His Lady, Her Champion: An Arthur/Morgana Manifesto
Arthur/Morgana (BBC's Merlin)
Title: His Lady, Her Champion
Author: jadehunter
Fandom: BBC's Merlin
Pairing: Arthur and Morgana
Spoilers: Somewhat detailed spoilers of all of Season 1, but little to none of Season 2
The Show
BBC's Merlin first began airing in 2008, and is based somewhat loosely on Arthurian legend. That is to say, there are characters named Arthur, Merlin, Uther, Gwen, and Morgana - but they don't conform to the usual expectations of those legendary figures from Arthurian lore. It's a series that explores Camelot during the reign of Uther, in a seemingly medieval era that's nowhere near being historically accurate, but still manages to be all kinds of campy fun.
The Champion
Raised with full knowledge of his heritage as the future King of Camelot, this is an Arthur that has never quite been seen before. At first glance, he is nothing more than a bully, taking great pleasure in making his servants' lives miserable. He's rude to those he thinks are beneath him, and expects respect without giving respect in return. He is arrogant and prideful, headstrong and reckless, and nothing like the wise king of legend. At first glance.
With the passage of time, as Merlin begins to get to know Arthur, the audience is allowed to see different aspects of Arthur as well. He remains arrogant and brash, but there is also a great kindness in his heart. He doesn't agree with his father's ruthless policies towards all magic, despite the fact that he is often the one to enforce Uther's policies. Arthur posseses a keen sense of justice, what is right and what is wrong, but he isn't always able to act on his beliefs. As a Prince of the kingdom, he is still under his father's command; this, coupled with his fear of being a disappointment to Uther and overall feelings of respect for him, often leads to obedience of his father's wishes, though sometimes reluctantly.
Arthur is man who is capable of great loyalty to those he cares about, defending his father to naysayers despite his own personal feelings, risking his father's wrath to free Lancelot, putting his life on the line to help Merlin, and even forsaking his pride in order to aid Morgana. Arthur also places great importance on being a Knight of Camelot, as well as on being the reigning Champion of Camelot. He takes his duties as a protector of the kingdom quite seriously, thinking nothing about risking his life if it is for his people and his kingdom. He takes his training very seriously, to the point where he is somewhat prideful of his abilities and reputation as a warrior, and lives by a code of honor.
The Lady
Morgana is a beautiful, confident woman, someone who knows her power, knows how to use it to her advantage, and often does so without hesitation. The daughter of Gorlois, this Morgana is not blood related to either of the Pendragons, but has grown up in Camelot as Uther's ward after her father's death in battle. Thus, she has effectively been raised as the one and only Lady of Camelot, and is unafraid to exert her considerable influence on both Uther and Arthur, who both clearly care deeply about her. Having been raised alongside Arthur, seemingly given the same kind of education as the Prince, Morgana is a woman capable of handling herself in battles, whether they are physical, mental, or verbal.
Despite her aloof appearance, Morgana consistently exhibits a great compassion for those who become victim to Uther's no tolerance policies on magic. From the beginning, she displays great fearlessness as she chastises Uther for his ruthless policies, but as time passes, she becomes more and more reckless, moving from open criticism to outright insulting. This change is perhaps in part inspired by her own fears of being executed for being a witch, as her powers as a Seer continue to develop. A large part of it, however, has to do with her keen sense of right and wrong, and the indomitable strength of conviction she posseses. She is willing to do whatever it takes for what she believes is right, and this quality has often had terrible consequences for others. She is perfectly capable of manipulating people, lying, and threatening others if she thinks that it would be for the greater good. Her inability to see the possible consequences of her actions is perhaps her greatest flaw, but is also part of what makes her such a compelling character, as the motivations behind her actions are always pure at heart.
The Couple
Arthur: "God have mercy..."
From the very first episode, the audience is given a tantalising view of the relationship between Arthur and Morgana. She enters the room, dressed to the nines, and Arthur's expression transforms to awe as he utters those three words. And as he leaves his friends and goes over to Morgana, Gwen tells Merlin that she hopes Morgana will be Queen some day, because she seems to have been born for the role.
