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* Merlin in modern times. He is all alone with all of his friends gone.
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** It's a smaller moment in the scheme of things, but there's an exchange in this episode where Arthur comments that Merlin "couldn't keep a secret if his life depended on it", to which Merlin unthinkingly retorts "You'd be surprised!" Only for a nonplussed Arthur to ask what ''that'' means and for Merlin to brush it off. It's just a sad moment for them both, because Merlin doesn't ''like'' keeping such a big secret from Arthur, and Arthur, even in his worry for Gwen, just completely stops cold at the idea that Merlin ''could'' have a secret. They just both look disturbed and sad for a moment before the plot moves on.
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* When Morgana says she 'Knows' to Merlin actually talking about his supposed feelings for Gwen he is genuinely heartbroken when he realizes what she is actually talking about, he thought she accepted him for his magic and is visibly saddened when he realizes that she wasn't. It is a subtle but strong reminder that constantly being Camelot he has to hide who he really is and has no one to talk to but Gaius.
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* Uther trying to carry the dying Arthur to the castle, then falling to his knees and breaking down over his son's unconscious body in season 1's "Le Morte D'Arthur".
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* In Season 1's Le Morte D'Arthur, Uther is trying to carry the dying Arthur to the castle, then falling when he falls to his knees and breaking breaks down over his son's unconscious body in season 1's "Le Morte D'Arthur".the middle of the courtyard.
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* Uther trying to carry his dying son's body to the castle, then breaking down too much to continue in season 1's "Le Morte D'Arthur".
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* Uther trying to carry his the dying son's body Arthur to the castle, then falling to his knees and breaking down too much to continue over his son's unconscious body in season 1's "Le Morte D'Arthur".
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* In the very first episode you've got Merlin asking Gaius [[IAmAMonster if he's a monster.]] It just goes to show how alone and ''scared'' he felt before he went to Camelot.
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* In the very first episode you've got Merlin asking Gaius [[IAmAMonster if he's a monster.monster because he was born with magic.]] It just goes to show how alone and ''scared'' he felt before he went to Camelot.
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* In the very first episode you've got Merlin asking Gaius [[IAmAMonster if he's a monster.]] It just goes to show how alone and ''scared'' he felt before he went to Camelot.
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* In "Sweet Dreams," Gwen slips Arthur a note telling him she'll wait for him at sunset. She cleans up her house, puts on a nice dress, lights a romantic candle, and spends ages waiting for him with a dreamy smile on her face. Since he's under a love potion, he doesn't come, and she eventually blows out the candle and goes to bed alone.
** Making it much worse is the next morning, when she hears that instead of being with her, Arthur was with another woman. And then, she has to lie to Morgana's face about it. Once she walks away, she then bumps into Arthur himself! '''Ow.'''
** Making it much worse is the next morning, when she hears that instead of being with her, Arthur was with another woman. And then, she has to lie to Morgana's face about it. Once she walks away, she then bumps into Arthur himself! '''Ow.'''
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** Just to rub it in? '''Arthur never gets to welcome magic in Camelot.''' He would've if he'd survived, and no doubt Gwen repealed the laws afterwards, but in a way, even after all of that, Merlin still didn't get what he'd fought for.
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* The entirety of Morgana's situation in "The Nightmare Begins". She's essentially got Gaius {{Gaslighting}} her because telling her about her magic would probably result in Uther executing her. So Morgana at first thinks she's going crazy, because that's preferable to having magic and therefore being in danger of execution or exile.
** Morgana's breakdown when Merlin gives her the remedy, and she apologies "it's normally Gwen that has to deal with me when I'm like this" - it can ring uncomfortably close to people who suffer from mental illness and are afraid of their friends seeing them on their bad days.
** Morgana's breakdown when Merlin gives her the remedy, and she apologies "it's normally Gwen that has to deal with me when I'm like this" - it can ring uncomfortably close to people who suffer from mental illness and are afraid of their friends seeing them on their bad days.
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* How does Morgana try and get the knights to swear loyalty to her when she takes the throne? Having guards fire crossbows into a crowd of civilians. Sir Leon lets out a heartbreaking BigNo when this happens. Uther is in his cell the whole time for this, and even ''he'' is appalled that Morgana would target innocents.
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* When Merlin reveals he won't be going to Camlann with Arthur, Arthur [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness quits the teasing]] and tells him that [[BeneathTheMask he's always thought Merlin was the bravest man he ever met, and he never really meant it when he called him a coward]]. One gets the feeling that, even if he didn't know the future, he still expects to die, and he's heartbroken that his loyal manservant won't be coming with him.
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* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A45MeIkZh1c When Merlin reveals he won't be going to Camlann with Arthur, Arthur]], Arthur [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness quits the teasing]] and tells him that [[BeneathTheMask he's always thought Merlin was the bravest man he ever met, and he never really meant it when he called him a coward]]. One gets the feeling that, even if he didn't know the future, he still expects to die, and he's heartbroken dejected that his loyal manservant won't be coming with him, not to mention the [[BlatantLies flimsy excuse]] Merlin gives to not accompany him.
** Merlin is also visibly distraught on the prospect of leaving Arthur behind, but he has to go because he's in no condition to fully help Arthur because he needs to reclaim his lost power yet he can't tell him anything about it. It's very painful to see Merlin's heartbroken face when Arthur gives him the big compliment above only to show his disappointment right away toward him.
** Merlin is also visibly distraught on the prospect of leaving Arthur behind, but he has to go because he's in no condition to fully help Arthur because he needs to reclaim his lost power yet he can't tell him anything about it. It's very painful to see Merlin's heartbroken face when Arthur gives him the big compliment above only to show his disappointment right away toward him.
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* "The Fires of Idirsholas" - Morgana's reaction when she realises that Merlin has poisoned her. At first she looks at him and her face is almost begging him to say he didn't know. Then he sadly nods, confirming that he betrayed her. When Morgause discovers this, she says "you ''poisoned'' her?", suggesting [[EvenEvilHasStandards even she thinks this is a low move]].
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Removing This Troper.
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** Then at the end, where we see Gwen after Arthur has banished her. She is all alone, packing her stuff and lugging the cart away from her home. None of the knights she has befriended over the years, not even her own brother, has come to help or comfort her; only Merlin is there to see her off. It gives you the feeling that all of Camelot has shunned and abandoned her. Poor Gwen, this troper just wanted to give her a hug and cookies.
to:
** Then at the end, where we see Gwen after Arthur has banished her. She is all alone, packing her stuff and lugging the cart away from her home. None of the knights she has befriended over the years, not even her own brother, has come to help or comfort her; only Merlin is there to see her off. It gives you the feeling that all of Camelot has shunned and abandoned her. Poor Gwen, this troper just wanted to give her a hug and cookies.
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* In ''A Lesson in Vengeance'', Merlin's despair when Arthur doesn't respond to his healing spell. Yeah, Arthur does get better a moment later since his spell did work, but seeing Merlin in an absolute blubbering wreck just made this troper want to give him a hug.
* This line in ''The Hollow Queen'' really got to this troper, especially how unemotionally he says it. He's talking about his ''best friend'' here, and he cares about him deeply, but he's long accepted the fact that Arthur can never know as a fact of life.
