The only rule is- there are no rules.
“The Sorcerer's Shadow” · Season 3, Episode 11
In this episode: Merlin (4), Arthur Pendragon (3), Morgana Pendragon (1), Uther Pendragon (1)
How are you feeling?
Confident.
You're sure?
Yes.
The last time this tournament was held, [whispers] three men died.
Really?
That was just on the first day.
Thank you for that, Merlin.
Then on that second day...
Let's just get through the first.
You're right- because that's when the most people die.
Merlin?
Yes?
Shut up.
This is a contest like no other- it is open to all commers, including our reigning champion the King! There are no rules- no weapons are banned. The last man standing takes the prize. Let the tournament begin!
GGili
I've never killed a man before. I just wanted to feel... what it was like. To be respected. Point is, I'm not a killer. This isn't me.
You need to withdraw.
GGili
I'm going to.
I thought you weren't going to fight.
GGili
You've seen the way people are now- they're showing me respect. You don't know what it's like for me-
I do.
GGili
No. No one does.
[Merlin mutters an incantation which produces a small fire in his hand.]
It's lonely... to be more powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow. To... to be special and have to pretend that you're a fool. I know how it feels... I understand.
What am I going to do, Merlin? If I fight my father tomorrow, the way I can, I'll show him up, I'll humiliate him in front of his people. Or worse, I could even wound him or kill him.
He's not going to back down, is he? He's determined to prove himself. If he doesn't win.
You don't have to put up with the gloating. Do you have any idea what is feels like to live with a man who constantly thinks he's the best?
Mmh, it's a bit irritating...
I have followed your progress with a sword since you were a boy. I know your abilities better than anyone. I am eternally grateful. I hope that when you are King and have sons of your own, that they will afford you the same honour. Indeed, the most satisfying outcome of the tournament is that Arthur's actions have shown me that he is now truly ready to be king.
These quotes come from Wikiquote's Merlin pages and are available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.