Nimue (Once Upon a Time)

Nimue was a character featured in the ABC television series Once Upon a Time. She was the first Dark One, the source of all Dark Magic, and a major antagonist in the show's fifth season.

History:

Nimue lived centuries before the main events of the series, in a time when Camelot was protected by Merlin. She was deeply in love with Merlin and sought to use the Holy Grail to become immortal so they could be together forever. However, the Grail’s power came at a price. When Nimue drank from it, she became immortal but also consumed by darkness, transforming into the first Dark One.

Her transformation severed her connection to Merlin, twisting her desire for immortality into a lust for power and revenge against those who had wronged her and her village. She shattered Excalibur, Merlin's sword, into pieces to ensure its power could not be used against her.

Powers and Abilities:

As the first Dark One, Nimue possessed immense power, including:

• Dark Magic: She was the origin point of all Dark Magic, giving her unparalleled control over its various applications, including curses, transformations, and manipulation of life and death.
• Immortality: The Holy Grail granted her eternal life, making her immune to aging and disease.
• Superhuman Strength and Speed: The Dark One's power amplified her physical abilities beyond human limits.
• Shapeshifting: She could alter her appearance, though she primarily maintained a decayed, monstrous form.
• Control Over the Dagger: She was initially tethered to the Dark One's Dagger, which controlled her actions until she was able to free herself from its control.

Role in the Series:

Nimue's legacy impacted the events of Once Upon a Time significantly. Her Dark One curse was passed down through various characters, including Rumplestiltskin, Emma Swan, and others, shaping their actions and driving much of the plot. Her desire to extinguish the light and spread darkness served as a key motivation for several characters, and her history with Merlin played a crucial role in the events surrounding Camelot's fall and the quest to stop the Dark One. Ultimately, she was defeated, but her influence continued to reverberate throughout the series.

Relationship with Merlin:

Nimue's relationship with Merlin was central to her story. Their love served as the catalyst for her becoming the first Dark One, and her corruption and subsequent actions profoundly affected Merlin's life and mission. The conflict between their opposing forces – light and darkness – became a recurring theme in the series.