Your Merlin Primer: Catch Up Before Season 3

Fans rejoice as Merlin returns to Syfy for another adventuresome season on January 7! Here’s what you need to know before Merlin, Arthur, and Gwen begin new adventures.

Merlin left fans wondering at the fate of Morgana, who had been taken by the sorceress Morgause after an ill-fated attempt on King Uther Pendragon’s life at the end of season 2. Morgause had elected to rescue her sister Morgana rather than pursue her vendetta against Camelot; but enraged, and not knowing of Morgana’s role in the attack on his kingdom, Uther vowed to track Morgause down and destroy anyone assisting her.

In addition to Morgause and Morgana’s treachery, the Dragon Kilghaarah manipulated Merlin into releasing him in exchange for information on how to reverse the sleeping spell cast on Camelot. After releasing the Dragon, it turned on Camelot threatening to burn it all down. To prevent Kilghaarah from wreaking havoc on Camelot and killing them all, Merlin and Arthur sought out the last Dragonlord – who was revealed as Merlin’s father. Alas, Balinor gave his life to protect Merlin unaware that his son was perfectly capable of protecting himself, and Merlin became the last Dragonlord. With his new ability to make Kilghaarah do his bidding, Merlin subdued the angry beast and compelled him to leave Camelot.

With Camelot’s enemies aligning to strike, the kingdom is in turmoil. Uther believes that Morgana was taken against her will, a crime which has the potential to spark a deadly war that will entangle them all.

Can Uther prevail with but one young warlock on his side? A warlock who Uther would gladly kill if he knew Merlin had magic? Now that Morgana and Morgause work together, and perhaps with the aid of Alvarr and Mordred, Merlin will be tested. Shall Kilgharrah return to aid him or prefer to watch from afar? Will the Lady in the Lake Freya find a way to cross over from the alternate dimension to assist Merlin in the looming magical war? And what of the witch Nimueh? Is she also lurking in some dark corner waiting to pounce again?

With the fate of a kingdom and a future king hanging on his shoulders, Merlin faces a seemingly insurmountable task. Season 3 will not only test Merlin, but it will be the making of the man he will become. He cannot always act as the shield protecting both Camelot and Arthur. He will have to choose if it is his destiny to protect one or the other. Having been preordained to protect Arthur, the kingdom may suffer if Merlin decides that the life of one is more valuable than the life of the many.

Arthur too will be tested as he strives to become into the man he needs to be to lead Camelot. His feelings for the servant girl Gwen will continue to weigh upon him as Arthur struggles with class discrimination and his own father’s stern disapproval – assuming Uther finds out about the forbidden love affair. Not to be overlooked is the fair maiden herself, for surely Gwen will not condone being cast aside or kept in the shadows while the man she loves continues to put his life on the line for Camelot.

Finally, Gaius will continue to help Merlin keep his secret and guide the young people whose fates will one day crown them the governing royalty of Camelot. It is a lot to ask one simple physician to watch over so many headstrong young men and women, but Gaius seems blessed with the ability to juggle many responsibilities seamlessly.

One must pity Uther for his ignorance and the downfall that surely knocks on his door. The clock is ticking and there will soon be another Pendragon on the throne of Camelot.

Don’t miss the third season premiere of Merlin on Friday, January 7 at 10/9c on Syfy, and watch for exclusive Nice Girls interviews and videos as we countdown to the new season. For those seeking a refresher or those wishing to catch up, Syfy will air the entire second season of Merlin that same day before the 3rd season debuts.