Merlin, the enigmatic hero who guides Arthur (Iain De Caestecker) in his quest to unite Britain, has a vision of a powerful relic: the Horn of Bran, one of the legendary thirteen treasures of Britain.
This is the premise of the latest episode of The Winter King, a TV adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles, which blends historical realism with Arthurian mythology. The show features Nathaniel Martello-White as Merlin, a conflicted character who often clashes with Arthur over his choices.
The Winter King does not shy away from the fantastical aspects of the legend, but it also grounds them in a realistic context.
In the first half of the first season, magic has been mostly subtle and mysterious, but Merlin’s ominous “Death of Britain” visions hint at much worse things to come.
In the sixth episode, Merlin decides to embark on a perilous journey to find and claim the Horn of Bran, which he believes is vital for Britain’s survival. He also reveals to Arthur that his new sword is none other than Excalibur, the legendary blade Merlin brought from Ireland years ago. The fact that Excalibur ended up in Arthur’s hands indicates that the Gods have a special plan for him.
1. The Winter King’s Horn Of Bran & Merlin’s Quest Explained
For most of the first season of Winter King, Merlin has been preoccupied with the fate of Mordred, the infant prince of Dumnonia, who is prophesied to become a ruthless dictator and destroy Britain.
In a desperate move, Merlin tried to abduct Mordred and leave him in a remote village, where he would grow up unaware of his royal blood. However, Arthur thwarted this scheme and returned Mordred to his parents. In episode 6, Merlin receives a new vision that leads him to a different path. He sees himself entering a frosty cavern, where he finds the Horn of Bran.
This is one of the legendary Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain, a collection of enchanted objects that appear in ancient Welsh manuscripts from the 15th Century.
The Horn of Brân Galed from the North is said to grant any drink that a person wishes for; so if they crave an infinite supply of wine, the horn will provide it. Merlin sets off on a dangerous journey to the wild lands in the North to retrieve the horn and hopes that by doing so, he can also locate the other treasures.
2. What Are The Other Treasures Of Britain?
The Island of Britain is home to many legends and myths, but none more fascinating than the Thirteen Treasures. These magical items possess extraordinary powers and abilities, often associated with famous heroes and kings. The list of the treasures varies in different sources, and some even include the legendary sword Excalibur among them. The whole list is as follows:
I. White-Hilt, the Sword of Rhydderch Hael the Generous
When a nobleman unsheathes it, it bursts into flames. Rhydderch was one of the Three Generous Men of Britain and never refused to lend his sword to anyone who asked. However, no one ever dared to ask for it after learning about its powers.
II. The Hamper of Gwyddno Long-Shank
This hamper can multiply any food placed inside it by a hundred times.
III. The Chariot of Morgan Mwynfawr
This chariot is a marvel of speed and convenience. It can take its rider to any desired destination in the blink of an eye. Morgan was a wealthy king who ruled over Glamorgan, and he used his chariot to travel across his vast lands.
IV. The Halter of Clydno Eiddy
This halter is a miracle of summoning and taming. It can bring forth any horse that its holder wishes for and make it obedient to them.
Clydno was a king who ruled over Eiddyn (Edinburgh), and he used his halter to ride the finest steeds.
V. The Knife of Llawfrodedd the Horseman
This knife can cut enough food for up to 24 men at a table. Llawfrodedd was a renowned horseman and warrior who used his knife to host lavish feasts for his comrades.
VI. The Cauldron of Dyrnwch, the Giant
This cauldron can boil meat for the brave but not for the cowardly. Dyrnwch was a giant who owned this cauldron, and he challenged anyone who wanted it to fulfill three impossible tasks.
VII. The Whetstone of Tudwal Tudglyd
This whetstone can make any sword that is honed on it lethal to anyone it wounds, but only if the wielder is brave.
If the wielder is cowardly, their sword will not even draw blood. Tudwal was a king who ruled over Penllyn, and he used his whetstone to arm his warriors.
VIII. The Coat of Padarn Beisrudd
This coat can adjust its size to fit anyone who wears it, but only if they are noble. If they are low-born, it will not fit them at all. Padarn was a saint from Brittany who wore this coat as a sign of his lineage.
IX. The Crock and Dish of Rhygenydd Ysgolhaig
This crock and dish can provide any food their user desires without any need for cooking or preparation.
X. Chessboard of Gwenddoleu ap Ceidio
This chessboard is made of gold, and its pieces are made of silver and crystal. When the pieces are arranged correctly, they will play chess by themselves.
Gwenddoleu was a king who ruled over Arfderydd (Arthuret), and he owned this chessboard until he was killed in battle.
XI. The Mantle of Arthur in Cornwall
This mantle can make anyone who wears it invisible, but they can still see everything around them. Arthur was the legendary king who united Britain and used this mantle to infiltrate his enemies’ camps.
XII. The Stone and Ring of Eluned the Fortunate
This stone and ring can make anyone who holds them invisible, but they can still see everything around them.
Merlin is convinced that the Horn of Bran is the key to unlocking the rest of the treasures. He hopes that by completing this quest in The Winter King, he and his allies will regain the power to liberate Britain from tyranny.
This may be a naive assumption, but witnessing the consequences of this decision will be fascinating for the fans in future.
3. About The Winter King
The Winter King is a British historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Warlord Chronicles novels, starring Iain De Caestecker as King Arthur. The series premiered on MGM+ in the United States on 20 August 2023, and on ITVX in the United Kingdom at a later date.
The story is a retelling of the Arthurian legend and takes place in Post-Roman Dark Age Britain, a land where the warlord Arthur has been banished and Merlin has disappeared, Saxons are invading and a child-king sits unprotected on the throne.
We meet a vain and unpopular Lancelot; an ambitious and scheming Guinevere; Merlin, who is a more absent Druid than a mystic magician; and Mordred, who is Uther’s grandson and legitimate heir to the throne. The tale is told by the elderly Saxon-born monk Derfel Cadarn for Igraine, a young queen, long after the death of Arthur.
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