* This line in ''The Hollow Queen'' really got to this troper, especially how unemotionally he says it. He's talking about his ''best friend'' here, and he cares about him deeply, but he's long accepted the fact that Arthur can never know as a fact of life.
to:
* In ''A Lesson in Vengeance'', Merlin's despair when Arthur doesn't respond to his healing spell. Yeah, spell, even though Arthur does get better a moment later since his spell did work, but seeing Merlin in an absolute blubbering wreck just made this troper want to give him a hug.
work.
* This line in ''The HollowQueen'' really got to this troper, Queen'', especially how unemotionally he says it. He's talking about his ''best friend'' here, and he cares about him deeply, but he's long accepted the fact that Arthur can never know as a fact of life.
* This line in ''The Hollow
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** Aithusa. Just... Aithusa. God''dammit'' show god fucking ''dammit'' stop ''torturing'' her!!! *cue ghastly horrible sobbing*
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!'''''All'' spoilers on this page are left unmarked. Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned!'''
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* Uther [[spoiler:trying to carry his dying son's body to the castle, then breaking down too much to continue]] in season 1's "Le Morte D'Arthur". Even if you dislike Uther, that was so ''sad''.
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* Uther [[spoiler:trying trying to carry his dying son's body to the castle, then breaking down too much to continue]] continue in season 1's "Le Morte D'Arthur". Even if you dislike Uther, that was so ''sad''.D'Arthur".
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* Freya. Specifically, almost the entire episode of "The Lady of the Lake". This troper couldn't stop bawling at [[spoiler: Freya's death and the scene where Merlin pushes the boat out to the lake and sets it on fire]]. The worst part is that Merlin initially gets too choked up to speak the words required to set the boat on fire. He has to drop his hand, take a shaky breath, and start again. *sob*
* They're building up his recovering the sword to be a major TearJerker. Just the 2 second preview of Merlin at the lake and Freya's hand appearing had me choking up. We will all need tissues for 3x13.
* They're building up his recovering the sword to be a major TearJerker. Just the 2 second preview of Merlin at the lake and Freya's hand appearing had me choking up. We will all need tissues for 3x13.
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* Freya. Specifically, almost Almost the entire episode of "The Lady of the Lake". This troper couldn't stop bawling at [[spoiler: Lake", which features Freya's death and the scene where Merlin pushes the boat out to the lake and sets it on fire]].fire. The worst part is that Merlin initially gets too choked up to speak the words required to set the boat on fire. He has to drop his hand, take a shaky breath, and start again. *sob*\n* They're building up his recovering the sword to be a major TearJerker. Just the 2 second preview of Merlin at the lake and Freya's hand appearing had me choking up. We will all need tissues for 3x13.
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* The death of [[spoiler: Balinor]]. He [[spoiler:[[DiedInYourArmsTonight dies in Merlin's arms]], the morning right after they finally find each other]]. It's made even worse when Arthur comes up behind them. You see Merlin realize he's there, then frantically wipe his face and try to hide just how devastated he is, because he can't let Arthur find out that [[spoiler:Balinor was his father]].
** And later, when [[spoiler: Arthur announces that the last dragon lord is dead, Gaius glances at Merlin to see if he's okay... and the look on Merlin's face is heartbreaking.]]
* [[spoiler: Merlin's best friend, Will's]] death. His last words: "Merlin. Merlin I'm scared... Merlin"
* The death of [[spoiler: Gwen's father]] in series one. If [[spoiler: Gwen crying over his body won't get you, nothing will.]]
* In ''The Witchfinder'' - [[spoiler: Merlin coming home to Gaius's chambers after they've been ransacked by the guards, and his feeble attempts at tidying up.]]
* In season 3, [[spoiler: when Morgana finds out that Uther is her father, she looked fully prepared to pull a HeelFaceTurn.]] The look of pure devastation on her face when he doesn't acknowledge her is heartbreaking.
** And later, when [[spoiler: Arthur announces that the last dragon lord is dead, Gaius glances at Merlin to see if he's okay... and the look on Merlin's face is heartbreaking.]]
* [[spoiler: Merlin's best friend, Will's]] death. His last words: "Merlin. Merlin I'm scared... Merlin"
* The death of [[spoiler: Gwen's father]] in series one. If [[spoiler: Gwen crying over his body won't get you, nothing will.]]
* In ''The Witchfinder'' - [[spoiler: Merlin coming home to Gaius's chambers after they've been ransacked by the guards, and his feeble attempts at tidying up.]]
* In season 3, [[spoiler: when Morgana finds out that Uther is her father, she looked fully prepared to pull a HeelFaceTurn.]] The look of pure devastation on her face when he doesn't acknowledge her is heartbreaking.
to:
* The death of [[spoiler: Balinor]]. Balinor. He [[spoiler:[[DiedInYourArmsTonight [[DiedInYourArmsTonight dies in Merlin's arms]], the morning right after they finally find each other]].other. It's made even worse when Arthur comes up behind them. You see Merlin realize he's there, then frantically wipe his face and try to hide just how devastated he is, because he can't let Arthur find out that [[spoiler:Balinor Balinor was his father]].
father.
** And later, when[[spoiler: Arthur announces that the last dragon lord is dead, Gaius glances at Merlin to see if he's okay... and the look on Merlin's face is heartbreaking.]]
heartbreaking.
*[[spoiler: The death of Merlin's best friend, Will's]] death.Will. His last words: "Merlin. Merlin I'm scared... Merlin"
* The death of[[spoiler: Gwen's father]] father in series one. If [[spoiler: one, with Gwen crying over his body won't get you, nothing will.]]
body.
* In ''The Witchfinder'' -[[spoiler: Merlin coming home to Gaius's chambers after they've been ransacked by the guards, and his feeble attempts at tidying up.]]
up.
* In season 3,[[spoiler: when Morgana finds out that Uther is her father, she looked looks fully prepared to pull a HeelFaceTurn.]] HeelFaceTurn. The look of pure devastation on her face when he doesn't acknowledge her is heartbreaking.
** And later, when
*
* The death of
* In ''The Witchfinder'' -
* In season 3,
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* When Arthur and Gwen share what they think might be their LastKiss in 3X13. ''Their faces''. Oh, and Lancelot's reaction to it. ''Ouch.''
* Arthur saying goodbye to his despairing father before he leaves for the Isle of the Blessed in 4x01, [[spoiler:when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself to fix the veil]].
* Arthur saying goodbye to his despairing father before he leaves for the Isle of the Blessed in 4x01, [[spoiler:when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself to fix the veil]].
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* When Arthur and Gwen share what they think might be their LastKiss in 3X13. ''Their faces''. Oh, and Lancelot's reaction to it. ''Ouch.''
it.
* Arthur saying goodbye to his despairing father before he leaves for the Isle of the Blessed in 4x01,[[spoiler:when when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself to fix the veil]].veil.
* Arthur saying goodbye to his despairing father before he leaves for the Isle of the Blessed in 4x01,
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** Also, Merlin saying goodbye to Gaius in the same episode, [[spoiler:when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself in Arthur's place]].
