The Winter King Episode 8 Clip Unveils Shocking Twist, Revealing King Arthur's Fatal Error!

This article contains discussion of sexual assault.

Major spoilers for The Winter King episodes 1-8 and The Warlord Chronicles books below!

Summary

The TV series adaptation of The Winter King has been patient in introducing characters from Arthurian myth, with Guinevere being wed to Arthur by episode 7.

The show explores the concept of magic in The Winter King's world, despite the presence of Merlin and Nimue who follow the "Old Gods." Arthur's allegiance with Christians creates tension with their pagan faith.

Arthur and Nimue's friendship becomes tense when Arthur chooses to forgive and release King Gundleus, who had attacked Nimue. Similar to the novels, this creates a foundation for a bitter rivalry between them in the years to come.

A sneak peek from episode 8 of The Winter King hints at a surprising rivalry twist from the original novels. MGM+'s latest TV series is an adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's trilogy of books called The Warlord Chronicles, which offers a fresh take on the King Arthur myth by blending it with historical facts. The show has been introducing characters from Arthurian legend gradually, with notable figures like Lancelot or Galahad yet to make an appearance. In episode 6, Guinevere (played by Jordan Alexandra) arrives, and it briefly seems like the series might explore a love triangle between her, Arthur (portrayed by Iain De Caestecker), and Ceinwyn (played by Emily John). However, by the end of the next episode, Guinevere and Arthur are already married.

One interesting aspect of the TV adaptation is its treatment of magic, which differs from the traditional myth. In fact, the existence of magical abilities in the world of The Winter King is questionable. Merlin (portrayed by Nathaniel Martello-White) and the "Lady of the Lake" Nimue (played by Ellie James) play significant roles in the story, but their visions and worship of the "Old Gods" don't provide much concrete evidence that magic is real in this interpretation of the legend. As the show progresses, Arthur's more modern ideas clash with the pagan beliefs of Merlin, Nimue, and others, creating conflicts among them.

Nimue & Arthur's Disagreement Sets Up Their Massive Rivalry From The Winter King Books

The Winter King episode 8 features an intriguing scenario. Arthur confronts Nimue regarding a series of illnesses and deaths that have plagued a nearby Christian church. After Bishop Sansum unites Arthur and Guinevere in a spontaneous ceremony, the Christians are permitted to construct a sanctuary in Avalon. Nimue expresses her discontent, and in the included clip, Arthur confronts her, suspecting that she may be responsible for the men's ailments. Nimue admits to having "cursed" them, and claims that any illness they suffer is the will of the Gods.

Nimue's Story Proves Arthur Freeing Gundleus Was A Bigger Mistake Than He Thought

Additionally, she holds the belief that Arthur's alliance with the Christians has caused offense to the Old Gods. Assuming the television series encompasses all of Cornwell's novels, this particular scene serves as a foreshadowing of the future rivalry between Arthur and Nimue. Specifically, in the third book titled Excalibur, Merlin and Nimue collaborate in their efforts to retrieve the Thirteen Treasures of Britain, with the intention of utilizing them in a ritual to revive the Old Gods within the country. In summary, Nimue gradually transforms into one of Arthur's most formidable adversaries, becoming increasingly violent over time in defense of her own faith.

The falling out between Arthur and Nimue in their friendship had been gradually building up, and it was not without reason. In the previous episode, Nimue suffered a brutal attack at the hands of King Gundleus (Simon Merrells) during his assault on Avalon. Even though Gundleus was eventually captured by Arthur's soldiers, Nimue was denied the opportunity to exact revenge by killing him, as Arthur intended to use Gundleus as leverage to negotiate peace with Powys. Taking it a step further, Arthur not only pardoned Gundleus but also set him free, hoping to win the favor of his uncle, King Gorfydd (Aneirin Hughes).

Arthur's belief that he had no alternative to handle Gundleus is a source of ongoing struggle for Nimue, who has been unable to forgive him. Though Arthur understood Nimue's pain and wrath, his choice to allow Christians to set up camp right next to her has resulted in an apparently insurmountable rift. If The Winter King adheres closely to the novels, it is likely that their animosity will intensify over time.