Merlin's Training

Lore & Background

Kingsman operates as a secret independent intelligence agency where candidates are selected to replace fallen agents. In this instance, Eggsy was nominated by Harry Hart to succeed Lancelot, who had been killed by the assassin Gazelle while attempting to rescue Professor James Arnold. The training phase is overseen by Merlin, who manages training and technology as a senior Kingsman agent. Candidates face a series of demanding tests designed to filter out those lacking discipline or moral fortitude. While physical prowess is required, the organization places immense value on character. This was starkly demonstrated when Eggsy passed the final test for refusing to shoot a puppy he had raised, though the bullets were blanks. The curriculum also involves understanding the agency's history and its Arthurian codename tradition.

In Their Own Story

Eggsy was arrested in 2014 for stealing a car belonging to his abusive stepfather Dean. After calling an emergency assistance number engraved on a medal given by Harry Hart, he was released and later nominated for Kingsman training. The final test required candidates to shoot a puppy; while others complied or hesitated, Eggsy refused. This act of compassion meant he did not receive the Lancelot codename, which went to Roxy instead. It was revealed that the bullets were blanks all along, testing loyalty and morality rather than execution. When Harry Hart later discovered villain Richmond Valentine's plan to trigger global violence via SIM cards, Eggsy returned as a key operative. He led Chester King to poison himself, joined Roxy to destroy a satellite, and infiltrated Valentine's bunker posing as Arthur, ultimately ending the signal by killing Valentine with a prosthetic blade.

Reader's Guide

To join Kingsman, one must be nominated by an existing agent following a vacancy. The process begins with a nomination call using a specific emergency number, leading to initial screening by Harry Hart or other senior agents. Candidates then enter a training phase supervised by Merlin, the technical support operative. The regimen includes demanding physical and mental tests. A critical component is the final evaluation, which historically involved shooting a puppy; however, this was a test of character rather than marksmanship, as the gun contained blanks. Success depends on balancing combat readiness with moral integrity. Recruits learn to utilize advanced technology concealed within tailored suits and navigate high-stakes scenarios against global threats like eco-terrorists. The codenames derive from Arthurian legend, such as Galahad for Harry Hart and Lancelot for Roxy. Agents must maintain secrecy while operating in plain sight.

Did You Know?

• Eggsy was nominated to replace Lancelot, an agent killed by the assassin Gazelle while rescuing Professor James Arnold.
• The final test for candidates involved shooting a puppy; Eggsy passed because he refused, and the bullets were blanks.
• Roxy Morton became the new Lancelot after Eggsy declined the position; she also refused to shoot the dog and passed the test.
• Merlin serves as a senior Kingsman agent and head of training and technology, not merely a technical support operative.