PICMETA: Guinevere-Tell the Tale:Arthur/Gwen through Series One
The Arthur and Gwen Story: A Vaguely Cinderella Story
(Part One here)
In terms of the development of relationships, Arthur and Gwen’s have been the most dynamic. Many have argued that the union has been rushed, and in places this is certainly true, but the seeds of their relationship have been there from the start.
When we first meet Gwen, we see her beating Morgana’s dress outside her lady’s window. It gives her a full view of the courtyard and in particular, the knights training there.
Much to her disapproval, Arthur is bullying a poor, hapless servant boy, and then to her surprise, Merlin wanders over and puts an end to it.
Unimpressed, Arthur seeks to punish Merlin, which disconcerts Gwen.
At this point, she sees Arthur as a spoilt, childish boor and Merlin as the heroic (almost!) figure with a heart.
Gwen’s feelings toward Arthur do not change for a while.
After all, it is at Arthur’s hands that she is arrested, and despite her protestations, he remains unyielding to her cries of innocence.
It is only later, at Morgana’s display of outrage that you get the impression that Arthur is considering the implications of seeing Gwen sent off to prison.
Arthur agrees to help free Gwen, but again, only at Morgana’s persuasion.
Morgana: 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 own armour. There’s not one of them that’s able to stand up to what is right.
Arthur (knowing he’s been manipulated, but relenting): What do you want me to do?
At this point, it’s only Morgana that Arthur seems to listen to. Despite their bickering, Arthur seldom refuses Morgana, and she is often the one who makes him see reason, especially in the early episodes.
Okay, having just realised that I am not doing an Arthur/Morgana manifesto:
1x04 is a significant Arthur/Gwen moment, despite the fact that nothing of much consequence actually happens between the two.
But it is through their devotion of Merlin that the two are brought together (in a good way) for the first time.
This episode ~ and in particular this scene~ is my favourite of the entire series, so excuse my spamming of pictures.
Gwen entering Arthur’s cell, not quite knowing what to expect:
Arthur being all roar!hostile:
Gwen tentatively approaching him:
Arthur telling Gwen to place the bread over there:
Gratuitous picture of Arthur standing up. Look at those legs! Also, the fact that he looks a lot taller than Gwen, and the space they’re in is cramped= <3
Pretty shot is pretty (and so is Arthur’s chest):
Arthur: Wait a minute, I can’t possibly eat this, it’s disgusting!
This scene is absolutely pivotal. For a moment, Gwen believes that he’s being sincere (and up until this point, Gwen is not certain how genuine Arthur is about saving Merlin and whether he did get the flower.) There’s that look of disappointment in her eyes and the suggestion that this is what she expected all along.
But then he shatters this misconception with his words:
With the state it’s in, I don’t think it’s fit for anybody.
And just like that, Gwen realises that Arthur does have a heart and that his apparent moodiness isn’t because he’s been thrown in the dungeons: he genuinely wants to help Merlin and he went to the full lengths to save him, and I believe that is something Gwen respects. And that Arthur used his brain to sneak out the mortaeus ups that respect somewhat.
I think this is the first scene that proves to Gwen how much Arthur is diverging from the spoilt prince she knows him as.
Unnecessary picture is unnecessary. Favourite moment of this scene- when Arthur does that eye thing:
Hell yeah.
In terms of progress, the two reach a stalemate in the next few episodes.
1x05 sees the arrival of the dashing Lancelot.
At this point, Gwen is still dithering over Merlin, but becomes quite taken with the rather sexy knight (who can blame her?)
But there are two significant moments here.
When Arthur turns to Lancelot, to ask if he thinks Morgana beautiful (and he answers ‘Yes’, eyes glued on Gwen, to which Arthur, eyes on Morgana, glumly replies, ‘I suppose she is’) it summarises the prince’s feelings at this moment. The first is that apparently, thinking Morgana is beautiful is some kind of chore (shame on you, Arthur!) The second is that at this moment in time, Gwen does not even feature on his radar, where as she’s the centre of Lancelot’s. The third is that possibly at this moment, Arthur would rather be in love with Lancelot.
An absolutely necessary photo of the boys:
If you stare long enough, your eyes won’t hurt, I promise.
The second significant moment is when Merlin asks her who she would choose, if she had to. (As friends apparently ask when in full view of two hot men.)
Strangely, Gwen does not reply, ‘Uh, both?’