There is clearly a physical appreciation there, at least on Arthur's part, if not an attraction, and this is not the only scene of its kind. In episode 1x05: Lancelot, Arthur warns Lancelot at a celebratory feast about the "trouble" that has just entered the room, in the form of Morgana and Gwen. Unaware that Lancelot's attention is now firmly somewhere else, Arthur poses this question to him:
Arthur: "Do you find her...beautiful?"
Lancelot answers in the affirmative, eyes fixed unwaveringly on Gwen, oblivious to the fact that Arthur's gaze is in the opposite direction, looking at Morgana.
But it isn't just physical attraction that lies between the two; having been raised in the same castle for years, Morgana and Arthur clearly care for each other deeply. Whether or not this is a romantic love or a more platonic love is up for debate, but what is not debatable is the fact that they are in each other's hearts. This is demonstrated several times throughout Series One, from both parties.
After she has a terrible dream about Arthur's death when facing against Knight Valiant during the tournament, an unusually subdued Morgana goes to Arthur and quietly helps him prepare. She doesn't attempt to talk him out of the fight, at this point not quite certain in the prophetic nature of her dreams, but simply takes a moment with him in a poignant scene:
Morgana: "Arthur? ...Be careful."
During the battle with Knight Valiant, when her dream comes true and Arthur is weaponless against two poisonous snakes, Morgana acts quickly and decisively to save him. Snatching up a guard's sword, she throws it at Arthur, who then uses it to dispatch the snakes and defeat Valiant. Afterwards, at the feast celebrating the Champion of the tournament, Arthur and Morgana greet each other with pleased smiles:
Arthur: [offering his arm] "My lady."
Morgana: [taking it] "My champion."
"I've reinstated 'My Lady, My Champion,' because I love the way that's starting. It gives you a moment at the head of the red carpet, where the thought behind it is absolutely, 'God, I love you...'" - DVD Extra, Behind the Magic: The Making of Merlin
Of course, true to form, both of their prides get in the way, and their moment of joy together is quickly over.
Another moment comes when Gwen is accused of being a witch and arrested. During her quest to prove Gwen's innocence, Morgana teams up with Merlin and Gaius and learns that there is a monster that must be slain in order to cure the plague Gwen is accused of bringing to Camelot. Knowing exactly who is needed, and what needs to be done to bring him into their fold, Morgana immediately goes to Arthur and begins to needle at his pride in order to manipulate him:
Morgana: [coyly] "Sadly, the age of gallantry seems to be dead. You look around and all you see are small men, not big enough to fill their armor. There's not one of them that's able to stand up for what is right."
Of course, Arthur has known Morgana far too long to fall for it. Not even bothering to roll his eyes, although he does suppress an amused smile at her heavy handed attempts at manipulation, he simply asks her, "What do you need me to do?" The tone in which he says the words implies that this isn't the first time she's come to him this way, looking for a favor, and he knows it won't be the last.
The next time one of their servants is in danger, it is Merlin, who drank from a poisoned chalice to save Arthur's life. There is a cure, but Uther forbids Arthur from risking his life to go find it, as Merlin is only a servant and Arthur is the Prince and only Heir to the kingdom. When Arthur, torn between duty to the kingdom and loyalty to Merlin, fumes with frustration in his chambers, Morgana comes to him:
Morgana: "Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right, and damn the consequences."
Arthur: "You think I should go."
Morgana: "Doesn't matter what I think."
Arthur: "If I don't make it back, who will be the next King of Camelot? There's more than just my life at stake."
Morgana: "And what kind of King would Camelot want? [draws Arthur's sword] One that would risk his life to save that of a lowly servant? Or one who does what his father tells him to? [offers to sword to Arthur]"
This exchange is a great moment for Arthur and Morgana, because it demonstrates what I see as a running theme when it comes the the duo and Uther's policies. While both usually agree that Uther is wrong, Arthur tries to talk his father into giving his approval. When that fails, he reluctantly obeys Uther's commands, pushing aside his own feelings. Morgana, on the other hand, simply goes around Uther's authority, because she believes in fighting for her convictions, no matter the cost. "Damn the consequences," she tells Arthur.
Even in other situations, the dynamic is the same. After Gwen is arrested for witchcrat, or when Gwen's father is arrested, it is Morgana who initially argues against Uther, with Arthur stepping in to agree with Morgana. It isn't that he needs Morgana to tell him what is right or wrong, because Arthur himself is compassionate and has a keen sense of justice. It is simply that he needs some additional encouragement to go against the part of him that is so afraid of disappointing his father, and that courage most often seems to come from listening to Morgana.
