Merlin is one of the most iconic characters in Arthurian legend and medieval literature. He first appeared in Geoffery of Monmouth’s 12th century work Historia Regum Britanniae and went on to become a prominent figure in medieval romances and poetry. Merlin’s character spans wise mentor, powerful sorcerer, prophet, and more. He is a multi-faceted figure with origins rooted in Welsh mythology. Determining Merlin’s true character type requires an in-depth look at how he has been portrayed over centuries of legend and literature.
Merlin’s Origins
Merlin’s earliest origins lie in Welsh mythology and folklore, particularly with the figure Myrddin Wyllt. Myrddin was a bard and prophet said to have lived in the 6th century during the rule of King Gwenddoleu. After Gwenddoleu’s defeat at the Battle of Arfderydd, Myrddin supposedly went mad with grief and fled to the Caledonian Forest where he prophesied Britain’s future. Geoffery of Monmouth adapted this legend for his Historia Regum Britanniae, Latinizing the name to Merlinus Ambrosius. He combined Myrddin’s story with legends of a boy with no mortal father. In Geoffery’s account, Merlin was born to a young woman who refuses to name his father. He grows up with extraordinary clairvoyant abilities. Geoffery’s work popularized Merlin as a powerful wizard and adviser to King Arthur.
Origins in Welsh Mythology
– Myrddin Wyllt was a real 6th century bard later legendized in medieval Welsh poetry and texts.
– His name means “Myrddin the Wild” referring to his supposedly crazed state living in the woods.
– He was said to have the gift of prophecy. Welsh texts portray him as a madman and a mystic.
Geoffery of Monmouth’s Depiction
– Geoffery adapted Welsh legends for his seminal 12th century work.
– He combined Myrddin with other legends to create Merlin Ambrosius.
– Geoffery’s Merlin acts as adviser and prophet for King Arthur. He retains mystical abilities.
Merlin as a Wise Mentor
One of Merlin’s most common character types is that of a mentor and guide. From his first appearance in Geoffery’s work, Merlin acts as an adviser to King Arthur. He uses his wisdom and magical knowledge to help Arthur gain the throne of Britain. Throughout Arthurian stories, Merlin gives counsel, makes prophecies, and uses his powers to assist the king and Camelot. Merlin typically appears as an aged wizard dispensing advice. In many stories he is the one who tutors and trains the young Arthur in preparation for his reign. Examples of Merlin as mentor include:
The Sword in the Stone
– In many legends, Merlin orchestrates the sword in the stone test that chooses Arthur as rightful king.
– He advises Arthur to pull the sword and guides him in early days of rule.
Le Morte d’Arthur
– Sir Thomas Malory’s definitive Arthurian text casts Merlin as Arthur’s tutor and adviser.
– Merlin helps Arthur establish the Knights of the Round Table and Camelot.
The Once and Future King
– T.H. White’s novel reinvents Merlin as an aged wizard very focused on educating and counseling Arthur.
Merlin as a Powerful Sorcerer
In addition to wisdom, Merlin’s power as a sorcerer is a key aspect of his character across Arthuriana. Geoffery established him not just as a sage adviser but also as a figure of magical abilities. Merlin performs supernatural feats across medieval stories. He wields powerful magic both for good and more dubious purposes. His occult knowledge allows him to alter the physical world, see the future, shapeshift, cast illusions and more. He facilitates Arthur’s rise through such magic. Later authors further expanded Merlin’s skills making him one of fiction’s most iconic wizards. Some examples:
Prophecies and Visions
– Merlin has prophetic dreams and visions which reveal the future in medieval texts.
– He foresees Arthur pulling the sword from the stone before it happens.
Manipulating Uther and Arthur’s Birth
– In some versions Merlin uses magic to disguise Uther as Gorlois allowing his tryst with Igraine.
– This act ultimately brings the future Arthur to be born from Uther and Igraine.
Transformations
– Merlin performs many mystical transformations in medieval legends.
– He shapeshifts, becomes invisible, casts illusions, and more through magic.
Merlin as Half-Demon or Antichrist Figure
Later medieval writers also began casting Merlin as a more ominous supernatural figure. Some Christian authors portrayed him as a malign entity due to his pagan roots and magic. Merlin was recast as half-demon or antichrist. This added sinister elements to his character. His demonic origins gave explanation for his mystical talents and erratic motives. Presenting him as antichrist provided contrast to Arthur’s Christ-like role. This transformed Merlin from benign mage to something darker. Examples include:
Merlin as Cambion
– Authors like Robert de Boron introduced a demonic father for Merlin.
– As a cambion (half-demon), this explained Merlin’s powers in a Christian context.
Merlin’s Demonic End
– In the Prose Merlin, Merlin is taken by a enchantress named Viviane who seals him in a tomb alive.
– His demonic heritage causes his entrapment and undoing.
Contrast to Arthur
– Making Merlin antichrist casts his relationship with Arthur as allegory for conflict between good and evil.
Merlin as Failed Creator and Tragic Figure
Later medieval works also added tragic elements to Merlin’s character. He is sometimes portrayed as a failed creator. Though instrumental in Arthur’s ascent, Merlin is unable to control the kingdom he helps create. Arthur’s fall and Merlin’s own demise lend the wizard a tragic aura. This transforms Merlin from all-knowing mage to flawed and fallible character. He becomes more nuanced and psychologically complex. We see Merlin’s failures against his own magical ambitions. Some examples:
Unable to Stop Mordred
– In stories like Le Morte d’Arthur, Merlin prophesies many future events but is unable to prevent them.
– He predicts Mordred’s birth and Arthur’s fall but cannot stop fate.
Trapped by Viviane
– In the Lancelot-Grail and later legends, Merlin is imprisoned by the enchantress Viviane (Nimue).
– His own powers and teaching enable this bondage, highlighting failed ambitions.
Could Not Establish Lasting Kingdom
– For all his power, Merlin is unable to permanently establish Arthur’s kingdom.
– This failure lends him a tragically flawed character, neither wholly benevolent nor sinister.
Conclusion
Merlin has worn many masks – wise old guide, powerful sorcerer, sinister demonic figure, and failed creator. But at his core, Merlin remains an enigmatic figure straddling the line between good and evil, wisdom and occult danger. His varied depictions across 1,000 years of legend reveal an iconic medieval character of many faces. Merlin embodies the mysterious and miraculous in human form. His rich legacy continues inspiring modern fiction and fantasy today. Though interpretations vary, Merlin’s wizardly knowledge and conflicted ambitions make him one of literature’s most unforgettable characters.
Key Facts About Merlin’s Character
Character Type | Description |
---|---|
Wise Mentor | Guides and advises King Arthur through counsel and prophecy. |
Powerful Sorcerer | Possesses supernatural abilities including prophecy, shapeshifting, illusion magic. |
Half-Demon/Antichrist | In some medieval versions portrayed as cambion or antichrist to contrast Arthur’s goodness. |
Tragic Figure | Despite powers, unable to stop Arthur’s downfall highlighting flaws and failed ambitions. |