Merlin

Merlin is based on a Welsh legend, the bard Myrddin who was based in Carmarthen, Wales. He was first an advisor to Arthur’s father Uther Pendragon, who placed the baby Arthur into Merlin’s care for his own protection. 

 

As a prophet, Merlin was able to predict the future and he predicted that Arthur would become King. When Uther Pendragon died, many nobles believed they had the right to the throne and began fighting for it; nobody was aware that Uther Pendragon had a son that still lived. 

 

Merlin came up with a way to determine the valid heir to the throne. He erected an anvil atop a stone. Stuck into the anvil was a sword with an inscription ‘Whoso pullet out this sword of this stone is the right wise born King of all England’. 

 

Many tried to remove the sword, but none were able and the stone lay dormant for years. One day the young Arthur attempted to remove the sword and succeeded. Merlin knew that Arthur was the one true King and proclaiming him as such Merlin became adviser to the young King. 

 

When Arthur broke his sword, Merlin took him to see the Lady in the Lake. She gave Arthur a new sword, Excalibur and Merlin informed Arthur that the scabbard was more important than the sword as the scabbard had magical powers and could protect Arthur in battle. 

 

Merlin’s death was ultimately caused by his love of Niviane, the Lady in the Lake. 

 

Niviane became frightened that Merlin might take advantage of her by using his spells, she told him that she would never love him unless he taught her all of his magic. Merlin, in love with Niviane, believed her, but she was to use his magic against him. 

 

While Merlin was asleep, Niviane cast a spell over him and placed him in a tomb that he could never escape from, causing his death.