She is undoubtedly an important figure in his life, as evidenced by his actions when Morgana falls inexplicably ill and lies on her death bed:
When it becomes clear that nothing Gaius, the court physician, can do will help Morgana, Arthur becomes desperate enough to consider a wandering man claiming to be able to "cure all ills." He acknowledges the possibility that the man may be a fraud simply looking for money, but dismisses that fact as being unimportant when compared to Morgana's health. "If there's one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?" Arthur even goes so far as to beg Uther, "What have we got to loose? Please, father."
Arthur doesn't care what it takes to save her, and his devotion and care is readily reciprocated in kind by Morgana. When she once again dreams of Arthur's death, this time at the hands of a woman she later sees in the castle, Morgana is quick to confront Sophia, warning her to stay away from Arthur:
Morgana: "If anything happens to Arthur, I'll find you. However long it takes."
When she sees Arthur leaving with Sophia and her father, Morgana knows that her dream is about to come true, and that Arthur will die. Frantic, she runs to Gaius, begging him to believe her about her dreams and help save Arthur. When it seems like there is nothing else she can do to help Arthur except tell Uther, Morgana is perfectly willing to take the risk:
Morgana: "I've got to tell Uther."
Gaius: "You can't."
Morgana: "I've got to do something, if I don't then Arthur will die!"
Gaius: "You can't tell Uther about your dream. If Uther thinks you've got the Seer's power, he'll charge you with witchcraft."
Morgana: "I don't have a choice! I couldn't live with myself, knowing I'd let him die."
Even knowing that there is a possibility she could be arrested and executed for witchcraft, Morgana is willing to tell Uther about her dreams if it means saving Arthur.
Later on in the series, feeling a strange connection to the druid child Mordred, Morgana blatantly lies and misdirects Arthur to protect the boy during Arthur's search. She expertly manipulates Arthur, playing on his ego and unwillingness to look the fool in front of her. With Arthur sufficiently distracted, Morgana plans to break Mordred out of Camelot, to get him back to his people, so that Mordred can avoid being executed for witchcraft. Unfortunately, she and Mordred are caught in her escape by none other than Arthur and a troop of soldiers:
The look on his face when he realizes she is the one aiding Mordred is priceless. Morgana clutches the boy to her tightly, and begs Arthur to help her, saying that Mordred is only a child and doesn't deserve to die. For a long moment, Arthur hesitates, clearly conflicted; he even glances around him, at the troops that are with him, and it is only after he reminds himself of their presence that he firms his resolve to take Morgana in.
From his body language, had the other soldiers not been there, it may be possible that Arthur would have granted Morgana's plea to let them go. This is only confirmed by the dialog that takes place between the two when Morgana confronts him in his chambers, insisting that they help Mordred:
Morgana: "I can't believe you'd let an innocent child die!"
Arthur: "It's too late! He's been caught. I have no choice."
Here, Arthur implies that had he known where Mordred was before hand, he might have been able to help Morgana smuggle Mordred back to his people. But now that Mordred's capture is public knowledge, and Uther knows about it, there is nothing he can do. There is an unspoken censure behind the look Arthur gives to Morgana; she should have come to him sooner.
Morgana: "If I know you at all, you won't stand by and let this happen."
Arthur: [remains silent]
Morgana: [takes step forward] Please. If you won't do this for the boy...then do it for me."
Go against Uther's explicit wishes for her, Morgana asks him, and the look on his face speaks volumes. It is at once I can't believe this and I fall for this every. single. time all in one package, and there is do doubt that Arthur WILL do it. For Morgana.
And, of course, with their brilliance combined, plus Merlin's useful magic skills, Mordred goes home to his people, head safely still attached.
Then comes the Black Knight, and Arthur's impending fight to the death.
Morgana: "I don't want you to fight tomorrow."
Arthur: "You're worried about me."
Morgana: "I don't know what it is. Please, I'm begging you."
Arthur: "I have to do this. It's my duty"
Morgana: "I understand."
