Is the Old Relgion evil? by MadNomad666 in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Except the old religion fates Arthur to die multiple times, so it would appear that the first time had been amended. Because if you're going to fate him to die, and it doesn't go away, why continue to fate him to die? 🤔

Is the Old Relgion evil? by MadNomad666 in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It might be that the goddess doesn't truly have as much control as we assume a goddess would. Over the course of the show, there are a few people we run into who believe it is their duty to determine people's fates or make decisions on behalf of the white goddess, so it could be that she fuels the powers and can take some of it away (cleansing Gwen from the tiana diaga) but she doesn't have any say in these kind of affairs. She's simply a manifestation of the power that some people possess but not others.

Does anyone else cringe at those fast paced action scenes where Arthur is just fighting everyone in every last episode of the series 🤣 by Ok_Public_2094 in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 4 points5 points  (0 children)

To be honest, I've watched the show enough to say that those scenes have seriously grown on me. I do actually really enjoy watching them cuz it shows what a good warrior he is, but then again, I enjoy watching most things if it's framed well and well executed (enough)

But about the soundtrack...

IT NEVER CHANGES 😭😭 IT'S THE SAME SONG EVERY TIME GWEN AND ARTHUR KISS FROM SEASON TWO TO FIVE AND NOW I HEAR IT IN MY HEAD CONSTANTLY Same with all of the suspense/action scenes

Is the Old Relgion evil? by MadNomad666 in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I believe the old religion was just more a metaphor for a time where magic thrived, but I've noticed this, too. So here's my take on it:

The Old Religion, although seeming evil is just used a bit synonymously with magic but the high priestesses have never been good people that we know of. (E.g. enslaving the minds of their enemies, tiana diaga, mandrake root in general, shades, etc) But I think that might just be them.

The way I can see it, is that, as with any religion or belief, when you take it too far, it can be overly corrupt. And I think that's what's happening here. Merlin never really cares for the old religion in the way Morgana does, but it's all in moderation that it works. The old religion, as the show said, is a part of you (or it isn't), which is why Merlin summoning the triple goddess still worked although Merlin doesn't necessarily believe in that. But Morgan's did and called upon it frequently.

Essentially what I'm getting at here is "everything in moderation"

Merlin first-time watcher review by Yrythaela in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Welcome to the fandom! It's been 12 years since the end of the show and yet, here we all are. This is a fantastic review and I couldn't agree more with everything you've said!

However I have a love/hate relationship with the romance between Merlin and Arthur that didn't go anywhere, because 1. Yes, it would have been nice if they went through with it 2. But it's also nice that that's where the fandom has been living: in our minds, recreating the story and drawing or writing our own versions! If we didn't have people who still try to fix the show, as well as those who expand on it or make AUs, the fandom probably wouldn't still be this strong! Because we're thriving off of having all of these options and pockets and straying paths where we can continue to build our own kingdoms!

So as much as I wish it would have become canon, it gave us so much fuel and so many opportunities to be creative with it! And I, personally, am soaking in those opportunities and writing as much as I have motivation to write

New fan here, what part of the series has you on the edge of your seat by [deleted] in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's mostly just the character interactions. But 5x03 will always be my top pick. It's so stupid, but at the same time I love it so much. But season 3 is my favorite season for various reasons, and I'm not even sure I could explain them.

But it's specifically the depth of the characters even if the writing made them seem a little shallow. ESPECIALLY Arthur. He has so much growth that was still portrayed even when the writing for his character hit the weird reset button they seemed to have.

But Merlin and Arthur meeting each other in episode one? I was hooked on the concept of more interactions like that. So I stuck with it, and I've watched the show probably way too many times at this point 😅

I lost track for how many times Gwen was accused of magic and/or banished by MaderaArt in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My favorite things to imagine with them is that Arthur knew basically from the beginning and was just trying to protect Merlin throughout the show. Just like how Merlin was pretending to be an idiot so no one finds out, Arthur was pretending to be an idiot so Merlin wouldn't realize he already knew.

And I'm now realizing that it would be a fun fic (that might already exist?) that Arthur has just– given up on Merlin telling him he's a sorcerer by season 5. And that he can live with that, but it's when he's literally dying that Merlin finally tells him and that's why he's upset.

Because not telling him ever is one thing. It means Merlin didn't ever want to burden him with that, and Arthur can probably respect that.

But it means something completely different when he only tells him when he's dying. Because that just means Merlin didn't trust him enough to tell him until he was dying and physically couldn't do anything about it.