She replies, ‘But I don’t have to and never will!’ (Insert audience smirks here) In hope that the dorky, clueless boy will realise that actually, she’d rather choose him instead.
Except he doesn’t realise, ever.
The next few eps do not have any scenes where the characters interact. Arthur’s busy getting possessed (for the first but not the last time) by a fairy-thing and if not, Gwen is helping to hoard a druid child in Morgana’s chambers, and this arc of episodes is more focused on the Arthur/Morgana dynamic.
In 1x09, Arthur and Gwen share some screen space, in a very odd scene.
Here’s them occupying the same screen shot:
This is a weird scene, because Gwen comes to give a token on Morgana’s behalf to the Knight- Who Thinks- He’s- Invincible- and- Hardcore- But- Really- Isn’t, and Arthur is sort of...exasperated? But it’s okay, he gets a token of his own much later.
There’s nothing here of any significant importance, other than Gwen gives Merlin her father’s most cherished and strongest sword, in order for Arthur to use it. Which he doesn’t, btw.
1x10 is where the action is at.
Here is a picture of Arthur commanding that the women and children of Ealdor take leave, Lord-of-the-Rings style:
Here is a picture of the sisterhood (and some feminine-looking men) judging him:
Here’s Gwen being all outraged and basically telling Arthur that the men are so awful that they’re going to all die anyway, so why can’t they help? (With her wenches in the background for moral support.)
Here’s Arthur defeated (and he hasn’t even fought Dr Bashir yet):
Here’s a picture of what success looks like:
Arthur’s quick acquiescence and subsequent speech is reflective of how much he has changed.
This is your home. If you want to fight and defend it, that’s your choice. I’ll be honoured to stand by you... Look around, in this circle, we are all equals. You’re not fighting because someone is ordering you to, you’re fighting for so much more than that....
I doubt that the Gwen (or Merlin) who witnessed Arthur’s immaturity all that time ago
(recap:
)
would have ever expected someone who gloated about being trained to kill (since birth, didn’t you know), to ever, ever say something so eloquent. And with so many words.
But in an instance of what becomes many, Arthur proves them all wrong.
Of course, the next day he balances this out by displaying the brattiness Gwen equates him with.
Gwen: Hunith has prepared you some food.
Arthur: Thanks....I think.
Gwen (still high on last night’s victory): Food is scarce for these people, you shouldn’t turn your nose up at it. (Pause) No, I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. (Turns.) I’m sorry.
Arthur: Gwen-
Gwen: I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking, it won’t happen again.
Arthur: Guinevere!
(Excuse me while my heart swoons.)
(Guin-evere stops.)
Arthur: Thank you. You’re right. And you’re right to speak up. I should have listened to you and Morgana. We need all the help we can get.
Gwen: We’ll be fine.
Arthur: How can you be so sure?
Gwen: Because I have faith in you. I mean....we all do.
This scene (other than being all around amazing and making people swoon a lot/take notice of this pairing), is worth noting that Gwen keeps her cool around Arthur, other than the bit where she says she has faith in Arthur.
It’s so different to her interactions with Merlin, where she’s always stumbling over her words. With Arthur, that awkwardness is just not there.
In 1x12, Gwen’s father is unjustly killed.
Gwen is distraught, and in the scene below, Merlin is there to comfort her. But to their surprise, an unexpected guest arrives to offer his condolences.
'Guinevere, I want you to know that your job is safe and that your home is yours for life. I guarantee you that. I know that under the circumstances it’s not much but anything you want, anything you need, all you have to do is ask.’.
I cannot enthuse enough about how significant Arthur’s presence is here.
First, Arthur seldom ever does anything without being cajoled by another character (for example, Morgana encouraging Arthur to establish Gwen’s innocence, Morgana encouraging him to save Merlin when he falls ill, Merlin setting an example many times before and Gwen telling him to Man Up in 1x10.) But here, Arthur goes to Gwen on his own volition. He doesn’t need anyone to tell him to do it, and as a matter of a fact he doesn’t have to do it at all. Gwen is only Morgana’s handmaiden and Merlin’s friend, Arthur has no obligation towards her.
But Arthur comforts her and does so rather spectacularly, and more than just apologising for her father’s death, he also gives her security- which is something that must have been at the back of her mind.
