[s2e16] The Miller's Daughter May 2026

Locked in a tower to prove her claim or face death, she is visited by . He offers to spin the gold in exchange for her firstborn child. However, Cora convinces him to teach her the magic instead. As they work together, they fall in love and plan to run away, changing their contract so the child will be theirs .

Because the heart was "cursed" by the candle, returning it to Cora doesn't save her; it transfers Gold's impending death to her. Cora dies in Regina’s arms, briefly experiencing love for her daughter one last time before passing away. [S2E16] The Miller's Daughter

This episode is critical for understanding the "Nature vs. Nurture" theme of the show. It highlights: Locked in a tower to prove her claim

The rivalry between Cora and Eva explains Cora’s later hatred for Snow White. As they work together, they fall in love

Critics from The A.V. Club and IGN praised Rose McGowan's performance as young Cora and the emotional weight of the Rumple/Cora backstory.