** Arthurs reaction to [[spoiler: Merlin's frozen body]] at the end of the episode.
** Arthurs reaction to [[spoiler: Merlin's frozen body]] at the end of the episode.
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** Also, Merlin saying goodbye to Gaius in the same episode, [[spoiler:when when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself in Arthur's place]].
place.
**Arthurs Arthur's reaction to [[spoiler: Merlin's frozen body]] body at the end of the episode.
**
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* [[spoiler:Lancelot's HeroicSacrifice]] was bad enough by itself... until you realize that [[spoiler:Merlin has just lost one of the two people who knows his secret, one of the two people he doesn't have to hide from]]. Add to that [[spoiler:Gwen crying at his funeral]], and... damn.
* Lancelot and Merlin's discussion about Gwen in the hunting cottage, and how Lancelot all but admits that he's still in love with her. Consider that Lancelot is Merlin's SecretKeeper - but Merlin is also ''Lancelot's'', and lets him take [[spoiler:his UnrequitedLove to the grave (or spirit world)]].
* Lancelot and Merlin's discussion about Gwen in the hunting cottage, and how Lancelot all but admits that he's still in love with her. Consider that Lancelot is Merlin's SecretKeeper - but Merlin is also ''Lancelot's'', and lets him take [[spoiler:his UnrequitedLove to the grave (or spirit world)]].
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* [[spoiler:Lancelot's HeroicSacrifice]] Lancelot's HeroicSacrifice was bad enough by itself... until you realize that [[spoiler:Merlin Merlin has just lost one of the two people who knows his secret, one of the two people he doesn't have to hide from]]. from. Add to that [[spoiler:Gwen Gwen crying at his funeral]], funeral, and... damn.
* Lancelot and Merlin's discussion about Gwen in the hunting cottage, and how Lancelot all but admits that he's still in love with her. Consider that Lancelot is Merlin's SecretKeeper - but Merlin is also ''Lancelot's'', and lets him take[[spoiler:his his UnrequitedLove to the grave (or spirit world)]].world).
* Lancelot and Merlin's discussion about Gwen in the hunting cottage, and how Lancelot all but admits that he's still in love with her. Consider that Lancelot is Merlin's SecretKeeper - but Merlin is also ''Lancelot's'', and lets him take
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* The ending of 4x03. You ''know'' it will all go to crap but there's still this stupid HopeSpot... [[spoiler: and then Merlin's healing spell ends up killing Uther.]] The look on Merlin's face and Arthur's reaction...argh. Made all the more worse by the fact that Arthur acknowledges Merlin as a friend at the end of it.
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* The ending of 4x03. You ''know'' it will all go to crap but there's still this stupid HopeSpot... [[spoiler: and then Merlin's healing spell ends up killing Uther.]] Uther. The look on Merlin's face and Arthur's reaction...argh. Made all the more worse by the fact that Arthur acknowledges Merlin as a friend at the end of it.
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* Morgana's reaction to [[spoiler: finally succeeding in having Uther killed. No joy or sense of triumph, just a baffled sense of loss and numb despair.]]
* When Gwen enters Gaius' quarters in 4x07 after [[spoiler: he's been kidnapped, Merlin turns to the door with a hopeful look. However, when he sees it's not Gaius, his face heartbreakingly falls.]]
* In 4x09, Merlin [[spoiler:burying Lancelot ''again'']]. Was that ''really'' necessary?
* When Gwen enters Gaius' quarters in 4x07 after [[spoiler: he's been kidnapped, Merlin turns to the door with a hopeful look. However, when he sees it's not Gaius, his face heartbreakingly falls.]]
* In 4x09, Merlin [[spoiler:burying Lancelot ''again'']]. Was that ''really'' necessary?
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* Morgana's reaction to [[spoiler: finally succeeding in having Uther killed. No joy or sense of triumph, just a baffled sense of loss and numb despair.]]
despair.
* When Gwen enters Gaius' quarters in 4x07 after[[spoiler: he's been kidnapped, Merlin turns to the door with a hopeful look. However, when he sees it's not Gaius, his face heartbreakingly falls.]]
falls.
* In 4x09, Merlin[[spoiler:burying burying Lancelot ''again'']].''again''. Was that ''really'' necessary?
* When Gwen enters Gaius' quarters in 4x07 after
* In 4x09, Merlin
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** 4x09 was just one big TearJerker, starting from the moment Arthur walks in on Gwen and Lancelot in the throne room, especially [[spoiler: during their duel, Arthur is about to deliver the killing blow to Lancelot and Gwen throws herself between them and begs Arthur to stop. Its bad enough for Arthur having to watch the love of his life in an act of betrayal but then to have her plead on behalf of the man she was cheating on him with...the look on his face is just pure confusion and devastation.]]
to:
** 4x09 was just one big TearJerker, starting from the moment Arthur walks in on Gwen and Lancelot in the throne room, especially [[spoiler: during their duel, Arthur is about to deliver the killing blow to Lancelot and Gwen throws herself between them and begs Arthur to stop. Its bad enough for Arthur having to watch the love of his life in an act of betrayal but then to have her plead on behalf of the man she was cheating on him with...the look on his face is just pure confusion and devastation.]]
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** Then at the end, where we see Gwen [[spoiler: after Arthur has banished her. She is all alone, packing her stuff and lugging the cart away from her home. None of the knights she has befriended over the years, not even her own brother, has come to help or comfort her; only Merlin is there to see her off. It gives you the feeling that all of Camelot has shunned and abandoned her]]. Poor Gwen, this troper just wanted to give her a hug and cookies.
to:
** Then at the end, where we see Gwen [[spoiler: after Arthur has banished her. She is all alone, packing her stuff and lugging the cart away from her home. None of the knights she has befriended over the years, not even her own brother, has come to help or comfort her; only Merlin is there to see her off. It gives you the feeling that all of Camelot has shunned and abandoned her]].her. Poor Gwen, this troper just wanted to give her a hug and cookies.
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* [[spoiler: Isolde]]'s death in ''The Sword In The Stone Part II''. You only know them for a short while, but [[spoiler: Tristan]] crying over her body is just devastating. It's so heartbreaking that [[spoiler: Arthur marries Guinevere after this, realizing that if anything happened to her, he'd be completely broken]].
* In A Servant of Two Masters, Arthur ignores advice from everyone to stop [[spoiler: searching for Merlin]] and he completely ignores them, and stays completely loyal to who is essentially, his closest friend.
* In A Servant of Two Masters, Arthur ignores advice from everyone to stop [[spoiler: searching for Merlin]] and he completely ignores them, and stays completely loyal to who is essentially, his closest friend.
to:
* [[spoiler: Isolde]]'s Isolde's death in ''The Sword In The Stone Part II''. You only know them for a short while, but [[spoiler: Tristan]] Tristan crying over her body is just devastating. It's so heartbreaking that [[spoiler: Arthur marries Guinevere after this, realizing that if anything happened to her, he'd be completely broken]].
broken.
* In A Servant of Two Masters, Arthur ignores advice from everyone to stop[[spoiler: searching for Merlin]] Merlin and he completely ignores them, and stays completely loyal to who is essentially, his closest friend.
* In A Servant of Two Masters, Arthur ignores advice from everyone to stop
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* [[spoiler: Elyan's]] death in ''The Dark Tower''. If it's not a gut-puncher enough, you realize that [[spoiler: Gwen is incapable of properly mourning him due to being enchanted by Morgana]]. Her entire family is dead, and because of Morgana's own petty vendetta she's unable to care.