This is an important scene, not only because it demonstrates that Morgana worries for Arthur and cares about him, but also because it shows their limits. Previously, whenever Morgana pleaded with him to do something, Arthur capitulated, though not always gracefully. This time, however, there is something greater on the line, which is his duty and honor as a Knight of Camelot. This is something he will not easily forsake, and Morgana understands this and gives in quite easily for someone who is usually so stubborn with her arguments. She has spoken her opinion on the matter, as well as her wishes that he not risk his life, but ultimately understands that this is important to him enough to go on despite all that, and respects his decision.
Then comes the episode 1x12: To Kill the King, which is a pivotal episode for Morgana's character. It begins with the death of Gwen's father, but that is simply a catalyst for the epic battle that takes place between Uther and Morgana. Uther, who has had enough of Morgana constantly challenging him, finally ends up restraining Morgana in the dungeons. He tells her she will stay locked in the dungeons until she has "learned her lesson."
Come morning, however, a dusty and tired Morgana is greeted by a somber Arthur, who has the guards release her.
Arthur: "Morgana."
Morgana: "Yes?"
Arthur: "I swore to him you'd never challenge his authority again. I swore that you'd learned your lesson. Tread carefully. Next time I may not be able to help you."
Morgana: "Thank you. You're a better man than your father. Always were."
It is obvious that Arthur spent some time arguing with Uther, pleading with him, for Morgana's sake, to get her released from the dungeons. Arthur did everything he could to get Morgana released, including staking his own honor in the matter, swearing to Uther on her behalf. She thanks him and leaves, both of them solemn with each other in a manner never really seen before.
The culmination of Arthur and Morgana's interactions in Series One comes with Morgana having yet another dream about Arthur's doom. Can't this boy ever stay out of life threatening danger? Apparently, however, this dream is terrifying enough that it sends the normally cool and composed Morgana into utter hysterics, something which even shocks Arthur:
She comes charging down the steps of the castle, still in her sleep clothes, and Arthur is obviously befuddled by her. He doesn't understand her actions, has the guards take her back to bed, but looks worriedly back as she continues to scream and struggle to get back to him, to warn him of the dangers.
At the end of the episode, however, Arthur ends up alive and well, thanks to Merlin, and thus the season ends.
The Reasons
Part of the reason I'm so drawn to this pairing is because I've always disliked the whole Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot triangle from Arthurian legends. I never really considered myself a fan of any of the three characters, really, preferring Tristan/Isolde to any other pairing. However, this all changed when I first read Marrion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon. The moment I read this book, I became an Arthur/Morgaine shipper, and it was so easy to slip into shipping Arthur/Morgana in the BBC series because of this. Plus, it also helped that Arthur/Morgana seemed practically canon, what with all the quality of their interactions.
It may seem a little ridiculous to ship a pairing that will not end happily, as according to Arthurian legend. After all, everyone knows that Arthur is King of Camelot, Guinevere his Queen, and Morgan le Fey has been portrayed as everything from bitter secret enemy to a quiet healer. But there is something about the Arthur/Morgana interaction in the show that I like - their banter, their obvious feelings for each other (which I interpret as hidden romance, but others may call sibling love or friendship), how far they are willing to go for each other, and yet how they still have their secrets, their boundaries, parts that they hold back.
And yes, I know, the best we Arthur/Morgana shippers can hope for in the future of this doomed pairing is simply for Morgana and Arthur to still keep caring for each other, even if they don't end up married or even having a child together (Mordred, after all, is already in existance). So that's what I'll hope for. Let there not be hate, let Morgana be the Morgan le Fey of legend that loves Arthur and takes Arthur to Avalon to be healed after the end of it all.
The Fandom
communities:
- herchampion: dedicated to the Arthur/Morgana pairing from BBC's Merlin, as well as from Arthurian legend in general.
- morganafay: dedicated to Morgana in BBC's Merlin. Includes other ships that include Morgana, not just A/M.
- bradleykatie: dedicated to Bradley and Kate, who play Arthur and Morgana, respectively, on the TV show.
- Morgana/Arthur Fanfiction: the A/M community at ff.net.
fanfiction:
- anything written by irony-rocks
- Future Fragments by emerald sorceress
- A Dark and Stormy Night by girl-called-sun
- Rescuing Arthur by doylefan22
- two parts hydrogen (one part oxygen) by hariboo-smirks
- Future in Her Hands by catslove17
*There are actually so many more, but it would take so long to list them all, so I will just say that most of these authors have written more than one A/M fic, and they're all lovely.
