The Explosive Winter King Episode 5 Clip: Arthur Unveils the Shocking Truth About His Closest Friend [EXCLUSIVE]

Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for The Winter King Episode 5!

Summary

Arthur and Owain's friendship becomes tense when it is discovered that Owain played a part in the miners' killings, resulting in a intense confrontation between them. Owain's demise holds great consequences for the upcoming episodes, as Arthur takes on the role of Dumnonia's king and is entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding his nephew, Mordred.

In The Winter King, Arthur's relationship with Merlin becomes tangled when the powerful Druid warns him about the future threat of Mordred. This puts Arthur in a difficult position, as he must choose between protecting his friend and pursuing his goal of uniting Britain. The show, based on Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles trilogy, showcases Arthur's quest to unite the warring tribes of Britain and fend off the invading Saxons. Led by Iain De Caestecker and featuring a talented ensemble cast, The Winter King has received praise from critics, who consider it one of the top King Arthur adaptations to date.

What Owain's Death Means For The Winter King

The argument highlighted above is not the conclusion of this intense chapter in the friendship between Arthur and Owain. Eventually, Arthur acknowledges the truth that Owain had involvement in the miners' deaths. To make amends for these murders, Prince Tristan returns and challenges Owain to a swordfight. However, Arthur steps in, fully aware that the Kernow royal would be no match for his friend. Engaging in a brutal battle, Arthur sustains multiple injuries, but ultimately manages to deliver the fatal blow to Owain. In the final moments, Arthur cradles Owain in his arms as he breathes his last.

Owain's death has significant implications for The Winter King in the second half of season 1. With his friend gone, Arthur now assumes the role of king of Dumnonia. He had established Owain as the temporary leader of the region following the failed assassination of Morgan and Mordred. As a result, Arthur becomes the primary guardian of his nephew Mordred until he is old enough to claim his rightful place on the throne.

The aftermath of Owain's death and Arthur's new responsibilities also affects his relationship with Merlin for the remainder of The Winter King season 1. The esteemed Druid has often expressed worries about his visions of Mordred turning into a ruthless tyrant. Merlin believes that Mordred will ally with the Saxons and lead Britain to ruin once he becomes king. Considering their close friendship formed during Arthur's exile, it is likely that he will take Merlin's warning into consideration, especially as his goal is to unite Britain against the Saxons. However, Arthur is also bound by his oath to protect Mordred, making it an impossible decision for him at some point.

New episodes of The Winter King air Sundays on MGM+.