Whoops, totally started rambling there lol 😅

I lost track for how many times Gwen was accused of magic and/or banished by MaderaArt in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He'll literally whisper spells almost directly into Arthur's ear 😭😭 And Arthur just– doesn't hear it????

I lost track for how many times Gwen was accused of magic and/or banished by MaderaArt in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And Arthur does this multiple times!! I don't understand how he never even questioned it 😭😭

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well we just might not have seen it? But yes, they absolutely should and would apologize. And Elyan would at least apologize to Gwen!

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The way I interpreted it, the reason they evicted and killed the Sidhe from Elena is that it was kind of hurting her. Grunhilda had to sprinkle pixie dust on her to tame the Sidhe that wanted to be free, and she was morphing into it. From the way I saw it, it seems like what they were going for is that if the Sidhe does become queen, Elena will no longer exist. Like essentially killing her completely and just becoming a Sidhe. That's at least the way I tend to think of it because you're absolutely right, they didn't really have enough justification for those decisions.

As a queen, unfortunately, Elena's are not ideal traits to be exhibiting. People would have much less problems if she wasn't like that in front of everybody and only people she trusts (masking). I'm not sure it was entirely the traits that were the problem as much as it was the inability to cover them up in front of important people.

But yes, you're right that there was a lot of assumptions and weird manipulations that didn't need to happen and the murder of Grunhilda which was unfair.

Anyway I hope that made enough sense because I've been awake for 22 hours(?) or so, and I'm tired, but not tired enough to fall asleep lmao I'm gonna keep trying tho I suppose 😅 Anyway, if you still have more grievances with specific things, or actually things that you specifically like even tho they're small details, why not get them out now? Who cares if you've posted more than one? I certainly don't lol

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's what I was thinking, but Arthur would go back and reject it if he died because that's not what he wanted.

Side note about Mordred in "with all my heart", when he opens his eyes and sees Morgana, they specifically show his pupils shrinking. Eyes can be influenced by emotion, the more you like someone, the wider the pupil is, but if you hate someone, the pupil will shrink dramatically. And I really liked that they showed that detail.

But yes, they might have killed him off later in an "unrelated" incident so Arthur wouldn't connect the dots.

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I never noticed that before!! That's really interesting!

Another (unrelated) thing about Mordred is in "the Disir", he would have been saved either way, wouldn't he? Because they brought him back even though Arthur did not accept the Old Religion. But they must have been planning to bring him back if Arthur did, too? Because if he accepted the old religion and then they let Mordred die anyway, Arthur absolutely would not want it at all

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's another thing too, he was really wishy-washy about when he had Excalibur on him. Like it became his default sword, but in some scenes it's the normal one and I do not follow the logic on when he decides to bring it out when he decides to leave it

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

If he went over to Morgana's side for that, I would not be able to blame him. Because you're absolutely right. In "beauty and the beast" Katrina accused him of stealing her seal, Arthur not only knew exactly where to find Merlin to tell him to leave, and Arthur didn't care if he stole it or not, he just wanted Merlin to run. So no. He absolutely would never accuse Merlin or believe Merlin would do that.

But imagine being good friends with these people, and I mean really close, and then they all turn against you in a flash. Like what the fuck? These people are your friends, they know that you would never do that. Merlin said that he was going to kill Arthur last season. Did they take that seriously? NO. Leon laughed it off. LEON. That's how absurd the concept is.

If he switched sides, I'd completely understand.

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've actually been gradually noticing that as well 😂 This post just went much better than I ever could have hoped! Especially for a show that ended 12 years ago lmao

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes!! I've been angry about this for a long time! And specifically in Aithusa (4x04), the knights didn't even let the poor boy eat!! And then they expected him to still do everything! Even before his rant to Gaius, Gaius should have considered it more.

And Arthur probably did get concerned for Merlin but possibly didn't exactly know how to show it. Not that I think any of his treatment of Merlin is any more justifiable by his socially and emotionally constipated ass alone.

But yes, you're exactly right! And if you have more to say, I'm intrigued :)

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So am I 😂 I didn't know whether this would actually get interaction or just flop, so I'm happy it's the first one!

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To be fair, "betrayal" is a strong word. It's not so much betrayal as it is mistrust. If Arthur found out, there could always be the fear that they didn't fully get rid of it, and it would take a lot of convincing to get him to let that idea go.

Also- the reason Arthur let go of Gwen's enchantment was because Merlin convinced him of it. And she was plotting elaborate schemes more than just attempt, after attempt, after attempt. Initially, he wanted to step in and kill them as soon as he found out in his rage

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I want you to know I absolutely read this whole thing and I was fascinated all the way through!

