city. He does not even suspect how his fate will change after meeting with the crowned heir to the kingdom.
The series "Merlin": actors and roles
The popularity of the series brought a good plot, interesting dialogues, the competent use of myths and legends. You can’t ignore the actors of the series “Merlin”. The main cast managed to convey the dark and cruel atmosphere that reigned in Camelot.
However, the series was not only gloomy and serious. In each episode there was a fair amount of jokes, funny and ridiculous situations in which the protagonist so often fell.
Merlin
In the series "Merlin" actor Colin Morgan played the role of the most powerful wizard Albion. True, in the interpretation of the Air Force, Merlin is not an old-fashioned wise man.
In the series, the young man only stays in Camelot. His mother sent him to the city, because in his native village it became too dangerous to be a wizard. So, Merlin arrives at the yard to take refuge with his uncle - Gaius.
Uncle immediately recognizes the wizard in Merlin. But he does not expel him and does not give him to the tear of the king. Gaius begins to teach the young magician the basics of magic, strictly forbidding the use of magic outside their home.
But on the very first day, Merlin collides with Arthur. A fight ensues, in which Arthur wins. But the story does not end there. Soon Merlin saves the life of the heir to the throne and becomes the cameraman of Arthur. Thus, a strong friendship is established between young people.
Merlin has to hide his abilities from Arthur. And to do this is even more difficult in conditions when the young wizard has to constantly save the prince's life so that he fulfills the prophecy and becomes the legendary king.
Arthur Pendragon
During the filming, the actors of the series “Merlin” (2008) became a real family. Long months of series creation, joint interviews and so on. Therefore, the friendship between Colin Morgan and Bradley James, who played the role of Arthur, was easily transferred to the screens.
According to Merlin, Arthur is stubborn, arrogant and selfish. But later, when the magician manages to truly make out and understand the prince, Merlin realizes that Arthur is kind-hearted, gentle, fair, brave and faithful. It is in such a king that Albion needs, which remains fragmented after the cruel reign of Uther.
Arthur used to personally solve all the problems of Camelot and the kingdom. He is in the forefront going to war, he fights off magical creatures himself, and goes in search of a cure for loved ones. Pendragon cares about other people more than about himself. Therefore, Merlin often has to use his powers to protect the future king of Albion. Together, the prince and the magician go through many difficulties that temper their character.
Morgana
In the series "Merlin", actors often began to play positive characters, which eventually turned into villains. So it happened with Katie McGrath, who played the role of Morgana - ward of Uther Pendragon.
In the first seasons, Morgana is a gullible, slightly naive character. She believes that any problem can be resolved peacefully. Morgana also does not understand Uther's desire to destroy all magicians.
Her fate changes when a girl discovers the gift of foresight. Morgana does not know what to do next, because her closest person hates magicians. Morgana spends many years in dismay, until she meets her sister Morgause. Then the girl goes to the dark side.
Uther Pendragon
In the series Merlin, the role of a ruthless tyrant went to Anthony Head. In the past, Uther lost his wife. He blames the mages for her death. That is why he is so cruel to anyone who is at least somewhat involved in the use of magic.
Due to excessive cruelty, he cannot get along with his son and ward. Many want to overthrow him, because in his quest to end magic, he comes to genocide. Uther kills children, old people, women. In one of the episodes, Morgana is recognized as his daughter.
Gaius
The role of the court healer was played by Richard Wilson. In the past he was engaged in magic, but after the introduction of the ban on magic, he became a physician. He is one of the few who knows about Merlin's powers. Gaius is Merlin's uncle, but treats the young man like a son.
Kilgarra Dragon
Not all the actors of the series "Merlin" were visually shown in the project. John Hurt played one of the significant roles in the series, but his face has not been shown even once in five seasons. Hurt gave the project the voice of Killgara, the dragon that was imprisoned under Camelot.
Kilgarra often helps Merlin to cope with difficulties. It is he who tells the young wizard about the prophecy, according to which Arthur should become a great king.
Guinevere
The adaptation of the legend of Arthur and Merlin could not but include the maid and the future Queen Guinevere. It is worth noting that the actors of the Air Force project have nothing to do with the series “Gwen Jones - a student of Merlin”. In Merlin, the role of Gwen was played by Angel Colby.
In the early seasons, Gwen was a simple servant and close friend of Morgana. She faithfully served her mistress, helping her avoid many difficulties. Over time, fell in love with Arthur. And later she learned that feelings are mutual.