* Gwen's entire storyline in ''The Dark Tower''. Morgana puts her through intense psychological torture driving her near to insanity, made worse by Angel Coulby's brilliant acting, and then acts loving and kind to her to manipulate Gwen into trusting only her. The end result: [[spoiler: Gwen becomes her puppet.]] Congratulations, writers, you just made Gwen usurp Merlin as the show's official Woobie.
* Gwen's entire storyline in ''The Dark Tower''. Morgana puts her through intense psychological torture driving her near to insanity, made worse by Angel Coulby's brilliant acting, and then acts loving and kind to her to manipulate Gwen into trusting only her. The end result: [[spoiler: Gwen becomes her puppet.]] Congratulations, writers, you just made Gwen usurp Merlin as the show's official Woobie.
to:
* [[spoiler: Elyan's]] Elyan's death in ''The Dark Tower''. If it's not a gut-puncher enough, you realize that [[spoiler: Gwen is incapable of properly mourning him due to being enchanted by Morgana]].Morgana. Her entire family is dead, and because of Morgana's own petty vendetta she's unable to care.
* Gwen's entire storyline in ''The Dark Tower''. Morgana puts her through intense psychological torture driving her near to insanity, made worse by Angel Coulby's brilliant acting, and then acts loving and kind to her to manipulate Gwen into trusting only her. The end result:[[spoiler: Gwen becomes her puppet.]] puppet. Congratulations, writers, you just made Gwen usurp Merlin as the show's official Woobie.
* Gwen's entire storyline in ''The Dark Tower''. Morgana puts her through intense psychological torture driving her near to insanity, made worse by Angel Coulby's brilliant acting, and then acts loving and kind to her to manipulate Gwen into trusting only her. The end result:
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* In ''A Lesson in Vengeance'', Merlin's despair when Arthur doesn't respond to his healing spell. [[spoiler: Yeah, Arthur does get better a moment later since his spell did work but,]] seeing Merlin in an absolute blubbering wreck just made this troper want to give him a hug.
to:
* In ''A Lesson in Vengeance'', Merlin's despair when Arthur doesn't respond to his healing spell. [[spoiler: Yeah, Arthur does get better a moment later since his spell did work but,]] work, but seeing Merlin in an absolute blubbering wreck just made this troper want to give him a hug.
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* [[spoiler: Every single one of the deaths in the Kindness of Strangers. Alator never breaks under torture and is DefiantToTheEnd, Finna stabs herself right in front of Morgana so that she cannot gain the information she wants, and the Great Dragon reveals that this will most likely be the last time Merlin sees him, as he is dying from old age.]]
** [[spoiler: The Dragon's is particularly gut-wrenching, as he acts so casually about it. He knows that he's dying, and he's completely okay with it.]]
--> [[spoiler: '''Dragon''': It is the cycle of life. Nothing more, nothing less.]]
* [[spoiler: Mordred]] begging the knights to let him and Kara go, one by one. He's grasping at straws and he's completely alone, and all they can do is look sad and guilty as they turn him down.
* When Merlin reveals [[spoiler: he won't be going to Camlann with Arthur]], Arthur [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness quits the teasing]] and tells him that [[BeneathTheMask he's always thought Merlin was the bravest man he ever met, and he never really meant it when he called him a coward]]. One gets the feeling that, even if he didn't know the future, he still expects to die, and he's heartbroken that his loyal manservant won't be coming with him.
** [[spoiler: The Dragon's is particularly gut-wrenching, as he acts so casually about it. He knows that he's dying, and he's completely okay with it.]]
--> [[spoiler: '''Dragon''': It is the cycle of life. Nothing more, nothing less.]]
* [[spoiler: Mordred]] begging the knights to let him and Kara go, one by one. He's grasping at straws and he's completely alone, and all they can do is look sad and guilty as they turn him down.
* When Merlin reveals [[spoiler: he won't be going to Camlann with Arthur]], Arthur [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness quits the teasing]] and tells him that [[BeneathTheMask he's always thought Merlin was the bravest man he ever met, and he never really meant it when he called him a coward]]. One gets the feeling that, even if he didn't know the future, he still expects to die, and he's heartbroken that his loyal manservant won't be coming with him.
to:
* [[spoiler: Every single one of the deaths in the Kindness of Strangers. Alator never breaks under torture and is DefiantToTheEnd, Finna stabs herself right in front of Morgana so that she cannot gain the information she wants, and the Great Dragon reveals that this will most likely be the last time Merlin sees him, as he is dying from old age.]]
age.
**[[spoiler: The Dragon's is particularly gut-wrenching, as he acts so casually about it. He knows that he's dying, and he's completely okay with it.]]
--> [[spoiler: '''Dragon''':it.
-->'''Dragon''': It is the cycle of life. Nothing more, nothingless.]]
less.
*[[spoiler: Mordred]] Mordred begging the knights to let him and Kara go, one by one. He's grasping at straws and he's completely alone, and all they can do is look sad and guilty as they turn him down.
* When Merlin reveals[[spoiler: he won't be going to Camlann with Arthur]], Arthur, Arthur [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness quits the teasing]] and tells him that [[BeneathTheMask he's always thought Merlin was the bravest man he ever met, and he never really meant it when he called him a coward]]. One gets the feeling that, even if he didn't know the future, he still expects to die, and he's heartbroken that his loyal manservant won't be coming with him.
**
--> [[spoiler: '''Dragon''':
-->'''Dragon''': It is the cycle of life. Nothing more, nothing
*
* When Merlin reveals
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* Everything about The Diamond of the Day Part 2. You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until the episode ends. Special mentions to [[spoiler:Arthur dying in Merlin's arms and Gwaine dying in Percival's]].
* You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until... well, if the comments by fans on Website/YouTube are anything to go by, you will keep sobbing more than a year since the last episode aired. No one wanted [[spoiler:Arthur to die]].
* You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until... well, if the comments by fans on Website/YouTube are anything to go by, you will keep sobbing more than a year since the last episode aired. No one wanted [[spoiler:Arthur to die]].
to:
* Everything about The Diamond of the Day Part 2. You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur Arthur is wounded]] wounded and you don't stop until the episode ends. Special mentions to [[spoiler:Arthur Arthur dying in Merlin's arms and Gwaine dying in Percival's]].
Percival's.
* You start sobbing when[[spoiler:Arthur Arthur is wounded]] wounded and you don't stop until... well, if the comments by fans on Website/YouTube are anything to go by, you will keep sobbing more than a year since the last episode aired. No one wanted [[spoiler:Arthur Arthur to die]].die.
* You start sobbing when
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** Just how it plays out rips you apart. Merlin is trying so desperately to get Arthur to Avalon where he can be healed. He's ''literally'' dragging him. And Arthur knows he's not going to last long enough and spends his last moments comforting Merlin.
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* Arthur's {{Heroic BSOD}} after learning the truth about his birth.
to:
* Arthur's {{Heroic BSOD}} HeroicBSOD after learning the truth about his birth.