In terms of romance, there is not sign of a burgeoning love as of yet. But we see Arthur offering the comfort that Gwen so sorely needs, and him surprising her and not for the first time either.
In 1x13, you get the impression that Gwen’s feelings for Arthur are transforming into something more than respect.
‘You’re not going to die, Arthur. I’m telling you this because one day you’ll be king, a greater king than your father could ever be. That’s what keeps me going. You’re going to live to be the man I see inside you, Arthur. I can see a Camelot that’s fair and just. I can see a king that people will be proud to call their Sovereign. For the love of Camelot, you have to live.’
Something I admittedly always forget is the pain that Gwen must feel over Uther and his actions. In this scene, you get the impression that Gwen’s places her hopes in the hands of this prince. The only way that she can keep on living is by persuading herself that her father’s death wasn’t in vain and that someone-Arthur- can make sure nothing like that ever happens again.
Her words and the way she looks at him and holds his hand is an indication of her growing adoration of this man. She’s holding his hand and taking him to her heart. These actions are more than hopes, wishes and concern and they’ve surpassed respect.
At this point, I believe she’s way on her way to falling in love with Arthur.
Pretty picture of Gwen is pretty:
Gwen wants more than anything for Arthur to wake up and to live etc etc.
And then he does and she quickly realises that he knows all about her Secret Confessions.
This is Gwen’s ‘Oh Shit!’ face:
Arthur: Tell me again what you said.
Gwen: I don’t remember.
Arthur: Yes you do.
Gwen: No I don’t.
Arthur: Come on, something about the man I am inside.
*Gwen’s perpetual embarrassment.*
Gwen: No, I never said that.
(Arthur points. He likes to point a lot.)
Arthur: Guinevere
Gwen: I have to get these washed, sire. (Leaves.)
Smooth Gwen is smooth.
And here is Arthur looking incredibly smug that someone actually likes him:
To me, this is a sign that Arthur is growing increasingly fond of Gwen. Previously, no one had held such high faith in him- maybe not even Morgana. But here is Gwen, a person who has been in the periphery of his vision for a long time, who has stepped out, spoken of her faith and her beliefs in him and made him take notice.
And this very scene establishes the foundations for their romance in series 2.
(Side note: I forgot how absolutely terrifying this ep is!)
***
Part Three: Arthur/Gwen Series 2
(Part One here)
In terms of the development of relationships, Arthur and Gwen’s have been the most dynamic. Many have argued that the union has been rushed, and in places this is certainly true, but the seeds of their relationship have been there from the start.
When we first meet Gwen, we see her beating Morgana’s dress outside her lady’s window. It gives her a full view of the courtyard and in particular, the knights training there.
Much to her disapproval, Arthur is bullying a poor, hapless servant boy, and then to her surprise, Merlin wanders over and puts an end to it.
Unimpressed, Arthur seeks to punish Merlin, which disconcerts Gwen.
At this point, she sees Arthur as a spoilt, childish boor and Merlin as the heroic (almost!) figure with a heart.
Gwen’s feelings toward Arthur do not change for a while.
After all, it is at Arthur’s hands that she is arrested, and despite her protestations, he remains unyielding to her cries of innocence.
It is only later, at Morgana’s display of outrage that you get the impression that Arthur is considering the implications of seeing Gwen sent off to prison.
Arthur agrees to help free Gwen, but again, only at Morgana’s persuasion.
Morgana: 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 own armour. There’s not one of them that’s able to stand up to what is right.
Arthur (knowing he’s been manipulated, but relenting): What do you want me to do?
At this point, it’s only Morgana that Arthur seems to listen to. Despite their bickering, Arthur seldom refuses Morgana, and she is often the one who makes him see reason, especially in the early episodes.
Okay, having just realised that I am not doing an Arthur/Morgana manifesto:
1x04 is a significant Arthur/Gwen moment, despite the fact that nothing of much consequence actually happens between the two.
But it is through their devotion of Merlin that the two are brought together (in a good way) for the first time.
This episode ~ and in particular this scene~ is my favourite of the entire series, so excuse my spamming of pictures.
Gwen entering Arthur’s cell, not quite knowing what to expect:
Arthur being all roar!hostile:
Gwen tentatively approaching him:
Arthur telling Gwen to place the bread over there:
Gratuitous picture of Arthur standing up. Look at those legs! Also, the fact that he looks a lot taller than Gwen, and the space they’re in is cramped= <3
Pretty shot is pretty (and so is Arthur’s chest):
Arthur: Wait a minute, I can’t possibly eat this, it’s disgusting!