Title: His Lady, Her Champion
Author: jadehunter
Fandom: BBC's Merlin
Pairing: Arthur and Morgana
Spoilers: Somewhat detailed spoilers of all of Season 1, but little to none of Season 2
The Show
BBC's Merlin first began airing in 2008, and is based somewhat loosely on Arthurian legend. That is to say, there are characters named Arthur, Merlin, Uther, Gwen, and Morgana - but they don't conform to the usual expectations of those legendary figures from Arthurian lore. It's a series that explores Camelot during the reign of Uther, in a seemingly medieval era that's nowhere near being historically accurate, but still manages to be all kinds of campy fun.
The Champion
Raised with full knowledge of his heritage as the future King of Camelot, this is an Arthur that has never quite been seen before. At first glance, he is nothing more than a bully, taking great pleasure in making his servants' lives miserable. He's rude to those he thinks are beneath him, and expects respect without giving respect in return. He is arrogant and prideful, headstrong and reckless, and nothing like the wise king of legend. At first glance.
With the passage of time, as Merlin begins to get to know Arthur, the audience is allowed to see different aspects of Arthur as well. He remains arrogant and brash, but there is also a great kindness in his heart. He doesn't agree with his father's ruthless policies towards all magic, despite the fact that he is often the one to enforce Uther's policies. Arthur posseses a keen sense of justice, what is right and what is wrong, but he isn't always able to act on his beliefs. As a Prince of the kingdom, he is still under his father's command; this, coupled with his fear of being a disappointment to Uther and overall feelings of respect for him, often leads to obedience of his father's wishes, though sometimes reluctantly.
Arthur is man who is capable of great loyalty to those he cares about, defending his father to naysayers despite his own personal feelings, risking his father's wrath to free Lancelot, putting his life on the line to help Merlin, and even forsaking his pride in order to aid Morgana. Arthur also places great importance on being a Knight of Camelot, as well as on being the reigning Champion of Camelot. He takes his duties as a protector of the kingdom quite seriously, thinking nothing about risking his life if it is for his people and his kingdom. He takes his training very seriously, to the point where he is somewhat prideful of his abilities and reputation as a warrior, and lives by a code of honor.
The Lady
Morgana is a beautiful, confident woman, someone who knows her power, knows how to use it to her advantage, and often does so without hesitation. The daughter of Gorlois, this Morgana is not blood related to either of the Pendragons, but has grown up in Camelot as Uther's ward after her father's death in battle. Thus, she has effectively been raised as the one and only Lady of Camelot, and is unafraid to exert her considerable influence on both Uther and Arthur, who both clearly care deeply about her. Having been raised alongside Arthur, seemingly given the same kind of education as the Prince, Morgana is a woman capable of handling herself in battles, whether they are physical, mental, or verbal.
Despite her aloof appearance, Morgana consistently exhibits a great compassion for those who become victim to Uther's no tolerance policies on magic. From the beginning, she displays great fearlessness as she chastises Uther for his ruthless policies, but as time passes, she becomes more and more reckless, moving from open criticism to outright insulting. This change is perhaps in part inspired by her own fears of being executed for being a witch, as her powers as a Seer continue to develop. A large part of it, however, has to do with her keen sense of right and wrong, and the indomitable strength of conviction she posseses. She is willing to do whatever it takes for what she believes is right, and this quality has often had terrible consequences for others. She is perfectly capable of manipulating people, lying, and threatening others if she thinks that it would be for the greater good. Her inability to see the possible consequences of her actions is perhaps her greatest flaw, but is also part of what makes her such a compelling character, as the motivations behind her actions are always pure at heart.
The Couple
Arthur: "God have mercy..."
From the very first episode, the audience is given a tantalising view of the relationship between Arthur and Morgana. She enters the room, dressed to the nines, and Arthur's expression transforms to awe as he utters those three words. And as he leaves his friends and goes over to Morgana, Gwen tells Merlin that she hopes Morgana will be Queen some day, because she seems to have been born for the role.
There is clearly a physical appreciation there, at least on Arthur's part, if not an attraction, and this is not the only scene of its kind. In episode 1x05: Lancelot, Arthur warns Lancelot at a celebratory feast about the "trouble" that has just entered the room, in the form of Morgana and Gwen. Unaware that Lancelot's attention is now firmly somewhere else, Arthur poses this question to him:
Arthur: "Do you find her...beautiful?"