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* You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until... well, if the comments by fans on YouTube are anything to go by, you will keep sobbing more than a year since the last episode aired. No one wanted [[spoiler:Arthur to die]].
to:
* You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until... well, if the comments by fans on YouTube Website/YouTube are anything to go by, you will keep sobbing more than a year since the last episode aired. No one wanted [[spoiler:Arthur to die]].
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* In ''The Witchfinder'' - [[spoiler: Merlin coming home to Gaiu's chambers after they've been ransacked by the guards, and his feeble attempts at tidying up.]]
to:
* In ''The Witchfinder'' - [[spoiler: Merlin coming home to Gaiu's Gaius's chambers after they've been ransacked by the guards, and his feeble attempts at tidying up.]]
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* Morgana sacrificing Morgause to open the veil. This is the only person that she cares about, the only person that she feels loved, loves her for who she is, and she is being talked into killing her so she can have back her birthright. Morgause's willingness to die so her sister can have her birthright and bring magic back is very hearbreaking. It shows for what people may think of them (evil) they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring magic back. It's like a dark verson of the sacrifices the are willing to do for Camelot; both sides are very committed to their cause.
to:
* Morgana sacrificing Morgause to open the veil. This is the only person that she cares about, the only person that she feels loved, loves her for who she is, and she is being talked into killing her so she can have back her birthright. Morgause's willingness to die so her sister can have her birthright and bring magic back is very hearbreaking.heartbreaking. It shows for what people may think of them (evil) they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring magic back. It's like a dark verson version of the sacrifices the heroes are willing to do for Camelot; both sides are very committed to their cause.
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* In A Servant of Two Masters, Arthur ignores advice from everyone to stop [[spoiler: searching for Merlin]] and he completley ignores them, and stays completely loyal to who is essentially, his closest friend.
to:
* In A Servant of Two Masters, Arthur ignores advice from everyone to stop [[spoiler: searching for Merlin]] and he completley completely ignores them, and stays completely loyal to who is essentially, his closest friend.
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* Uther [[spoiler:trying to carry his dying son's body to the castle, then breaking down too much to continue]] in season 1's "Le Morte D'Arthur". Even if you dislike Uther, that was so ''sad''.
* When Merlin realizes the Dragon betrayed him. He's incredibly upset and angry at the same time. He thought the Dragon was a friend, whom he could trust.
* Merlin is about to offer up his life in exchange for his mother's, leading him to say goodbyes to his loved ones without them knowing it: telling his mother not to worry about him, Gwen that she has a good heart, and Arthur that he's happy to be his servant till the day he dies.
* Gaius's goodbye letter to Merlin, telling him that he's going in his place.
* Freya. Specifically, almost the entire episode of "The Lady of the Lake". This troper couldn't stop bawling at [[spoiler: Freya's death and the scene where Merlin pushes the boat out to the lake and sets it on fire]]. The worst part is that Merlin initially gets too choked up to speak the words required to set the boat on fire. He has to drop his hand, take a shaky breath, and start again. *sob*
* They're building up his recovering the sword to be a major TearJerker. Just the 2 second preview of Merlin at the lake and Freya's hand appearing had me choking up. We will all need tissues for 3x13.
* The fact that Merlin ''cries'' when he kisses Freya for the first time. So, in a way, an in-universe example as well.
* Arthur's {{Heroic BSOD}} after learning the truth about his birth.
* Merlin stopping Arthur from killing Uther by convincing him that magic is evil and Morgause was lying, after hearing Arthur acknowledge, for the first time ever, the suffering that Uther has caused. The way his voice breaks...
* The death of [[spoiler: Balinor]]. He [[spoiler:[[DiedInYourArmsTonight dies in Merlin's arms]], the morning right after they finally find each other]]. It's made even worse when Arthur comes up behind them. You see Merlin realize he's there, then frantically wipe his face and try to hide just how devastated he is, because he can't let Arthur find out that [[spoiler:Balinor was his father]].
** And later, when [[spoiler: Arthur announces that the last dragon lord is dead, Gaius glances at Merlin to see if he's okay... and the look on Merlin's face is heartbreaking.]]
* [[spoiler: Merlin's best friend, Will's]] death. His last words: "Merlin. Merlin I'm scared... Merlin"
* The death of [[spoiler: Gwen's father]] in series one. If [[spoiler: Gwen crying over his body won't get you, nothing will.]]
* In ''The Witchfinder'' - [[spoiler: Merlin coming home to Gaiu's chambers after they've been ransacked by the guards, and his feeble attempts at tidying up.]]
* In season 3, [[spoiler: when Morgana finds out that Uther is her father, she looked fully prepared to pull a HeelFaceTurn.]] The look of pure devastation on her face when he doesn't acknowledge her is heartbreaking.
* In ''Queen of Hearts'' Gwen is sentenced to be burnt at the stake, but Arthur manages to lunge forward and give her one last desperate kiss before she's hauled away.
* When Arthur and Gwen share what they think might be their LastKiss in 3X13. ''Their faces''. Oh, and Lancelot's reaction to it. ''Ouch.''
* Arthur saying goodbye to his despairing father before he leaves for the Isle of the Blessed in 4x01, [[spoiler:when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself to fix the veil]].
-->'''Uther:''' Don't leave me.
-->'''Arthur:''' I have to, Father.
-->'''Uther:''' ''Please''.
** Also, Merlin saying goodbye to Gaius in the same episode, [[spoiler:when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself in Arthur's place]].
** Arthurs reaction to [[spoiler: Merlin's frozen body]] at the end of the episode.
** And at the start of the next episode when Lancelot is leaving with Merlin, you can see Arthur trying not to break down and cry as he watches them go.
* [[spoiler:Lancelot's HeroicSacrifice]] was bad enough by itself... until you realize that [[spoiler:Merlin has just lost one of the two people who knows his secret, one of the two people he doesn't have to hide from]]. Add to that [[spoiler:Gwen crying at his funeral]], and... damn.
* Lancelot and Merlin's discussion about Gwen in the hunting cottage, and how Lancelot all but admits that he's still in love with her. Consider that Lancelot is Merlin's SecretKeeper - but Merlin is also ''Lancelot's'', and lets him take [[spoiler:his UnrequitedLove to the grave (or spirit world)]].
* Morgana sacrificing Morgause to open the veil. This is the only person that she cares about, the only person that she feels loved, loves her for who she is, and she is being talked into killing her so she can have back her birthright. Morgause's willingness to die so her sister can have her birthright and bring magic back is very hearbreaking. It shows for what people may think of them (evil) they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring magic back. It's like a dark verson of the sacrifices the are willing to do for Camelot; both sides are very committed to their cause.
** Also, the look on Morgana's face when she is told of Emrys. She looks so scared, in over her head - not forgetting that she has just lost her sister, and is being told, in a way, that it will all in the end come to nothing as there is someone out there that will always get in her way.
** The thought that she had to return to an empty hut, all alone and knowing all that, taking into account all that she has been through already is a TearJerker in itself.
* The ending of 4x03. You ''know'' it will all go to crap but there's still this stupid HopeSpot... [[spoiler: and then Merlin's healing spell ends up killing Uther.]] The look on Merlin's face and Arthur's reaction...argh. Made all the more worse by the fact that Arthur acknowledges Merlin as a friend at the end of it.
