Merlin

Also known as: Great Enchanter of the Time / Great Master / Master / Wizard / mage Merlin / the Seer · Family: Britain · Role: wise man and magician · First appears: The Coming of Arthur 1

In The Coming of Arthur 1, Merlin served Uther through his magic and had been taught by Bleys, who was called his master before Merlin left him. On the night of Arthur’s premature birth, Uther’s son was delivered to Merlin for protection; Merlin then entrusted the infant to Anton, whose wife raised him in secret. When the time came, Merlin brought Arthur before the court and proclaimed, “Here is Uther’s heir, your king,” identifying him as the king who would reign after Uther.

At Arthur’s court, Merlin remained faithful to the king and used his knowledge of all arts to transform Camelot under Arthur’s ordinance, making its towers and pinnacles rise toward heaven. Later, in the wild woods of Broceliande, Vivien sought the charm that would give her power over Merlin’s life, name, and fate. He refused, explaining that he had found the irreversible charm in a book’s commentary and warning that it could harm anyone; as Vivien’s love turned to hatred, she tried to leave unless he proved his trust.

Overtalked and worn down, Merlin finally revealed the charm to Vivien and fell asleep. She cast it, and in the hollow oak he was left “as dead, / And lost to life and use and name and fame.”