Lancelot answers in the affirmative, eyes fixed unwaveringly on Gwen, oblivious to the fact that Arthur's gaze is in the opposite direction, looking at Morgana.
But it isn't just physical attraction that lies between the two; having been raised in the same castle for years, Morgana and Arthur clearly care for each other deeply. Whether or not this is a romantic love or a more platonic love is up for debate, but what is not debatable is the fact that they are in each other's hearts. This is demonstrated several times throughout Series One, from both parties.
After she has a terrible dream about Arthur's death when facing against Knight Valiant during the tournament, an unusually subdued Morgana goes to Arthur and quietly helps him prepare. She doesn't attempt to talk him out of the fight, at this point not quite certain in the prophetic nature of her dreams, but simply takes a moment with him in a poignant scene:
Morgana: "Arthur? ...Be careful."
During the battle with Knight Valiant, when her dream comes true and Arthur is weaponless against two poisonous snakes, Morgana acts quickly and decisively to save him. Snatching up a guard's sword, she throws it at Arthur, who then uses it to dispatch the snakes and defeat Valiant. Afterwards, at the feast celebrating the Champion of the tournament, Arthur and Morgana greet each other with pleased smiles:
Arthur: [offering his arm] "My lady."
Morgana: [taking it] "My champion."
"I've reinstated 'My Lady, My Champion,' because I love the way that's starting. It gives you a moment at the head of the red carpet, where the thought behind it is absolutely, 'God, I love you...'" - DVD Extra, Behind the Magic: The Making of Merlin
Of course, true to form, both of their prides get in the way, and their moment of joy together is quickly over.
Another moment comes when Gwen is accused of being a witch and arrested. During her quest to prove Gwen's innocence, Morgana teams up with Merlin and Gaius and learns that there is a monster that must be slain in order to cure the plague Gwen is accused of bringing to Camelot. Knowing exactly who is needed, and what needs to be done to bring him into their fold, Morgana immediately goes to Arthur and begins to needle at his pride in order to manipulate him:
Morgana: [coyly] "Sadly, the age of gallantry seems to be dead. You look around and all you see are small men, not big enough to fill their armor. There's not one of them that's able to stand up for what is right."
Of course, Arthur has known Morgana far too long to fall for it. Not even bothering to roll his eyes, although he does suppress an amused smile at her heavy handed attempts at manipulation, he simply asks her, "What do you need me to do?" The tone in which he says the words implies that this isn't the first time she's come to him this way, looking for a favor, and he knows it won't be the last.
The next time one of their servants is in danger, it is Merlin, who drank from a poisoned chalice to save Arthur's life. There is a cure, but Uther forbids Arthur from risking his life to go find it, as Merlin is only a servant and Arthur is the Prince and only Heir to the kingdom. When Arthur, torn between duty to the kingdom and loyalty to Merlin, fumes with frustration in his chambers, Morgana comes to him:
Morgana: "Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right, and damn the consequences."
Arthur: "You think I should go."
Morgana: "Doesn't matter what I think."
Arthur: "If I don't make it back, who will be the next King of Camelot? There's more than just my life at stake."
Morgana: "And what kind of King would Camelot want? [draws Arthur's sword] One that would risk his life to save that of a lowly servant? Or one who does what his father tells him to? [offers to sword to Arthur]"
This exchange is a great moment for Arthur and Morgana, because it demonstrates what I see as a running theme when it comes the the duo and Uther's policies. While both usually agree that Uther is wrong, Arthur tries to talk his father into giving his approval. When that fails, he reluctantly obeys Uther's commands, pushing aside his own feelings. Morgana, on the other hand, simply goes around Uther's authority, because she believes in fighting for her convictions, no matter the cost. "Damn the consequences," she tells Arthur.
Even in other situations, the dynamic is the same. After Gwen is arrested for witchcrat, or when Gwen's father is arrested, it is Morgana who initially argues against Uther, with Arthur stepping in to agree with Morgana. It isn't that he needs Morgana to tell him what is right or wrong, because Arthur himself is compassionate and has a keen sense of justice. It is simply that he needs some additional encouragement to go against the part of him that is so afraid of disappointing his father, and that courage most often seems to come from listening to Morgana.
