The unforgettable Merlin the Mage
He has the powers of a great Druid, for he originates deep in the mythic past of the Welsh.
In later literature Merlin's most prominent gift is that of prophecy. "Since I, Myrdin, am next after Taliesin, / Let my prediction become common."
As the Arthurian saga develops, so does Merlin, changing from an aloof, druidical character into a more human, magical being, though always retaining traces of his Welsh origins.
Geoffrey of Monmouth
Where we first learn of Merlin
We can thank Geoffrey of Monmouth for our aquaintance with Merlin.Back in the twelfth century, Geoffrey took two characters from Welsh legend and combined them into one. The first character was Myrddin, a bard and seer; the second was Ambrosius, War Leader of the Romano-British..
He named this combined character Merlinus Ambrosius,
Geoffrey's rendering of the character was immediately popular - this where Merlin began.
Geoffrey tells only two tales of Merlin.
Merlin and the Tower of Vortigern
The Prophecy of Merlin
Merlin had a vision of an underground lake, with two sleeping dragons, one red, one white.
The two dragons fought a great battle, till the red dragon of Wales was overpowered by the white dragon of the Saxons. A savage portent of things to come.
Merlin and Stonehenge
Merlin raises the Giant's Dance
Merlin later assists and advises Uther Pendragon, the future father of Arthur.
Uther directed Merlin to transport the Giants' Stones from Ireland and raise them as Stonehenge. You can still see Stonehenge today.
My favourite Merlin Novel
Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy
Amazon Price: $21.59 (as of 12/17/2009)
No other Arthurian fantasy has presented such an unforgettable Merlin. I love this series! Highly recommended!
Morte D'Arthur e-text
- Morte D'Arthur in E-Text
- Malory, Sir Thomas. Le Morte Darthur: Sir Thomas Malory's Book of King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table, Volume 1
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library
Merlin in the Middle Ages
Merlin gained sudden popularity in the Middle Ages, turning up in French and English romances, such as the works of Chretien de Troyes and in Thomas Malory's Morte d'Arthur.In Morte d'Arthur, the magical powers of Merlin are given prominence.
Malory wrote 'The Death of Arthur' during 1469 while imprisoned for a series of violent crimes. The chivalry of Arthur's world was a far cry from Malory's own, which was torn by war between the noble dynasties of York and Lancaster.
Merlin in the 19th century
Closer to us in time is Tennyson's Idylls of the King, in which Merlin is credited with feats of great magic.Tennyson enhances the story of Merlin and makes him the architect of Camelot.
In "Merlin and Vivien," the sixth poem in Idylls of the King, the poet describes Merlin's gradual capitulation to the deceitful charms of a malevolent woman. She is described as using rumour and scandal in an attempt to wreak havoc in the court of King Arthur.
This section of the Idylls is quite remarkable for its use of Victorian misogynistic language and assumptions.
Merlin in the 20th Century
Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) made Merlin into a hack magician with the fatal flaw of actually believing in his own sleight of hand. Merlin is portrayed as deceptive, petty and vindictive; an incredibly dangerous person if any of his tricks ever worked.Walt Disney gave the world the image of Merlin the Magician. A friendly, wise old man whose only reason to exist is to guide and care for the young Arthur.
Nowadays, Merlin in his spangled cape and wizard's hat, is a common Arthurian character. It's a long way from the magical Druid, but Merlin is now a household name.
Classics on the Matter of Britain
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Best Books on the Legend of King Arthur
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From the faraway days of Britain come the stories rooted in ancient Celtic and Germanic imagination, stories of the strongest, the bravest and the best. Tales that have been told and endlessly retold, tales of a chivalrous knight, a powerful warrior...
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Arthur and Britain : Lensography of Legends
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Who was King Arthur? Well, to begin with, there was not one Arthur, but many. There was an historical Arthur, or, if you prefer, a folkloric or mythological Arthur who came to be mistaken for a living person. Christopher Snyder : The World of King A...
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Arthur's Women : Tales of King Arthur
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The stirring tales of King Arthur are legendary. His achievements of courage and endeavour are exciting stories passed down through generations, and songs are still sung of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The most well known is Guinevere,...
All Info About Arthur is a collection of lenses on the legend of Arthur and the Matter of Britain.
Comment, crit, or curious question?
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- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Sep 8, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
- I love Merlin...
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- youhavegottobekidding youhavegottobekidding Sep 2, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
- Very Interesting. I have not herd of those other merlin stories before. I think I have to grab one of those books.
5 stars for your Great Lens.
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Reply
- suzycarpenter suzycarpenter Aug 25, 2008 @ 10:55 am
- Evolution of Merlin is quite fascinating. I love the sequence you've used. Well done.
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