---> '''Merlin''': This wasn't supposed to happen.
* Morgana's reaction to [[spoiler: finally succeeding in having Uther killed. No joy or sense of triumph, just a baffled sense of loss and numb despair.]]
* When Gwen enters Gaius' quarters in 4x07 after [[spoiler: he's been kidnapped, Merlin turns to the door with a hopeful look. However, when he sees it's not Gaius, his face heartbreakingly falls.]]
* In 4x09, Merlin [[spoiler:burying Lancelot ''again'']]. Was that ''really'' necessary?
** Even more... ''it looks like it's Freya's lake.''
** 4x09 was just one big TearJerker, starting from the moment Arthur walks in on Gwen and Lancelot in the throne room, especially [[spoiler: during their duel, Arthur is about to deliver the killing blow to Lancelot and Gwen throws herself between them and begs Arthur to stop. Its bad enough for Arthur having to watch the love of his life in an act of betrayal but then to have her plead on behalf of the man she was cheating on him with...the look on his face is just pure confusion and devastation.]]
** And the entire scene where Arthur is confronting Gwen and she's trying in vain to explain herself and Arthur is just so desperate to know ''why'' she did it. The fact that that they both are in so much pain and that Gwen is a hysterical wreck and still proclaiming her love for Arthur...it is ''heartwrenching''.
-->'''Gwen''': I have waited for you all these years.\\
'''Arthur''': All you had to do was wait one more day.
** Then at the end, where we see Gwen [[spoiler: after Arthur has banished her. She is all alone, packing her stuff and lugging the cart away from her home. None of the knights she has befriended over the years, not even her own brother, has come to help or comfort her; only Merlin is there to see her off. It gives you the feeling that all of Camelot has shunned and abandoned her]]. Poor Gwen, this troper just wanted to give her a hug and cookies.
** The worst part is that Gwen doesn't even ''know'' she was enchanted. As far as she's concerned, she's betrayed not only Arthur and Camelot, but herself as well. She violated her own moral standards and has no way of understanding why.
-->'''Gwen''': I was drawn to him, I couldn't stop myself; I don't know '''why'''!
** Somehow made even worse by ''The Hunter's Heart''. "I have what I deserve." Screw WellIntentionedExtremist... Morgana is a bitch.
** Morgana's complete defilement of everything Lancelot stood for: his reputation as a man of honour, his unselfish love for Guinevere, his respect for Arthur, and even his role as SecretKeeper to Merlin...all twisted against him for her own petty vendetta.
* The ending of ''The Herald of a New Age'', and seeing the normally strong and stoic Arthur on his knees, face in tears as he sincerely apologises to the spirit of the druid boy for the massacre he led.
* Merlin and Guinevere's reunion in the forest after months of separation. They're just so ''happy'' to see each other again, and you can tell how much they've missed each other.
* [[spoiler: Isolde]]'s death in ''The Sword In The Stone Part II''. You only know them for a short while, but [[spoiler: Tristan]] crying over her body is just devastating. It's so heartbreaking that [[spoiler: Arthur marries Guinevere after this, realizing that if anything happened to her, he'd be completely broken]].
* In A Servant of Two Masters, Arthur ignores advice from everyone to stop [[spoiler: searching for Merlin]] and he completley ignores them, and stays completely loyal to who is essentially, his closest friend.
* The moment late on in the show's run when Arthur consults Merlin for his opinion on magic. Merlin struggles for ''some minutes'' to get a single word out, and it's clear how much he wants to speak his mind. But then he can only manage a single sentence:
--> '''Merlin''': Magic can have no place in Camelot.
* Morgana at the end of ''Arthur's Bane''. Everyone she ever cared about, trusted has stabbed her in the back, passed her away, ignored her or is dead. She's all alone except for Aithusa.
* Aithusa. Just look at her. She's sick, malnourished, and can't even talk or fly. She's so messed up that she attacks Merlin blindly and has to be talked down like a wild animal, and she's spent at least part of the last two years chained in the bottom of a well.
* Ruadan's death scene. For a OneShotCharacter he managed to pack quite a punch, and his final moments with his daughter - having deemed her life more important than the cause - were genuinely heart-breaking, as was Sefa's loss.
* Arthur slowly losing his respect for Uther over the course of ''The Death Song of Uther Pendragon''. Arthur usually jumps straight to HeroicBSOD, so seeing him slowly walk through the FiveStagesOfGrief is almost painful to watch.
* Merlin giving up a prime chance for magic to return to Camelot in order to save Arthur. Made worse by the fact that he's clearly fighting back tears. And then it's revealed that it was all for nothing, Mordred lived regardless. Give the man a hug and ''never let him go.''
* [[spoiler: Elyan's]] death in ''The Dark Tower''. If it's not a gut-puncher enough, you realize that [[spoiler: Gwen is incapable of properly mourning him due to being enchanted by Morgana]]. Her entire family is dead, and because of Morgana's own petty vendetta she's unable to care.
* Gwen's entire storyline in ''The Dark Tower''. Morgana puts her through intense psychological torture driving her near to insanity, made worse by Angel Coulby's brilliant acting, and then acts loving and kind to her to manipulate Gwen into trusting only her. The end result: [[spoiler: Gwen becomes her puppet.]] Congratulations, writers, you just made Gwen usurp Merlin as the show's official Woobie.
** To top it off, they left ambiguous how long it took them to get to the Tower. This could have been going on for days.
* In ''A Lesson in Vengeance'', Merlin's despair when Arthur doesn't respond to his healing spell. [[spoiler: Yeah, Arthur does get better a moment later since his spell did work but,]] seeing Merlin in an absolute blubbering wreck just made this troper want to give him a hug.
* This line in ''The Hollow Queen'' really got to this troper, especially how unemotionally he says it. He's talking about his ''best friend'' here, and he cares about him deeply, but he's long accepted the fact that Arthur can never know as a fact of life.
--> '''Merlin''': If he ever found out he'd probably hang me.
** Aithusa. Just... Aithusa. God''dammit'' show god fucking ''dammit'' stop ''torturing'' her!!! *cue ghastly horrible sobbing*
* [[spoiler: Every single one of the deaths in the Kindness of Strangers. Alator never breaks under torture and is DefiantToTheEnd, Finna stabs herself right in front of Morgana so that she cannot gain the information she wants, and the Great Dragon reveals that this will most likely be the last time Merlin sees him, as he is dying from old age.]]
** [[spoiler: The Dragon's is particularly gut-wrenching, as he acts so casually about it. He knows that he's dying, and he's completely okay with it.]]
--> [[spoiler: '''Dragon''': It is the cycle of life. Nothing more, nothing less.]]
* [[spoiler: Mordred]] begging the knights to let him and Kara go, one by one. He's grasping at straws and he's completely alone, and all they can do is look sad and guilty as they turn him down.
* When Merlin reveals [[spoiler: he won't be going to Camlann with Arthur]], Arthur [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness quits the teasing]] and tells him that [[BeneathTheMask he's always thought Merlin was the bravest man he ever met, and he never really meant it when he called him a coward]]. One gets the feeling that, even if he didn't know the future, he still expects to die, and he's heartbroken that his loyal manservant won't be coming with him.
