The Winter King Season 1 Episode 1 Recap – 7 Biggest Story Reveals

By Padraig Cotter

Published 4 hours ago

Summary

“The Winter King” sets the stage for an epic fantasy show, combining Arthurian legend and historical fact in a gripping narrative. Arthur’s banishment by his father is rooted in his illegitimate status and the belief that he failed to save his brother’s life. Derfel’s forbidden romance with Nimue and his secret warrior training pave the way for future conflicts, while Merlin seeks out Arthur to save Britain from the evil future King Mordred. The Winter King’s first episode reinvents the legend of King Arthur and sets the pieces in place for a dramatic first season. The Winter King is the first novel in Last Kingdom series creator Bernard Cornwell’s The Warlord Chronicles, which also consists of Enemy of God and Excalibur. These novels combined Arthurian legend with historical fact and stripped back on the more overt fantasy elements of the tale. The Winter King has the potential to become the next big Game of Thrones-style fantasy show, with The Warlord Chronicles trilogy providing a great narrative backbone.

Background

The Winter King is a new fantasy series that offers a reinvention of the legend of King Arthur. Set in the so-called “Dark Ages” in 5th Century Britain, the show follows the struggles of King Uther Pendragon as he tries to unite the warring tribes of the country against the invading Saxons. The protagonist, Arthur, is Uther’s illegitimate son who is scorned by his father, despite being a great warrior and leader.

Seven Biggest Story Reveals

1. Arthur’s Banishment

The Winter King opens with the brutal scene of Arthur cradling the dead body of his brother Mordred after a battle with the Saxons. In a fit of rage and grief, King Uther viciously beats Arthur and nearly kills him. However, Merlin convinces the King to spare Arthur’s life and suggests banishment as an alternative punishment. Uther’s refusal to accept Arthur as his son is rooted in his illegitimate status.

2. Arthur Saves Derfel

After being banished, a wounded Arthur discovers a Saxon slave boy named Derfel in a death pit. Arthur saves Derfel’s life and brings him to Avalon, where Merlin resides. This act of kindness sets the stage for their future relationship and Derfel’s role in Arthur’s quest to save Britain.

3. The Eight-Year Time Jump

The Winter King then jumps ahead eight years, during which time Derfel has become a part of the Avalon community. He is also in a secret romance with Nimue, a young priestess. The situation in Britain has worsened, with a lack of unity among the warring tribes and the Saxons gaining more ground.

4. Forbidden Romance

Despite their love for each other, Derfel and Nimue are forbidden from being together. Nimue has a vision that reveals the cost of her powers as a magician, which requires her to live a solitary life. This heartbreaking decision forces the couple apart.

5. Derfel’s Secret Warrior Training

Derfel decides to forsake his life as a farmer in Avalon and trains to become a warrior. He idolizes Arthur and hopes for his return, planning to fight alongside him one day.

6. Merlin Seeks Out Arthur

After the birth of the future King Mordred, Merlin realizes the darkness within him and the danger he poses to Britain. Merlin implores Uther to seek out Arthur, the only person who can unite the clans and save the country. However, Uther refuses, and it is up to Merlin to bring Arthur back from Gaul.

7. Gundleus’s Betrayal

In a shocking revelation, Derfel discovers that Gundleus, the King of the rival kingdom Siluria, is responsible for killing his mother. This revelation sets the stage for future conflicts and a quest for revenge.

The Potential of The Winter King

The Winter King has the potential to become the next big fantasy show in the vein of Game of Thrones. By combining elements of Arthurian legend with historical fact, the show offers a unique and gripping narrative. The Warlord Chronicles, upon which The Winter King is based, provide a solid backbone for the series, ensuring a compelling storyline. With its complex characters, political intrigue, and epic battles, The Winter King promises to captivate audiences and become a cultural phenomenon.

Editorial

The Winter King marks a new chapter in the ever-evolving retelling of the Arthurian legend. By focusing on the so-called “Dark Ages” and stripping back on the more overt fantasy elements, the show offers a grounded and gritty portrayal of the story. This approach allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level and provides a refreshing take on a familiar tale. The Winter King has the potential to challenge the conventions of the fantasy genre and redefine what it means to be a hero.

Advice for Viewers

If you’re a fan of fantasy and historical dramas, The Winter King is a must-watch. The show combines elements of Arthurian legend with historical accuracy, creating a rich and compelling narrative. The performances from the cast are outstanding, particularly Eddie Marsan as King Uther and Iain De Caestecker as Arthur. The Winter King offers a fresh take on a well-known story and is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.