Personal History - from Season 1 to Season 4, Ep 6: When we first meet Arthur Pendragon in episode one he appears to be the epitome of a spoiled brat with little regard for his servants or anyone 'underneath' him. In fact he bullies not only his own servant, but a stranger (Merlin) who has just arrived in Camelot. It is apparent that Arthur holds himself and his fellow knights in very high regard, but not anyone else.
Or so it seems, as the first series unfolds Arthur proves to be more fair minded then he first appeared. For example, in episode two he is prepared to take Merlin's word that a fellow knight is cheating, despite the fact that Merlin is only a servant. He is also shown to deeply care for the people of Camelot (who he will one day rule), when he brings a curse on the land of Camelot by killing a unicorn, he is more than willing to lay down his own life to break the curse. He is also more than willing to accept those who are good fighters to be knights, even if they aren't noble, such as in the case of Lancelot.
While always honourable (most of the time!) Arthur also becomes more aware of servants and regular townsfolk through not just the influence of Merlin, but of Guinevere, Morgana's maidservant. While Arthur has known of Gwen for many years prior to the series, it is only during Season One that they get to know each other, starting with Arthur willing to defy his father's orders to find an antidote to save Merlin.
Later when Gwen's father is killed trying to escape from a treason sentence, Arthur makes sure that she can remain in her home. The two continue to grow closer, when Arthur almost dies at the end of Season One, Guinevere nurses him and at the start of Season Two Arthur imposes on her hospitality to he can go incognito to the Jousting Tournament. While he proves to be a rather poor house guest, most of that is due to ignorance and when he realises the error of his ways, thanks to a good talking to from Gwen, he does his best to make amends. In doing so, the two start to fall in love, with changes Arthur's preceptions even more.
Arthur's growth throughout the series is tempered by his father's influence and his desire to make him proud. While, Arthur's tendency is to be far more moderate especially when it comes to magic users, he is often tempted to overlook his own feelings on these matters.
One of Arthur's earlier influences to follow his own heart is Morgana, his father's ward. The two have grown up together and in the first two seasons Morgana often challenges Arthur and encourages him to defy his father. However, at the end of Season Two Morgana meets her half-sister Morgause and becomes an unwitting pawn in the latter's attempt to kill the King. Morgause is thwarted by Merlin who poisons Morgana in order to stop Morgause. Arthur is left unaware of this and spends the next year searching for Morgana, believing her kidnapped. Morgana is eventually found, but unbeknown to Arthur has changed and become consumed with hatred for Uther's war against sorcery and willing to do anything to overthrow the King, no matter who gets in the way. As Morgana grows more distance, Arthur spends more time with Guinevere.
In fact in Season Three, Arthur is willing to give up his position as Crown Prince and heir (at least temporarily) to protect Guinevere. However, it is clear throughout this season that Arthur wants to do the right thing for the people of Camelot and this becomes all important at the end of Season when Morgana (who he discovers is actually his half-sister) and Morgause take over the kingdom. With his ability to accept non-nobility as equals, Arthur forms a small band of knights and with Merlin's help succeeds in taking back the castle.
Season Four finds Arthur in the position of Regent, King Uther having been left devastated by Morgana's betrayal. Arthur yet again proves uncertain of himself, putting much of his trust in his Uncle Agravaine. This uncertainty and desire to please family leads to much disaster in Camelot, including Uther's death and Morgana taking over Camelot yet again. In the year between the end of Season Three and Four though it is clear there have been changes in Camelot that reflect Arthur's views, such as the non-noble knights been elevated to positions of great importance. Also during an attack from spirits released from the Otherworld, Arthur opens the city to all comers to keep them safe, despite the strain it puts on resources.
Despite Agravaine's attempts to steer Arthur astray, going so far as to prompt a war between Camelot and the neighbouring Kingdom Caerleon, Arthur eventually does what he thinks is right and offers peace and one on one combat, avoiding the war and great bloodshed.