** Everyone, from Gwen to the knights, seems to know they won't be coming out of this battle alive. Gwen even says that she's going with Arthur so she won't have to wait for news of his death.
** Merlin's anguish when he gets trapped and unable to warn Arthur. He's trying to hard to remove the stones, and finally breaks and screams in frustration and sorrow. For our resident IronWoobie, seeing him finally collapse was heart-breaking.
* Everything about The Diamond of the Day Part 2. You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until the episode ends. Special mentions to [[spoiler:Arthur dying in Merlin's arms and Gwaine dying in Percival's]].
* You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until... well, if the comments by fans on YouTube are anything to go by, you will keep sobbing more than a year since the last episode aired. No one wanted [[spoiler:Arthur to die]].
** Morgana's death also deserves a mention, Merlin says he blames himself for how she turned out.
** The last scene is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, because a thousand years after Arthur's death, [[UndyingLoyalty Merlin is still waiting for his return]]. They'd come so far from the kids in the pilot that didn't even like each other.
----
* When Merlin realizes the Dragon betrayed him. He's incredibly upset and angry at the same time. He thought the Dragon was a friend, whom he could trust.
* Merlin is about to offer up his life in exchange for his mother's, leading him to say goodbyes to his loved ones without them knowing it: telling his mother not to worry about him, Gwen that she has a good heart, and Arthur that he's happy to be his servant till the day he dies.
* Gaius's goodbye letter to Merlin, telling him that he's going in his place.
* Freya. Specifically, almost the entire episode of "The Lady of the Lake". This troper couldn't stop bawling at [[spoiler: Freya's death and the scene where Merlin pushes the boat out to the lake and sets it on fire]]. The worst part is that Merlin initially gets too choked up to speak the words required to set the boat on fire. He has to drop his hand, take a shaky breath, and start again. *sob*
* They're building up his recovering the sword to be a major TearJerker. Just the 2 second preview of Merlin at the lake and Freya's hand appearing had me choking up. We will all need tissues for 3x13.
* The fact that Merlin ''cries'' when he kisses Freya for the first time. So, in a way, an in-universe example as well.
* Arthur's {{Heroic BSOD}} after learning the truth about his birth.
* Merlin stopping Arthur from killing Uther by convincing him that magic is evil and Morgause was lying, after hearing Arthur acknowledge, for the first time ever, the suffering that Uther has caused. The way his voice breaks...
* The death of [[spoiler: Balinor]]. He [[spoiler:[[DiedInYourArmsTonight dies in Merlin's arms]], the morning right after they finally find each other]]. It's made even worse when Arthur comes up behind them. You see Merlin realize he's there, then frantically wipe his face and try to hide just how devastated he is, because he can't let Arthur find out that [[spoiler:Balinor was his father]].
** And later, when [[spoiler: Arthur announces that the last dragon lord is dead, Gaius glances at Merlin to see if he's okay... and the look on Merlin's face is heartbreaking.]]
* [[spoiler: Merlin's best friend, Will's]] death. His last words: "Merlin. Merlin I'm scared... Merlin"
* The death of [[spoiler: Gwen's father]] in series one. If [[spoiler: Gwen crying over his body won't get you, nothing will.]]
* In ''The Witchfinder'' - [[spoiler: Merlin coming home to Gaiu's chambers after they've been ransacked by the guards, and his feeble attempts at tidying up.]]
* In season 3, [[spoiler: when Morgana finds out that Uther is her father, she looked fully prepared to pull a HeelFaceTurn.]] The look of pure devastation on her face when he doesn't acknowledge her is heartbreaking.
* In ''Queen of Hearts'' Gwen is sentenced to be burnt at the stake, but Arthur manages to lunge forward and give her one last desperate kiss before she's hauled away.
* When Arthur and Gwen share what they think might be their LastKiss in 3X13. ''Their faces''. Oh, and Lancelot's reaction to it. ''Ouch.''
* Arthur saying goodbye to his despairing father before he leaves for the Isle of the Blessed in 4x01, [[spoiler:when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself to fix the veil]].
-->'''Uther:''' Don't leave me.
-->'''Arthur:''' I have to, Father.
-->'''Uther:''' ''Please''.
** Also, Merlin saying goodbye to Gaius in the same episode, [[spoiler:when he's secretly planning to sacrifice himself in Arthur's place]].
** Arthurs reaction to [[spoiler: Merlin's frozen body]] at the end of the episode.
** And at the start of the next episode when Lancelot is leaving with Merlin, you can see Arthur trying not to break down and cry as he watches them go.
* [[spoiler:Lancelot's HeroicSacrifice]] was bad enough by itself... until you realize that [[spoiler:Merlin has just lost one of the two people who knows his secret, one of the two people he doesn't have to hide from]]. Add to that [[spoiler:Gwen crying at his funeral]], and... damn.
* Lancelot and Merlin's discussion about Gwen in the hunting cottage, and how Lancelot all but admits that he's still in love with her. Consider that Lancelot is Merlin's SecretKeeper - but Merlin is also ''Lancelot's'', and lets him take [[spoiler:his UnrequitedLove to the grave (or spirit world)]].
* Morgana sacrificing Morgause to open the veil. This is the only person that she cares about, the only person that she feels loved, loves her for who she is, and she is being talked into killing her so she can have back her birthright. Morgause's willingness to die so her sister can have her birthright and bring magic back is very hearbreaking. It shows for what people may think of them (evil) they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring magic back. It's like a dark verson of the sacrifices the are willing to do for Camelot; both sides are very committed to their cause.
** Also, the look on Morgana's face when she is told of Emrys. She looks so scared, in over her head - not forgetting that she has just lost her sister, and is being told, in a way, that it will all in the end come to nothing as there is someone out there that will always get in her way.
** The thought that she had to return to an empty hut, all alone and knowing all that, taking into account all that she has been through already is a TearJerker in itself.
* The ending of 4x03. You ''know'' it will all go to crap but there's still this stupid HopeSpot... [[spoiler: and then Merlin's healing spell ends up killing Uther.]] The look on Merlin's face and Arthur's reaction...argh. Made all the more worse by the fact that Arthur acknowledges Merlin as a friend at the end of it.
---> '''Merlin''': This wasn't supposed to happen.
* Morgana's reaction to [[spoiler: finally succeeding in having Uther killed. No joy or sense of triumph, just a baffled sense of loss and numb despair.]]
* When Gwen enters Gaius' quarters in 4x07 after [[spoiler: he's been kidnapped, Merlin turns to the door with a hopeful look. However, when he sees it's not Gaius, his face heartbreakingly falls.]]
* In 4x09, Merlin [[spoiler:burying Lancelot ''again'']]. Was that ''really'' necessary?
** Even more... ''it looks like it's Freya's lake.''
** 4x09 was just one big TearJerker, starting from the moment Arthur walks in on Gwen and Lancelot in the throne room, especially [[spoiler: during their duel, Arthur is about to deliver the killing blow to Lancelot and Gwen throws herself between them and begs Arthur to stop. Its bad enough for Arthur having to watch the love of his life in an act of betrayal but then to have her plead on behalf of the man she was cheating on him with...the look on his face is just pure confusion and devastation.]]
