The Winter King Season 1 Episode 6: Mind-Blowing Story Twists Unveiled!

Warning: Major spoilers for The Winter King season 1 episode 6 below!

Summary

After triumphing over his best friend Owain in a brutal battle that ultimately claimed Owain's life, Arthur ascends to the throne of Dumnonia.

Unveiling the truth, Merlin discloses that the discovery of the legendary sword Excalibur was not mere chance, but rather a deliberate act to grant Arthur the power needed to emerge victorious.

Arthur considers pardoning Gundleus as a bargaining strategy and proposes a marriage alliance between Ceinwyn, Gorfydd's daughter, to unite their kingdoms. However, his conflicting emotions towards someone else cast doubts on his commitment to this plan.

In episode 6 of The Winter King, Arthur undergoes significant transformations, including the introduction of a pivotal character from the Arthurian legend. This adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's novels on MGM+ presents a gritty reinterpretation of the King Arthur myth, infused with elements reminiscent of Game of Thrones. The previous five episodes depicted Arthur's return to Britain after years of exile imposed by his father, King Uther, and revealed a fractured nation on the brink of succumbing to Saxon invaders.

Arthur does not aspire to be king after Uther's demise, but he is the only one who understands what needs to be done to rescue the country. Winter King, although lacking the grandeur of the later seasons of Game of Thrones, effectively grounds the legend. However, the show still incorporates fantasy elements, as evidenced by episode 6. Arthur is facing significant upcoming changes, which could potentially derail his plan to unite the kingdoms even before it commences.

7 Arthur Becomes Ruler Of Dumnonia

Winter King episode 5 concluded with Arthur engaging in a duel against his best friend Owain (Daniel Ings). Owain had led a raid that resulted in the deaths of innocent miners. Refusing to take responsibility, Owain was deemed a "coward" by Arthur, leading to a fierce battle between the two. In this confrontation, Arthur impaled Owain with his newly acquired sword Excalibur. Episode 6 resumes immediately after this dramatic event, showing Arthur cradling Owain's lifeless body as the rest of the kingdom observes in shock.

Amidst the somber scene, Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White) arrives to console Arthur. He then raises Arthur's arm and proclaims him as the new ruler of Dumnonia. Prior to his demise, Uther had designated three protectors for his infant heir Mordred: Owain, Bishop Bedwin (Steven Elder), and Gundleus (Simon Merrells). With Gundleus being a treacherous murderer, Owain's death, and Mordred's young age, Arthur is now thrust into the leadership role.

6 It Was No Accident Arthur Found Excalibur

Still reeling from the shock of Owain's demise, Arthur is later depicted diligently polishing Excalibur in his quarters. Merlin pays a visit to engage in conversation, unveiling the truth that Arthur's discovery of his "mother's" sword was not a mere coincidence. In fact, Merlin affirms that the sword in question is none other than the legendary Excalibur, which he had obtained several years prior from a druid residing in Ireland. It was Merlin himself who had bestowed the sword upon Arthur's mother, who, in fear of arousing Uther's suspicion regarding potential treason, made the decision to withhold it from her son. The fact that Arthur had eventually stumbled upon the sword independently is regarded by Merlin as an auspicious omen, as he believes it granted Arthur the fortitude required to emerge victorious in the duel.

5 Derfel Becomes One Of Arthur's Warriors

Winter King's inaugural episode begins with Arthur's daring rescue of a young Derfel, liberating him from the perilous clutches of a treacherous spike pit devised by Gundleus' faction. From that moment on, Derfel's admiration for Arthur burgeons, and he fervently yearns to join the revered ranks of his valiant warriors. As season 1 unfolds, it becomes increasingly evident that Derfel's true calling lies not in the mundane realm of civilian life. Consequently, during Arthur's expedition to Caer Dolforwyn, a stopover at Avalon is a foregone conclusion.

4 Arthur Pardons Gundleus

This is where he fulfills Derfel's desire by inviting him to become a member of his esteemed group of warriors. Following his experiences with Owain, Derfel has gained insight into the less glamorous aspects of warrior life, yet he readily accepts the offer without hesitation. In no time, Arthur's men give him a complete transformation, and he eagerly joins them on their journey to the kingdom ruled by Gorfydd (Aneirin Hughes).

Gundleus, rivaling Ramsay Bolton from Game of Thrones in terms of vileness, manages to have surprising luck despite being widely hated on the show. During the massacre on Avalon, he committed horrifying atrocities such as killing a baby, engaging in sexual assault, and murdering Queen Norwena (played by Grace Ackary). However, due to his being the nephew of Gorfydd, Arthur spared his life as a bargaining tool. Gorfydd's negative experiences with Uther have left him with little trust in Dumnonia, but out of respect, Arthur sets his nephew free.

Of course, Gundleus is despised by the priestess Nimue (Ellie James) more than anyone else, and she reacts poorly to the news. In a later conversation with Arthur, Nimue assures him that she will seek her revenge on Gundleus, no matter how much time it takes. For now, the "vagabond" king remains safe from harm.

3 Arthur Is To Marry Princess Ceinwyn

In addition to setting Gundleus free, Arthur proposes a union between the kingdoms by marrying Gorfydd's daughter, Ceinwyn (Emily John). Although this plan appears promising initially, Arthur begins to have reservations. Both he and Ceinwyn, who are apprehensive about marrying a stranger, proceed with their engagement ceremony. However, the outcome of their actual wedding remains uncertain, especially since Arthur has developed strong feelings for someone else. It is highly likely that he will withdraw from the union.

2 Merlin Seeks Out The Horn Of Bran

In Winter King episode 6, Merlin embarks on a captivating subplot. He envisions discovering an icy cave and successfully retrieves the Horn of Bran from within. The Horn of Bran is one of the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain, legendary items believed to possess magical properties. These treasures can be anything from a garment to a special weapon, and the Horn of Bran has the unique ability to fulfill any beverage preference of the drinker.

For instance, if one desires an unlimited supply of red wine, the horn will oblige. Merlin is convinced that by retrieving the horn, he will unlock the whereabouts of the other treasures as well. While Nimue interprets Merlin's mission as an attempt to appease the Gods, he believes that obtaining these items will aid in reclaiming Britain. Thus, Merlin embarks on a challenging journey to the untamed wilderness of the North in search of the elusive Horn of Bran.

1 Arthur Meets Guinevere For The First Time

In the latest episode, Ceinwyn's best friend, Guinevere (portrayed by Jordan Alexandra), is finally introduced. As Arthur and his men take rest in a local forest the night before meeting Ceinwyn, he takes a stroll and spots Guinevere and her horse from afar. Guinevere, after invoking the Lady of the Lake, initiates a conversation with him, mistaking him for one of Arthur's men. There is an undeniable attraction between them, and though she is unimpressed when his true identity is revealed, she lends a sympathetic ear when he expresses his guilt over Owain's death.

In the Winter King's storyline, this version of Guinevere lost her lands in an Irish raid during her youth and was raised in Gorfydd's kingdom, becoming as close to Ceinwyn as a sister. She possesses a keen intellect, as evidenced by her thoughts on the political implications of Arthur marrying Ceinwyn. Despite being unfamiliar with the legends of King Arthur himself, Gorfydd insists that Guinevere accompany Ceinwyn in her married life. If Arthur does indeed proceed with the marriage, it is likely that his continued proximity to Guinevere will lead to an affair.