GWEN’S GENDER, RACE, AND AGENCY IN THE BBC TV SERIES MERLIN (2008-2012): FROM SERVANT TO QUEEN

Abstract

 This article discusses the character of Gwen from the TV series Merlin (2008-2012) created and broadcast by the BBC. Gwen starts her journey in the series as a black woman and a servant to lady Morgana, but eventually, she marries Arthur and she becomes the Queen of Camelot. In this text, we note the innovation of the creators of the series to portray the infamous character of Guinevere for the first time as a black woman and a servant in the palace as a way of introducing multicultural and multiracial characters in well-known adaptations. Subsequently, we explore Gwen’s race, gender, and agency as they evolved in the series in relation to her social position and relationships.