This scene is absolutely pivotal. For a moment, Gwen believes that he’s being sincere (and up until this point, Gwen is not certain how genuine Arthur is about saving Merlin and whether he did get the flower.) There’s that look of disappointment in her eyes and the suggestion that this is what she expected all along.
But then he shatters this misconception with his words:
With the state it’s in, I don’t think it’s fit for anybody.
And just like that, Gwen realises that Arthur does have a heart and that his apparent moodiness isn’t because he’s been thrown in the dungeons: he genuinely wants to help Merlin and he went to the full lengths to save him, and I believe that is something Gwen respects. And that Arthur used his brain to sneak out the mortaeus ups that respect somewhat.
I think this is the first scene that proves to Gwen how much Arthur is diverging from the spoilt prince she knows him as.
Unnecessary picture is unnecessary. Favourite moment of this scene- when Arthur does that eye thing:
Hell yeah.
In terms of progress, the two reach a stalemate in the next few episodes.
1x05 sees the arrival of the dashing Lancelot.
At this point, Gwen is still dithering over Merlin, but becomes quite taken with the rather sexy knight (who can blame her?)
But there are two significant moments here.
When Arthur turns to Lancelot, to ask if he thinks Morgana beautiful (and he answers ‘Yes’, eyes glued on Gwen, to which Arthur, eyes on Morgana, glumly replies, ‘I suppose she is’) it summarises the prince’s feelings at this moment. The first is that apparently, thinking Morgana is beautiful is some kind of chore (shame on you, Arthur!) The second is that at this moment in time, Gwen does not even feature on his radar, where as she’s the centre of Lancelot’s. The third is that possibly at this moment, Arthur would rather be in love with Lancelot.
An absolutely necessary photo of the boys:
If you stare long enough, your eyes won’t hurt, I promise.
The second significant moment is when Merlin asks her who she would choose, if she had to. (As friends apparently ask when in full view of two hot men.)
Strangely, Gwen does not reply, ‘Uh, both?’
She replies, ‘But I don’t have to and never will!’ (Insert audience smirks here) In hope that the dorky, clueless boy will realise that actually, she’d rather choose him instead.
Except he doesn’t realise, ever.
The next few eps do not have any scenes where the characters interact. Arthur’s busy getting possessed (for the first but not the last time) by a fairy-thing and if not, Gwen is helping to hoard a druid child in Morgana’s chambers, and this arc of episodes is more focused on the Arthur/Morgana dynamic.
In 1x09, Arthur and Gwen share some screen space, in a very odd scene.
Here’s them occupying the same screen shot:
This is a weird scene, because Gwen comes to give a token on Morgana’s behalf to the Knight- Who Thinks- He’s- Invincible- and- Hardcore- But- Really- Isn’t, and Arthur is sort of...exasperated? But it’s okay, he gets a token of his own much later.
There’s nothing here of any significant importance, other than Gwen gives Merlin her father’s most cherished and strongest sword, in order for Arthur to use it. Which he doesn’t, btw.
1x10 is where the action is at.
Here is a picture of Arthur commanding that the women and children of Ealdor take leave, Lord-of-the-Rings style:
Here is a picture of the sisterhood (and some feminine-looking men) judging him:
Here’s Gwen being all outraged and basically telling Arthur that the men are so awful that they’re going to all die anyway, so why can’t they help? (With her wenches in the background for moral support.)
Here’s Arthur defeated (and he hasn’t even fought Dr Bashir yet):
Here’s a picture of what success looks like:
Arthur’s quick acquiescence and subsequent speech is reflective of how much he has changed.
This is your home. If you want to fight and defend it, that’s your choice. I’ll be honoured to stand by you... Look around, in this circle, we are all equals. You’re not fighting because someone is ordering you to, you’re fighting for so much more than that....
I doubt that the Gwen (or Merlin) who witnessed Arthur’s immaturity all that time ago
(recap:
)
would have ever expected someone who gloated about being trained to kill (since birth, didn’t you know), to ever, ever say something so eloquent. And with so many words.
But in an instance of what becomes many, Arthur proves them all wrong.
Of course, the next day he balances this out by displaying the brattiness Gwen equates him with.
Gwen: Hunith has prepared you some food.
