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Arthur Pendragon is the Prince of Camelot, heir to the throne, and will apparently be one day "The Once and Future King who will unite the Land of Albion." Arthur is initially described as a bully by Merlin and Gwen, and beats Merlin twice in battles in The Dragon's Call. Arthur is the son of King Uther Pendragon and has the same domineering attitude as his father. Merlin and Arthur both have an instant dislike to one another but eventually begin to trust in each other and become friends, to the point where Arthur undertakes a life-endangering quest to find the antidote to the magical poison that is killing Merlin. He also trusts Merlin to cover up for him on various occasions, with Merlin often being punished for it. It is not known, however, if Arthur will take his father's stance on magic and report any use of sorcery in Camelot as it seems he may have some idea of Merlin being a wizard.He grew up without a mother because she died during his birth. Arthur figures that there is something about Merlin that he "just can't put his finger on" and believes he is special in some way, though as yet he seems unaware of his and Merlin's joint destinies. He is also unaware of the amount of times Merlin has saved his and his father's lives, mainly due to lies by Merlin and Gaius to protect them.
Though he doesn't know it, he was conceived using magic as his mother was barren. She died during his birth, leading to his father's hatred of all magic and especially the witch Nimueh, who cast the spell. Few know this (Uther, Gaius and Nimueh) and all have sworn to secrecy or have no way of telling him. Uther has also stated if he could, he would not have made that wish.
Arthur is a master swordsman, being the reigning Champion of Camelot and Leader of the Knights of Camelot. He is also the only one who can wield Excalibur, due to his destiny as King Arthur. He is rather proud of his physical prowess, so much so he swears Merlin and Gaius to secrecy when he is made to believe that Merlin knocked him out. He is softer than he appears, putting on a hard front to deal with his father's criticism and his future role as King, and refuses to admit he has a nice side, despite displaying it on several occasions. He believes himself to be a "big disappointment" to his father due to his father's attitude towards him, something Uther proclaims as his fault. He also has a strong sense of honour and morality, disobeying his father on several occasions when he believes he has made the wrong choice or is being unfair. Arthur is 21 years old and officially becomes Crown Prince of Camelot at his coming of age ceremony. Although he is shown to be rather arrogant and headstrong at times, known to be stubborn when he doesn't get his way and becoming particularly hostile when his honour or skills are questioned, he has shown on many occasions that he cares for his people, as seen most strongly in his friendship with Merlin; even when ignorant of Merlin's powers and destiny, he has twice faced death to save Merlin's life, subsequently defying his father's orders to help Merlin defend his village.
Though from very different social classes, Merlin is one of the few people who can tell Arthur what to do or when he's being an idiot without fear of punishment. Their friendship is hidden by banter and insults, with them often playing tricks on each other, but they are very close, and several events imply a kind of mental bond, with both being aware when the other is in danger, even when unconscious.
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