She is undoubtedly an important figure in his life, as evidenced by his actions when Morgana falls inexplicably ill and lies on her death bed:
When it becomes clear that nothing Gaius, the court physician, can do will help Morgana, Arthur becomes desperate enough to consider a wandering man claiming to be able to "cure all ills." He acknowledges the possibility that the man may be a fraud simply looking for money, but dismisses that fact as being unimportant when compared to Morgana's health. "If there's one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?" Arthur even goes so far as to beg Uther, "What have we got to loose? Please, father."
Arthur doesn't care what it takes to save her, and his devotion and care is readily reciprocated in kind by Morgana. When she once again dreams of Arthur's death, this time at the hands of a woman she later sees in the castle, Morgana is quick to confront Sophia, warning her to stay away from Arthur:
Morgana: "If anything happens to Arthur, I'll find you. However long it takes."
When she sees Arthur leaving with Sophia and her father, Morgana knows that her dream is about to come true, and that Arthur will die. Frantic, she runs to Gaius, begging him to believe her about her dreams and help save Arthur. When it seems like there is nothing else she can do to help Arthur except tell Uther, Morgana is perfectly willing to take the risk:
Morgana: "I've got to tell Uther."
Gaius: "You can't."
Morgana: "I've got to do something, if I don't then Arthur will die!"
Gaius: "You can't tell Uther about your dream. If Uther thinks you've got the Seer's power, he'll charge you with witchcraft."
Morgana: "I don't have a choice! I couldn't live with myself, knowing I'd let him die."
Even knowing that there is a possibility she could be arrested and executed for witchcraft, Morgana is willing to tell Uther about her dreams if it means saving Arthur.
Later on in the series, feeling a strange connection to the druid child Mordred, Morgana blatantly lies and misdirects Arthur to protect the boy during Arthur's search. She expertly manipulates Arthur, playing on his ego and unwillingness to look the fool in front of her. With Arthur sufficiently distracted, Morgana plans to break Mordred out of Camelot, to get him back to his people, so that Mordred can avoid being executed for witchcraft. Unfortunately, she and Mordred are caught in her escape by none other than Arthur and a troop of soldiers:
The look on his face when he realizes she is the one aiding Mordred is priceless. Morgana clutches the boy to her tightly, and begs Arthur to help her, saying that Mordred is only a child and doesn't deserve to die. For a long moment, Arthur hesitates, clearly conflicted; he even glances around him, at the troops that are with him, and it is only after he reminds himself of their presence that he firms his resolve to take Morgana in.
From his body language, had the other soldiers not been there, it may be possible that Arthur would have granted Morgana's plea to let them go. This is only confirmed by the dialog that takes place between the two when Morgana confronts him in his chambers, insisting that they help Mordred:
Morgana: "I can't believe you'd let an innocent child die!"
Arthur: "It's too late! He's been caught. I have no choice."
Here, Arthur implies that had he known where Mordred was before hand, he might have been able to help Morgana smuggle Mordred back to his people. But now that Mordred's capture is public knowledge, and Uther knows about it, there is nothing he can do. There is an unspoken censure behind the look Arthur gives to Morgana; she should have come to him sooner.
Morgana: "If I know you at all, you won't stand by and let this happen."
Arthur: [remains silent]
Morgana: [takes step forward] Please. If you won't do this for the boy...then do it for me."
Go against Uther's explicit wishes for her, Morgana asks him, and the look on his face speaks volumes. It is at once I can't believe this and I fall for this every. single. time all in one package, and there is do doubt that Arthur WILL do it. For Morgana.
And, of course, with their brilliance combined, plus Merlin's useful magic skills, Mordred goes home to his people, head safely still attached.
Then comes the Black Knight, and Arthur's impending fight to the death.
Morgana: "I don't want you to fight tomorrow."
Arthur: "You're worried about me."
Morgana: "I don't know what it is. Please, I'm begging you."
Arthur: "I have to do this. It's my duty"
Morgana: "I understand."
