The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Left Merlin in a Battle of Wills

The Pendragon Cycle has been the little engine that could, surprising fans with how exceptionally good the faith-based fantasy series has been.

Many of the episodes have highlighted the importance of brotherhood, faith, and fighting for Britain.

I’ve loved watching the Pendragon brothers’ development and the Arthurian legend’s beginnings.

However, it took until The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Season 1 Episode 6 for the series to explore Merlin’s story.

While it was a bittersweet episode, his history needed to be explored. Merlin’s grief over losing his wife, Ganieda, still fuels him today, making the finale that much more thrilling.

Will Merlin be able to channel what he’s learned from God, or will his dark powers from his Aunt Morgian resurface if he picks up that sword again?

Merlin is about to find himself in a battle of wills for his soul as me makes the most important decision of his life.

Merlin’s Tragic Relationship With Ganieida Kick-started His Destiny

We’ve seen Merlin as a composed advisor, but most of the series, he’s seemed stoic, leaving Aurelius or his mother, Charis, to shine.

The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Season 1 Episode 6 allowed Merlin to shine, mainly because of the connection Tom Sharp and Brett Cooper shared.

All of his visions were of his wife, Ganieda, and their love story was fully explained. We needed to understand the intricacies of their romance to understand Merlin’s motivations.

She supported him in his dreams while showcasing a fun-loving personality. It was important to watch how they proved they could survive on their own and to celebrate when Merlin helped them win a kingdom.

It seemed like Merlin’s love story was tragic, like his parents, and he had a higher purpose.

It did not seem fair to rip everything away from him just as he had his fairytale ending, but God probably thought it would make Merlin stronger.

We saw that Merlin took out everyone who killed his wife, which was terrifying, and he almost stabbed his father-in-law in a blind rage.

He possesses an incredible power, which could slay thousands of people, but he’s terrified to use it again.

Will we see the prophet Merlin or the dark Merlin in the finale?

Merlin’s Faith and Prophecy Will Be Called On As The Battle For King Heats Up in the Finale

The Pendragon brothers bring the excitement to this series, and the finale should end on an epic battle as they’ve gathered many factions of Britain to fight against the Saxons.

Even with all the supporters they’ve rallied, they only have 2,500 soldiers, while the Saxons have a massive army of 15,000.

Aurelius is either confident or naive, believing that his faith will bring them victory, and Uther suspects they need more than blind faith and becomes the first to beg Merlin for a miracle.

This puts Merlin in a difficult position. First, he’s hesitant to use that bloody sword again, but he also knows if he leads Britain to victory, he’ll be named the next High King.

Merlin has worked diligently not to betray his friends and to restore faith in the Pendragon name. We’re still unsure why he worked so hard, but it’s important to him.

It’s just as vital that he doesn’t lead this battle, and that becomes more challenging when his former father-in-law, Custennin, gets involved.

Merlin only recently reconciled with him, and Custennin still questions why Merlin won’t save those he loves when he possesses that power.

That makes prophets’ lives lonely when people question their every move.

While I’m eager for the finale, I’m anxious about how many people will judge Merlin.

How Much Influence Does Morgian Have Over Merlin?

Almost everyone assumed that Merlin spent time with God while he was gone, but the series has hinted that he may have spent time with his aunt, otherwise known as the Mistress of Lies.

Morgian believed in black magic and in two extremes – great light and great darkness.

She achieved great power by being cunning and using her powers, while her half-sister, Charis, used her powers for good.

Generally, we’ve seen in other fandoms, such as Once Upon a Time or Wicked, that white magic reigns supreme.

However, Merlin has been exposed to both kinds, and he’ll need to choose which side of the family history he’ll follow.

Morgian asks a legitimate question in The Pendragon Cycle Season 1 Episode 7 Teaser: whether he’s going to keep watching people perish or do something about it.

That will likely hit home because he doesn’t want to become as vengeful as he was after Ganieda’s death, but there’s a fine line between being a just king and a merciful king.

We’re about to learn if Merlin’s going to act as more than Aurelius’s advisor, and if his decision will make things even more chaotic.

Does the Sword Wield the Power to Choose the High King?

We all know the legends of the sword of Excalibur. While it’s been different in The Pendragon Cycle, the one who yields it boasts great power.

It’s been in Merlin’s family for generations, and Charis would only gift it to her son, believing he might be the High King.

Merlin used it and tainted it, slaying hundreds to avenge his wife’s death. Any man would have done the same thing.

The problem was that Merlin was chosen to spread the word, not war. Therefore, it makes sense why he’d be hesitant to pick up that sword again now that he’s returned.

He needs to keep calm and hope that the sword chooses a Pendragon; he might be destined to be king again.

We know Arthurian legend says that the Pendragons did reign, most notably King Arthur. I’m curious how this version will end the season, and if we’ll get additional seasons.

Over to you, Fanatics. Were you surprised by The Pendragon Cycle? Will Merlin stay true to himself, or will his dark side reemerge? 

Let us know in the comments.

The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Season 1 finale airs Thursday, March 5, on Daily Wire+

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