Jaw-dropping Plot Twists Unveiled: The Winter King Season 1 Episode 7 Recap

Warning: Major spoilers for The Winter King episode 7 below!

Summary

The consequences of Arthur's decision to end his engagement with Ceinwyn and elope with Guinevere will significantly impact Britain.

Gundleus targets and attacks Derfel, but with the assistance of Arthur, he manages to outsmart and fend him off.

Ceinwyn becomes aware of Arthur's love for Guinevere when she witnesses their undeniable chemistry on the dance floor. In episode 7 of "The Winter King," Arthur finds himself torn between his duty and his heart, while Derfel is confronted with a painful reminder of his past. MGM+'s adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles continues to introduce significant figures from the King Arthur legend at a gradual pace. In episode 6, Jordan Alexandra's portrayal of Guinevere, Arthur's future queen, was introduced. At this point in the first season, Arthur is desperately striving to establish peace between the warring kingdoms of Dumnonia and Powys, leading him to believe that marrying King Gorfydd's daughter, Ceinwyn, played by Emily John, is the optimal solution.

However, his heart is quickly captured by Guinevere, Ceinwyn's best friend, leading to uncertainty regarding the planned wedding. In episode 6, Derfel's long-standing wish to join Arthur's warriors becomes a reality, but it becomes challenging for him as he is in close proximity to Gundleus, Gorfydd's nephew who was responsible for the death of Derfel's mother and the assault on druidess Nimue. The latest episode tests Derfel's patience in dealing with this situation. As episode 7 concludes, Arthur's decision is poised to have significant ramifications for the entire nation of Britain.

6 Gundleus Tries To Kill Derfel

In Episode 7, Derfel faces a challenging situation when he discovers that Gundleus has given his lover, Ladwys, a knife that used to belong to Derfel's mother. This knife holds painful memories for Derfel as it was associated with a massacre in which he was the sole survivor, thanks to Arthur's intervention. Despite his anger, Derfel approaches Ladwys politely and asks her to return the knife. When Ladwys learns about Derfel's past, she willingly hands it over.

Later, Ladwys reveals Derfel's history to Gundleus. Being the coward that he is, Gundleus attempts to strangle Derfel from behind in an act of revenge. However, Derfel uses his wit and fighting skills to defend himself, and with Arthur's assistance, he thwarts the attack. Ladwys had already warned Gundleus against harming Derfel, citing that it would displease the Gods. After experiencing a foreboding omen following his failed attempt, Gundleus retreats and disappears, filled with shame.

5 Ceinwyn Realizes Arthur Is In Love With Guinevere

In episode 6 of Winter King, Ceinwyn is initially unhappy about her arranged marriage to Arthur. However, her opinion of him quickly changes when they meet, as she finds him virtuous and attractive. She remains oblivious to the chemistry between Arthur and Guinevere until she witnesses them dancing together. Seeing their intense gaze and connection, Ceinwyn becomes emotional and leaves the hall in tears, with Guinevere following her.

Despite her upset, Ceinwyn proposes a compromise to Guinevere: she suggests that she can become Arthur's mistress after their wedding, with alternating days spent with him. Guinevere, feeling remorseful for hurting her adoptive sister, firmly rejects the idea of becoming anyone's mistress. As Gorfydd insists that Guinevere leaves Powys with Arthur and Ceinwyn after the wedding, even suggesting she marries one of Arthur's men, it appears that a love triangle is unavoidable.

4 Arthur Breaks The Engagement

In a heartfelt conversation, Arthur expresses to Bishop Bedwin (Steven Elder) his belief that they should delay the wedding. He confesses that he does not love Ceinwyn and strongly believes that everyone, regardless of their social status, should have the freedom to marry the person they truly love. While Bedwin understands Arthur's perspective, he takes a more practical approach. He reminds Arthur that the purpose of the marriage is to form alliances with other kingdoms, enabling them to unite against the Winter King's invading Saxons and protect Britain.

Although Bedwin pleads with Arthur to reconsider, his feelings for Guinevere ultimately prevail. He ends his engagement with Ceinwyn, who advises him to leave the kingdom with Guinevere before her father discovers their relationship. Under the cover of darkness, the two lovers clandestinely escape from the castle and journey back to Dumnonia.

3 Gorfydd Wants Revenge On Arthur & Guinevere

Throughout episode 7 of Winter King, Gundleus has been consumed by jealousy and resentment towards his uncle for favoring Arthur. He claims to have been the mastermind behind the Avalon massacre, as instructed by Gorfydd, and that he was meant to marry Ceinwyn. Feeling discarded, the episode concludes with Gorfydd approaching him with news of Arthur and Guinevere's elopement.

While recent episodes have showcased Gorfydd's more rational and emotive side, it has also been noted that he can be vengeful when betrayed. As Bishop Bedwin had cautioned Arthur, no parent enjoys witnessing their child's "humiliation," so Arthur's decision to end his engagement with Ceinwyn and flee with her close friend is bound to provoke vengeance from Powys' leader. In this regard, it appears that Gundleus and Ladwys will be the tools employed in Gorfydd's calculated scheme of retribution.

2 Bishop Bedwin Leaves Dumnonia

1 Arthur And Guinevere Get Married

Although Arthur may have been tormented by the decision to marry Ceinwyn, when it comes to Guinevere, he is surprisingly level-headed. After the Bishop's departure, Guinevere suggests her own departure, and emphasizes the importance of resolving the situation. In response, Arthur proposes to her, assuring her that if they are married, Gorfydd will not be able to hold a grudge against her, and she will be under his protection. Additionally, Dumnonia will have no choice but to accept her. On a more romantic note, Arthur expresses his determination not to lose Guinevere after finally finding her.

Guinevere eventually agrees, and the couple soon ties the knot with Derfel serving as a witness. Though this brings joy to both of them, their union is certain to spark controversy on The Winter King, particularly among Arthur's critics. Moreover, it may potentially ignite a civil war between kingdoms, as Gorfydd is not known for his forgiving nature.