In the legends of King Arthur, Merlin the wizard has a mysterious connection with dragons. Merlin is known for advising and guiding King Arthur, but he also has magical abilities and foresight. One of his most intriguing attributes is his relationship with a particular dragon. So what is the name of Merlin’s legendary dragon companion?
The quick answer is that in most accounts, Merlin’s dragon is named Kilgharrah. Kilgharrah plays an important role in many of the stories of Camelot as both a wise teacher for Merlin and a powerful magical creature bound to the wizard.
The Origins of Merlin’s Dragon Kilgharrah
To understand Merlin and Kilgharrah, we have to go back to the origins of Merlin in Welsh mythology. Merlin is based on a prophet and advisor figure named Myrddin Emrys. Myrddin was said to have gone mad after a battle and fled to the forest, where he acquired magical abilities and prophecies.
The Welsh traditions did not specifically associate Myrddin with a dragon. But as the legends of Merlin evolved and expanded, he took on traits of a mystical sage with magical abilities. The attachment to a dragon was likely influenced by other legends of magical sages and witches having animal companions.
Geoffrey of Monmouth was one of the key medieval writers who expanded on the Merlin mythos. In his accounts, Merlin had a companion named Arrax. Arrax was not specifically described as a dragon, but later retellings turned the companion into a dragon known as Kilgharrah.
Kilgharrah in BBC’s Merlin
In BBC’s early 2000s TV series Merlin, Kilgharrah is a Great Dragon who plays an important role throughout the overall story arc. In this adaptation:
– Kilgharrah is said to be the last surviving dragon in Albion. He was imprisoned and chained up beneath Camelot by Uther Pendragon during The Great Purge when all magical creatures were hunted.
– After Merlin arrives in Camelot, he hears Kilgharrah’s voice calling to him. Merlin freed him from captivity, but Kilgharrah remains bound to Merlin and must follow his commands.
– Kilgharrah provides wisdom and prophecy for Merlin as he protects Arthur. He gives Merlin mystical advice related to his destiny as a protector of Albion.
– Kilgharrah has powerful magical abilities, including the ability to breathe fire, fly despite his huge size, and have great knowledge of past and future events.
– Merlin continues to go to Kilgharrah for counsel over the years despite their uneasy alliance. The dragon operates out of self-interest and they do not always fully trust one another.
Key Kilgharrah Moments
Some key moments featuring Kilgharrah in BBC’s Merlin include:
– The first time Merlin hears Kilgharrah’s voice and goes beneath Camelot to free him. This forms their bond over the destiny of Albion.
– When Kilgharrah attacks Camelot after being freed. Merlin has to stop him despite their alliance.
– Kilgharrah guiding Merlin on how to defeat the wraith Tristan de Bois. This shows his magical knowledge.
– When Kilgharrah tells Merlin he cannot save Arthur from his fate, driving Merlin to change the future.
– In the finale, Merlin calls on Kilgharrah one last time for help against Morgana’s forces. Kilgharrah fulfills his destiny.
Kilgharrah in Other Adaptations
While the BBC series is the most prominent current adaptation, Kilgharrah also appears in other retellings of Merlin:
The Dragon’s Call
– In this 1998 TV movie, the dragon is named Arrax. He was imprisoned by Uther and guides Merlin telepathically after being freed.
The Crystal Cave
– A 1995 BBC radio drama in which Ambrosius is Merlin’s dragon. Like Kilgharrah, Ambrosius shares prophetic wisdom.
The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights
– In Sir James Knowles’ 1862 novel, Merlin’s dragon is named Goro. Goro is painted as a dangerous beast.
The King’s Damosel
– In this 1976 novel by Vera Chapman, Merlin’s dragon familiar is Yanos, who can take human form.
Adaptation | Merlin’s Dragon Name |
---|---|
BBC’s Merlin | Kilgharrah |
The Dragon’s Call | Arrax |
The Crystal Cave | Ambrosius |
The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights | Goro |
The King’s Damosel | Yanos |
The Significance of Merlin’s Dragon
So why does Merlin have a dragon companion and friend in many legends? Here are some of the key reasons:
– **Magical mentor** – The dragon represents ancient magical wisdom. Kilgharrah and other dragons act as advisors for Merlin as he learns to use and control his powers.
– **Prophecies and destiny** – The dragons have the power of foresight and know Merlin’s role in future events. This lets them guide him on his destined path.
– **Magical power** – A dragon companion symbolizes the great mystical power that Merlin wields, able to command an ancient and formidable magical creature.
– **Duality** – Dragons represent both wisdom and threat. This reflects how Merlin uses magic for good but has to temper its dangerous side.
– **King Arthur’s reign** – Kilgharrah ultimately aids Merlin in protecting King Arthur, tying Merlin’s dragon into Camelot’s legacy.
Conclusion
Kilgharrah stands out as the most famous dragon linked to the legendary figure of Merlin across many retellings. This great dragon represents Merlin’s ties to mystical wisdom and magic as well as his connection to prophecies and shaping the destiny of Camelot and King Arthur’s reign. Their uneasy alliance drives much of Merlin’s development as a hero. While the character varies across adaptations, Kilgharrah remains an integral part of who Merlin is as a legendary and iconic wizard.