Arthur: Thanks....I think.
Gwen (still high on last night’s victory): Food is scarce for these people, you shouldn’t turn your nose up at it. (Pause) No, I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. (Turns.) I’m sorry.
Arthur: Gwen-
Gwen: I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking, it won’t happen again.
Arthur: Guinevere!
(Excuse me while my heart swoons.)
(Guin-evere stops.)
Arthur: Thank you. You’re right. And you’re right to speak up. I should have listened to you and Morgana. We need all the help we can get.
Gwen: We’ll be fine.
Arthur: How can you be so sure?
Gwen: Because I have faith in you. I mean....we all do.
This scene (other than being all around amazing and making people swoon a lot/take notice of this pairing), is worth noting that Gwen keeps her cool around Arthur, other than the bit where she says she has faith in Arthur.
It’s so different to her interactions with Merlin, where she’s always stumbling over her words. With Arthur, that awkwardness is just not there.
In 1x12, Gwen’s father is unjustly killed.
Gwen is distraught, and in the scene below, Merlin is there to comfort her. But to their surprise, an unexpected guest arrives to offer his condolences.
'Guinevere, I want you to know that your job is safe and that your home is yours for life. I guarantee you that. I know that under the circumstances it’s not much but anything you want, anything you need, all you have to do is ask.’.
I cannot enthuse enough about how significant Arthur’s presence is here.
First, Arthur seldom ever does anything without being cajoled by another character (for example, Morgana encouraging Arthur to establish Gwen’s innocence, Morgana encouraging him to save Merlin when he falls ill, Merlin setting an example many times before and Gwen telling him to Man Up in 1x10.) But here, Arthur goes to Gwen on his own volition. He doesn’t need anyone to tell him to do it, and as a matter of a fact he doesn’t have to do it at all. Gwen is only Morgana’s handmaiden and Merlin’s friend, Arthur has no obligation towards her.
But Arthur comforts her and does so rather spectacularly, and more than just apologising for her father’s death, he also gives her security- which is something that must have been at the back of her mind.
In terms of romance, there is not sign of a burgeoning love as of yet. But we see Arthur offering the comfort that Gwen so sorely needs, and him surprising her and not for the first time either.
In 1x13, you get the impression that Gwen’s feelings for Arthur are transforming into something more than respect.
‘You’re not going to die, Arthur. I’m telling you this because one day you’ll be king, a greater king than your father could ever be. That’s what keeps me going. You’re going to live to be the man I see inside you, Arthur. I can see a Camelot that’s fair and just. I can see a king that people will be proud to call their Sovereign. For the love of Camelot, you have to live.’
Something I admittedly always forget is the pain that Gwen must feel over Uther and his actions. In this scene, you get the impression that Gwen’s places her hopes in the hands of this prince. The only way that she can keep on living is by persuading herself that her father’s death wasn’t in vain and that someone-Arthur- can make sure nothing like that ever happens again.
Her words and the way she looks at him and holds his hand is an indication of her growing adoration of this man. She’s holding his hand and taking him to her heart. These actions are more than hopes, wishes and concern and they’ve surpassed respect.
At this point, I believe she’s way on her way to falling in love with Arthur.
Pretty picture of Gwen is pretty:
Gwen wants more than anything for Arthur to wake up and to live etc etc.
And then he does and she quickly realises that he knows all about her Secret Confessions.
This is Gwen’s ‘Oh Shit!’ face:
Arthur: Tell me again what you said.
Gwen: I don’t remember.
Arthur: Yes you do.
Gwen: No I don’t.
Arthur: Come on, something about the man I am inside.
*Gwen’s perpetual embarrassment.*
Gwen: No, I never said that.
(Arthur points. He likes to point a lot.)
Arthur: Guinevere
Gwen: I have to get these washed, sire. (Leaves.)
Smooth Gwen is smooth.
And here is Arthur looking incredibly smug that someone actually likes him:
To me, this is a sign that Arthur is growing increasingly fond of Gwen. Previously, no one had held such high faith in him- maybe not even Morgana. But here is Gwen, a person who has been in the periphery of his vision for a long time, who has stepped out, spoken of her faith and her beliefs in him and made him take notice.
And this very scene establishes the foundations for their romance in series 2.
(Side note: I forgot how absolutely terrifying this ep is!)
***
Part Three: Arthur/Gwen Series 2