The big, big block in the Arthur/Merlin friendship is the status

"The big, big block in the Arthur/Merlin friendship is the status issue, that Merlin is the servant and Arthur is royalty, and in that time, princes did not socialize with their servants; that wasn't the done thing. It just so happens that their relationship, their friendship, is strong: they have been through the thick and the thin of it all." — Colin Morgan

In the timeless tale of Arthur and Merlin, two figures stand at the heart of a legend that has endured across centuries, inspiring countless generations. Their friendship transcends the boundaries of their roles—one a humble servant, the other a noble prince destined for greatness. Colin Morgan’s words speak to the profound tension within their relationship, a tension rooted in the status issue—the societal division between royalty and servant, between those who hold power and those who serve it. At first glance, such a friendship seems impossible, for in the rigid structures of society, a prince and a servant are worlds apart. Yet, as Morgan so insightfully points out, their bond is strong, forged through shared trials and mutual respect, overcoming the divisions of status to form one of the most enduring friendships in myth.

In the ancient world, where status defined every aspect of a person’s life, friendships between those of unequal stations were often unheard of. Aristotle himself spoke of different kinds of friendships—those based on utility, those based on pleasure, and the highest form, based on virtue. A true friendship, he argued, could only exist between equals, as shared virtue and mutual respect could not thrive when one party held power over the other. Yet, the Arthur/Merlin bond shatters this limitation. Despite Merlin’s humble role as a servant, his wisdom, loyalty, and the depth of his heart earned him a place not as a mere servant, but as a true confidant and friend to Arthur. Through their shared experiences, they forged a relationship that was not bound by the limitations of status, but by something far deeper: their mutual journey, their shared struggles, and their unbreakable trust in one another.

Think, then, of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament, whose friendship mirrored that of Arthur and Merlin. Jonathan, a prince, and David, a young shepherd, were worlds apart in terms of status. Yet, their bond, formed in moments of deep vulnerability and shared purpose, transcended the divisions of royal blood and humble origins. Jonathan, despite his father Saul’s opposition to David, saw something noble in him. He gave up his claim to the throne, not out of duty or obligation, but out of a profound sense of loyalty and friendship. It is this same sense of devotion, born of shared trials and struggles, that binds Arthur and Merlin together. Despite their social disparity, their relationship is not one of master and servant, but of brothers-in-arms, united by a common purpose.

The status that Morgan speaks of is more than just a physical division; it is a barrier that, in many ways, defines the entire structure of society. In the time of Arthur, princes did not socialize with their servants because doing so threatened the very fabric of the hierarchy. Such relationships were deemed impossible because they broke the social contract of the time. Yet, the friendship between Arthur and Merlin proves that true friendship cannot be confined by the rigid constructs of society. It is born out of trust, shared experiences, and a recognition of each other's humanity, regardless of rank or position. The strength of their bond comes not from their equality in status, but from their equality in purpose—both striving for a greater good, for a kingdom of peace and justice.

When we examine the story of Arthur and Merlin, we find that the most important aspect of their relationship is not their status, but their commitment to one another through thick and thin. In moments of dire need, when the kingdom is in peril or when their faith is tested, Merlin is not merely a servant to Arthur; he is a guide, a friend, and a companion on the path of destiny. Similarly, Arthur, despite his royal title, shows respect and humility in his relationship with Merlin. Their friendship is a mutual exchange, not defined by what they can offer each other in terms of power or wealth, but by what they give in terms of loyalty, support, and wisdom.

The lesson of their friendship, as illuminated by Morgan’s words, is that true friendship is not about the roles we occupy in society, but about the depth of our connection with others. It is about the loyalty, the sacrifice, and the trust that we give to those we hold dear, regardless of their station in life. The relationship between Arthur and Merlin transcends the barriers of rank, revealing that friendship is a force that binds us together in ways that go beyond the superficial distinctions that the world often places between us. Their bond shows us that the most meaningful relationships are often those that defy the world’s expectations.

Thus, let us take to heart the wisdom of Arthur and Merlin. Friendship is not a matter of status or hierarchy but of shared values, trust, and loyalty. Let us seek relationships in our lives that are built on respect, where the barriers of social class, race, or gender fall away, and where our shared humanity binds us together. Just as Arthur and Merlin forged a bond through their trials, may we too build friendships that are rooted in mutual understanding and shared purpose, and not in the rigid structures that the world seeks to impose. For in the end, it is these friendships, built on true equality of heart and purpose, that last beyond the confines of time and society.