Merlin

**Typically when one thinks of Merlin in an Arthurian setting, they think of a powerful wizard who was an ally to Arthur and Camelot. However there is more to Merlin, he is a prophet and a driving force for many Arthurian legends.**
 * Merlin**

**The Origin:** ** The oldest text that relates to Merlin dates back to 800 AD, with the writings of Nennius (A Welsh Monk Storyteller.) Nennius talked about a magician named Ambrosius who was the advisor to Vortigern a king of Britain. Ambrosius managed to predict the fall of Vortigern through a prophecy. Merlin was to be sacrificed to save Vortigern's crumbling tower, but before Merlin was about to be killed he claimed that there were two dragons underneath it that were fighting. Merlin said that these dragons were causing the collapse, and they also represented the **** Nennius's version of Merlin had no relation to King Arthur. Around 500 AD a more traditional version of Merlin arrives in // The History of the Kings of Britain (1136 AD) // written by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Geoffrey combined Ambrosius and Myrddin to make the s orcerer, Merlin Ambrosius, who is the advisor to Uther Pendragon, a son of Vortigern. This version of Merlin is the most common portrayal. Pendragon uses Merlin as an adviser. At one point Pendragon uses Merlin's magic to sleep with another woman. The woman then gives birth to Arthur, and Arthur eventually takes over the kingdom. Merlin is then King Arthur's adviser during his lifetime. **  **From this point onward there are many adaptations of what Merlin did for the rest of his life with King Arthur until and including his death. However there is a piece of writing known as //Prose Merlin,// which was written in the middle of the fifteenth century, that gives a full account of Merlin's life. Essentially //Prose Merlin// combines several other pieces of work, to get a full story of Merlin from his birth to his death.** **From mere prophet to powerful wizard:** //**Prose Merlin**// **is divided up into several sections relating to the different parts of Merlin's life. The Robert de Boron and Sequal sections focus on Merlin's adventures and growing relationship with King Arthur.** **Before //Prose Merlin,// several legends describe Merlin's creation as the work of the devil. Merlin was thought to be a demon, and created all sorts of chaos. He was able to transform into animals, and seduce women. Around the time that //Prose Merlin// was written Arthurian legend had become increasingly popular, and the Church was not found of this portrayal. Christianity managed to influence Merlin's character to be a wizard of good. So in //Prose Merlin// Merlin's creation was simplified//.//** **Merlin was intended to be used for evil, but good managed to steal him.** **** Christianity certainly had a huge impact on Merlin. It transformed Merlin from just a prophet to a powerful wizard. Arthurian Legends were gaining popularity now, and Christianity helped steer many of these legends to represent the values of itself. //Prose Merlin// took influence from Christianity because it took away some of the bad attributes of many characters and aspects of the story. As a result Merlin was promoted to be a driving force of Arthurian legend. For instance things that could not normally be done were accomplished by Merlin's proficient use of magic. Essentially Merlin was frequently involved in prompting**** ****the actions of other characters, organizing events, and avoiding catastrophe. Typically before this change Merlin was operating behind the scenes, but after he has a more prominent role. Merlin is described as charging into battle in front of Arthur's troops, carrying a "fire-spewing-dragon-battle standard."**  ** **What we think of Merlin today:**   **Merlin is typically attributed to being a wizard because he made prophecies. Creating accurate prophecies are nearly impossible for an average human, but this was why Merlin was a wizard. Merlin was able to predict the fall the of Vortigern. Geoffrey of Monmouth included a seventh section to his //History of the Kings of Britain// called "The Prophecy of Merlin." This included all of Merlin's prophecies, and analyzed each one. Geoffrey came up with a formula to how Merlin's prophecies worked.** media type="youtube" key="iPxq3myiQF0?version=3" height="379" width="635" align="left"This modern TV series known as "Merlin" is a somewhat traditional representation of Merlin and his relationship with King Arthur. This series is an adaptation of // Prose Merlin, // differs in many ways. Magic is banned, so Merlin must keep his powers in secrecy. Merlin did not take part in the creation of Arthur, in fact the two hate each other in the beginning of the series. The causes for these variations from the legend is because it makes a better story. Viewers will be pleased watching Merlin and Arthur overcoming conflict and building a friendship. The fact that magic is banned also gives an antihero role to Merlin because he must use illegal magic to protect Arthur, who will carry on the kingdom. **Sources:**  (I actually used a book) http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever/collections/merlin.asp
 * The beguiling of Merlin (1872) was one of the variations of the end of Merlin. The painting is about Nimue trapping Merlin with magic, and having control over him. Merlin was considered a powerful wizard, and with this painting it shows that even Merlin was able to be tricked. Merlin has lost his control of power because of his infatuation with Nimue, and has a result he faces his downfall and his power is gone. **

http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/merlmenu.htm

http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/people/a/merlin_2.htm

"Merlin." // Myths and Legends of the World //. Ed. John M. Wickersham. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2000. // Gale Student Resources In Context //. Web. 9 Apr. 2012. [] [] []