As King, Arthur is struggling to find his way and hopefully will listen to the advice of those who genuinely care for him. But the pull of family is strong.
REVISION REQUEST- Hope this isn't too late! Busy weekend :O)
Or so it seems, as the first series unfolds Arthur proves to be more fair minded then he first appeared. For example, in episode two he is prepared to take Merlin's word that a fellow knight is cheating, despite the fact that Merlin is only a servant. He is also shown to deeply care for the people of Camelot (who he will one day rule), when he brings a curse on the land of Camelot by killing a unicorn, he is more than willing to lay down his own life to break the curse. He is also more than willing to accept those who are good fighters to be knights, even if they aren't noble, such as in the case of Lancelot.
While always honourable (most of the time!) Arthur also becomes more aware of servants and regular townsfolk through not just the influence of Merlin, but of Guinevere, Morgana's maidservant. While Arthur has known of Gwen for many years prior to the series, it is only during Season One that they get to know each other, starting with Arthur willing to defy his father's orders to find an antidote to save Merlin.
Later when Gwen's father is killed trying to escape from a treason sentence, Arthur makes sure that she can remain in her home. The two continue to grow closer, when Arthur almost dies at the end of Season One, Guinevere nurses him and at the start of Season Two Arthur imposes on her hospitality to he can go incognito to the Jousting Tournament. While he proves to be a rather poor house guest, most of that is due to ignorance and when he realises the error of his ways, thanks to a good talking to from Gwen, he does his best to make amends. In doing so, the two start to fall in love, with changes Arthur's preceptions even more.
Arthur's growth throughout the series is tempered by his father's influence and his desire to make him proud. While, Arthur's tendency is to be far more moderate especially when it comes to magic users, he is often tempted to overlook his own feelings on these matters.
One of Arthur's earlier influences to follow his own heart is Morgana, his father's ward. The two have grown up together and in the first two seasons Morgana often challenges Arthur and encourages him to defy his father. However, at the end of Season Two Morgana meets her half-sister Morgause and becomes an unwitting pawn in the latter's attempt to kill the King. Morgause is thwarted by Merlin who poisons Morgana in order to stop Morgause. Arthur is left unaware of this and spends the next year searching for Morgana, believing her kidnapped. Morgana is eventually found, but unbeknown to Arthur has changed and become consumed with hatred for Uther's war against sorcery and willing to do anything to overthrow the King, no matter who gets in the way. As Morgana grows more distance, Arthur spends more time with Guinevere.
In fact in Season Three, Arthur is willing to give up his position as Crown Prince and heir (at least temporarily) to protect Guinevere. However, it is clear throughout this season that Arthur wants to do the right thing for the people of Camelot and this becomes all important at the end of Season when Morgana (who he discovers is actually his half-sister) and Morgause take over the kingdom. With his ability to accept non-nobility as equals, Arthur forms a small band of knights and with Merlin's help succeeds in taking back the castle.
Season Four finds Arthur in the position of Regent, King Uther having been left devastated by Morgana's betrayal. Arthur yet again proves uncertain of himself, putting much of his trust in his Uncle Agravaine. This uncertainty and desire to please family leads to much disaster in Camelot, including Uther's death and Morgana taking over Camelot yet again. In the year between the end of Season Three and Four though it is clear there have been changes in Camelot that reflect Arthur's views, such as the non-noble knights been elevated to positions of great importance. Also during an attack from spirits released from the Otherworld, Arthur opens the city to all comers to keep them safe, despite the strain it puts on resources.
Despite Agravaine's attempts to steer Arthur astray, going so far as to prompt a war between Camelot and the neighbouring Kingdom Caerleon, Arthur eventually does what he thinks is right and offers peace and one on one combat, avoiding the war and great bloodshed.
As King, Arthur is struggling to find his way and hopefully will listen to the advice of those who genuinely care for him. But the pull of family is strong.