This is an important scene, not only because it demonstrates that Morgana worries for Arthur and cares about him, but also because it shows their limits. Previously, whenever Morgana pleaded with him to do something, Arthur capitulated, though not always gracefully. This time, however, there is something greater on the line, which is his duty and honor as a Knight of Camelot. This is something he will not easily forsake, and Morgana understands this and gives in quite easily for someone who is usually so stubborn with her arguments. She has spoken her opinion on the matter, as well as her wishes that he not risk his life, but ultimately understands that this is important to him enough to go on despite all that, and respects his decision.
Then comes the episode 1x12: To Kill the King, which is a pivotal episode for Morgana's character. It begins with the death of Gwen's father, but that is simply a catalyst for the epic battle that takes place between Uther and Morgana. Uther, who has had enough of Morgana constantly challenging him, finally ends up restraining Morgana in the dungeons. He tells her she will stay locked in the dungeons until she has "learned her lesson."
Come morning, however, a dusty and tired Morgana is greeted by a somber Arthur, who has the guards release her.
Arthur: "Morgana."
Morgana: "Yes?"
Arthur: "I swore to him you'd never challenge his authority again. I swore that you'd learned your lesson. Tread carefully. Next time I may not be able to help you."
Morgana: "Thank you. You're a better man than your father. Always were."
It is obvious that Arthur spent some time arguing with Uther, pleading with him, for Morgana's sake, to get her released from the dungeons. Arthur did everything he could to get Morgana released, including staking his own honor in the matter, swearing to Uther on her behalf. She thanks him and leaves, both of them solemn with each other in a manner never really seen before.
The culmination of Arthur and Morgana's interactions in Series One comes with Morgana having yet another dream about Arthur's doom. Can't this boy ever stay out of life threatening danger? Apparently, however, this dream is terrifying enough that it sends the normally cool and composed Morgana into utter hysterics, something which even shocks Arthur:
She comes charging down the steps of the castle, still in her sleep clothes, and Arthur is obviously befuddled by her. He doesn't understand her actions, has the guards take her back to bed, but looks worriedly back as she continues to scream and struggle to get back to him, to warn him of the dangers.
At the end of the episode, however, Arthur ends up alive and well, thanks to Merlin, and thus the season ends.
The Reasons
Part of the reason I'm so drawn to this pairing is because I've always disliked the whole Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot triangle from Arthurian legends. I never really considered myself a fan of any of the three characters, really, preferring Tristan/Isolde to any other pairing. However, this all changed when I first read Marrion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon. The moment I read this book, I became an Arthur/Morgaine shipper, and it was so easy to slip into shipping Arthur/Morgana in the BBC series because of this. Plus, it also helped that Arthur/Morgana seemed practically canon, what with all the quality of their interactions.
It may seem a little ridiculous to ship a pairing that will not end happily, as according to Arthurian legend. After all, everyone knows that Arthur is King of Camelot, Guinevere his Queen, and Morgan le Fey has been portrayed as everything from bitter secret enemy to a quiet healer. But there is something about the Arthur/Morgana interaction in the show that I like - their banter, their obvious feelings for each other (which I interpret as hidden romance, but others may call sibling love or friendship), how far they are willing to go for each other, and yet how they still have their secrets, their boundaries, parts that they hold back.
And yes, I know, the best we Arthur/Morgana shippers can hope for in the future of this doomed pairing is simply for Morgana and Arthur to still keep caring for each other, even if they don't end up married or even having a child together (Mordred, after all, is already in existance). So that's what I'll hope for. Let there not be hate, let Morgana be the Morgan le Fey of legend that loves Arthur and takes Arthur to Avalon to be healed after the end of it all.
The Fandom
communities:
- herchampion: dedicated to the Arthur/Morgana pairing from BBC's Merlin, as well as from Arthurian legend in general.
- morganafay: dedicated to Morgana in BBC's Merlin. Includes other ships that include Morgana, not just A/M.
- bradleykatie: dedicated to Bradley and Kate, who play Arthur and Morgana, respectively, on the TV show.
- Morgana/Arthur Fanfiction: the A/M community at ff.net.
fanfiction:
- anything written by irony-rocks
- Future Fragments by emerald sorceress
- A Dark and Stormy Night by girl-called-sun
- Rescuing Arthur by doylefan22
- two parts hydrogen (one part oxygen) by hariboo-smirks
- Future in Her Hands by catslove17
*There are actually so many more, but it would take so long to list them all, so I will just say that most of these authors have written more than one A/M fic, and they're all lovely.