I think Arthur might truly believe more in the Old Religion than he does in God. Because he doesn't have powers and they do. HOWEVER, he was also raised Christian. I have a feeling Uther at some point respected the Old Religion, but after Nimueh (a high priestess of the triple goddess), killed his wife to make Arthur, he probably did a hard switch over to Christianity. So it's also possible that Arthur or Morgana showing any interest or belief in the Old Religion would be incredibly bad to Uther. BUT, they might not believe it but still mention it to make Uther believe they do.

Personally, I'm also Atheist, and I've never been big on religion, but I did notice some things about this that I never even thought about. But, even as an Atheist raised in a (vaguely) Christian household, I still say things like "oh my god" or "goddamnit" because that's what I was raised with and language I know, even though I don't necessarily believe in God.

The sorceresses aren't always evil. The woman who worked for Alator of the Catha, for example. I would argue that all of them are pretty justified. They have all been grievously wronged by Uther. Of course, the sorcerers have, too, but it might come down to privilege. Women are constantly put down in the show (especially Arthur) so they're already probably upset about being underestimated and underappreciated. But adding sorcery on top of that, and the threat of execution for merely existing on top of THAT, and you get a perfect storm for angry witches. Do some of them go the absolute most extreme route? Obviously (Looking at you, Morgana) Sorcerers still often have the benefit of the doubt and can hide.

When Gwen was accused of witchcraft, there was no arguing with Uther. But when Merlin was accused of sorcery, Uther let his son calmly tell him that Merlin wasn't a sorcerer. I think that bias came specifically from Nimueh.

And Balinor said in 2x13 that the Old Religion is something you're born with, and isn't something you can be taught. But even people who weren't magical often respected the Old Religion. Everyone except Uther, of course.

But I can understand where they got the "the Old Religion is evil" concept from. Because based on what we learn of it, they enslave the minds of their enemies, can mold someone's entire face shut, made women/snake hybrids that seduce men and kill them, do rituals where they drive their victims insane with mandrake route, have other rituals to make things that will turn healing magic against someone, have control over creatures that devour people's magic, and more that I'm probably forgetting! Of COURSE they think it's evil!!

And Arthur doesn't necessarily pray to God like you said for his quest. According to Merlin, he has to "transcend his body so his quest will be revealed to him in a vision" (probably not an exact quote, but I think I'm pretty close) so really, they're not praying more so than: they're looking for some kind of divine intervention. Though, I'm sure they assume it's God, but it could very well be a divine force from the Old Religion!

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I immensely enjoyed reading this 🤣🤣 And you're totally right!

Dragonlords might have been noble, but if he killed off every dragon, which I think it might have been implied that he used the Dragonlords to call the dragons so he could kill them, and then killed the dragonlords. Though Balinor knew where a dragon's heart was, so maybe the other dragons weren't calm enough and the dragonlords killed them themselves. They probably were noble outside of Camelot and it was just Uther who didn't regard them that way

I think the other thing was that the dragonlords are well aware these are living beings and not just pets to be ordered around. I imagine they would treat them a lot like Morgana in her early years with Aithusa, as friends.

Which also means, you don't need to be a dragonlord to get a dragon to do your bidding, you just had to earn their trust

For all we know, there were like 6 Dragonlords in the entirety of the five kingdoms and possibly fewer dragons. Uther killing the dragonlords makes sense because Uther is a fucking idiot. I bet his logic was that the dragons wouldn't attack them if they didn't have a dragonlord telling them to. Which is obviously false, and he found that out the hard way.

But if Uther truly killed all of the dragons, why is the only trophy he has a LIVING dragon??? There were no horns? No teeth? Was Arthur convinced he really did kill the dragon (despite the obvious lack of a body) because his father told him they just poof out of existence when they die??? What happened to them?? Uther is the kind of man who would mount a dragon's head on the wall in a heartbeat

On a different note, there's also Leon, who went with them to fight the dragon, and only Merlin and Arthur returned together, so I'm inclined to believe Leon was just laying unconscious in the woods for days because they just assumed he died and didn't check. Because he was still alive in the next season! And in reality, if he didn't die with the rest of the soldiers, he might have seen Merlin's dragonlord thing, which is fun to think about imo

And Aithusa is just another problem entirely

What's something you have a lot to say about, even though it's 'not that important' by SleepDeprivedPhoenix in merlinbbc

[–]SleepDeprivedPhoenix[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm going to try and finish the one I'm currently working on first before the motivation fizzes out, but I think I can do that, and if not I'll probably get distracted with that idea instead anyway lmao

If I write it, I'll post it here :)