** And the entire scene where Arthur is confronting Gwen and she's trying in vain to explain herself and Arthur is just so desperate to know ''why'' she did it. The fact that that they both are in so much pain and that Gwen is a hysterical wreck and still proclaiming her love for Arthur...it is ''heartwrenching''.
-->'''Gwen''': I have waited for you all these years.\\
'''Arthur''': All you had to do was wait one more day.
** Then at the end, where we see Gwen [[spoiler: after Arthur has banished her. She is all alone, packing her stuff and lugging the cart away from her home. None of the knights she has befriended over the years, not even her own brother, has come to help or comfort her; only Merlin is there to see her off. It gives you the feeling that all of Camelot has shunned and abandoned her]]. Poor Gwen, this troper just wanted to give her a hug and cookies.
** The worst part is that Gwen doesn't even ''know'' she was enchanted. As far as she's concerned, she's betrayed not only Arthur and Camelot, but herself as well. She violated her own moral standards and has no way of understanding why.
-->'''Gwen''': I was drawn to him, I couldn't stop myself; I don't know '''why'''!
** Somehow made even worse by ''The Hunter's Heart''. "I have what I deserve." Screw WellIntentionedExtremist... Morgana is a bitch.
** Morgana's complete defilement of everything Lancelot stood for: his reputation as a man of honour, his unselfish love for Guinevere, his respect for Arthur, and even his role as SecretKeeper to Merlin...all twisted against him for her own petty vendetta.
* The ending of ''The Herald of a New Age'', and seeing the normally strong and stoic Arthur on his knees, face in tears as he sincerely apologises to the spirit of the druid boy for the massacre he led.
* Merlin and Guinevere's reunion in the forest after months of separation. They're just so ''happy'' to see each other again, and you can tell how much they've missed each other.
* [[spoiler: Isolde]]'s death in ''The Sword In The Stone Part II''. You only know them for a short while, but [[spoiler: Tristan]] crying over her body is just devastating. It's so heartbreaking that [[spoiler: Arthur marries Guinevere after this, realizing that if anything happened to her, he'd be completely broken]].
* In A Servant of Two Masters, Arthur ignores advice from everyone to stop [[spoiler: searching for Merlin]] and he completley ignores them, and stays completely loyal to who is essentially, his closest friend.
* The moment late on in the show's run when Arthur consults Merlin for his opinion on magic. Merlin struggles for ''some minutes'' to get a single word out, and it's clear how much he wants to speak his mind. But then he can only manage a single sentence:
--> '''Merlin''': Magic can have no place in Camelot.
* Morgana at the end of ''Arthur's Bane''. Everyone she ever cared about, trusted has stabbed her in the back, passed her away, ignored her or is dead. She's all alone except for Aithusa.
* Aithusa. Just look at her. She's sick, malnourished, and can't even talk or fly. She's so messed up that she attacks Merlin blindly and has to be talked down like a wild animal, and she's spent at least part of the last two years chained in the bottom of a well.
* Ruadan's death scene. For a OneShotCharacter he managed to pack quite a punch, and his final moments with his daughter - having deemed her life more important than the cause - were genuinely heart-breaking, as was Sefa's loss.
* Arthur slowly losing his respect for Uther over the course of ''The Death Song of Uther Pendragon''. Arthur usually jumps straight to HeroicBSOD, so seeing him slowly walk through the FiveStagesOfGrief is almost painful to watch.
* Merlin giving up a prime chance for magic to return to Camelot in order to save Arthur. Made worse by the fact that he's clearly fighting back tears. And then it's revealed that it was all for nothing, Mordred lived regardless. Give the man a hug and ''never let him go.''
* [[spoiler: Elyan's]] death in ''The Dark Tower''. If it's not a gut-puncher enough, you realize that [[spoiler: Gwen is incapable of properly mourning him due to being enchanted by Morgana]]. Her entire family is dead, and because of Morgana's own petty vendetta she's unable to care.
* Gwen's entire storyline in ''The Dark Tower''. Morgana puts her through intense psychological torture driving her near to insanity, made worse by Angel Coulby's brilliant acting, and then acts loving and kind to her to manipulate Gwen into trusting only her. The end result: [[spoiler: Gwen becomes her puppet.]] Congratulations, writers, you just made Gwen usurp Merlin as the show's official Woobie.
** To top it off, they left ambiguous how long it took them to get to the Tower. This could have been going on for days.
* In ''A Lesson in Vengeance'', Merlin's despair when Arthur doesn't respond to his healing spell. [[spoiler: Yeah, Arthur does get better a moment later since his spell did work but,]] seeing Merlin in an absolute blubbering wreck just made this troper want to give him a hug.
* This line in ''The Hollow Queen'' really got to this troper, especially how unemotionally he says it. He's talking about his ''best friend'' here, and he cares about him deeply, but he's long accepted the fact that Arthur can never know as a fact of life.
--> '''Merlin''': If he ever found out he'd probably hang me.
** Aithusa. Just... Aithusa. God''dammit'' show god fucking ''dammit'' stop ''torturing'' her!!! *cue ghastly horrible sobbing*
* [[spoiler: Every single one of the deaths in the Kindness of Strangers. Alator never breaks under torture and is DefiantToTheEnd, Finna stabs herself right in front of Morgana so that she cannot gain the information she wants, and the Great Dragon reveals that this will most likely be the last time Merlin sees him, as he is dying from old age.]]
** [[spoiler: The Dragon's is particularly gut-wrenching, as he acts so casually about it. He knows that he's dying, and he's completely okay with it.]]
--> [[spoiler: '''Dragon''': It is the cycle of life. Nothing more, nothing less.]]
* [[spoiler: Mordred]] begging the knights to let him and Kara go, one by one. He's grasping at straws and he's completely alone, and all they can do is look sad and guilty as they turn him down.
* When Merlin reveals [[spoiler: he won't be going to Camlann with Arthur]], Arthur [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness quits the teasing]] and tells him that [[BeneathTheMask he's always thought Merlin was the bravest man he ever met, and he never really meant it when he called him a coward]]. One gets the feeling that, even if he didn't know the future, he still expects to die, and he's heartbroken that his loyal manservant won't be coming with him.
** Everyone, from Gwen to the knights, seems to know they won't be coming out of this battle alive. Gwen even says that she's going with Arthur so she won't have to wait for news of his death.
** Merlin's anguish when he gets trapped and unable to warn Arthur. He's trying to hard to remove the stones, and finally breaks and screams in frustration and sorrow. For our resident IronWoobie, seeing him finally collapse was heart-breaking.
* Everything about The Diamond of the Day Part 2. You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until the episode ends. Special mentions to [[spoiler:Arthur dying in Merlin's arms and Gwaine dying in Percival's]].
* You start sobbing when [[spoiler:Arthur is wounded]] and you don't stop until... well, if the comments by fans on YouTube are anything to go by, you will keep sobbing more than a year since the last episode aired. No one wanted [[spoiler:Arthur to die]].
** Morgana's death also deserves a mention, Merlin says he blames himself for how she turned out.
** The last scene is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, because a thousand years after Arthur's death, [[UndyingLoyalty Merlin is still waiting for his return]]. They'd come so far from the kids in the pilot that didn't even like each other.
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