Merlin

Also known as: Ambrose / Ambrose Merlin / the prophet of Vortigern · Family: unknown · Role: youth · First appears: Book VI 15–17

In Book VI, Merlin became involved in a sudden quarrel with Dabutius. Soon afterward, Vortigern ordered Merlin and his mother brought before him; Merlin identified the pond undermining the tower, disproved the magicians’ claims, and earned Vortigern’s admiration. In Book VII, Vortigern commanded Ambrose Merlin to explain the meaning of the battle of the dragons.

By Book VIII, Tremounus identified Merlin as “Merlin, the prophet of Vortigern, is the man.” Aurelius Ambrosius summoned him to court to direct the construction of his monument, and Merlin proposed bringing the Giant’s Dance from Ireland. He sailed with Uther Pendragon and the expedition, removed the stones at Killaraus, and directed their transport to Britain.

After Aurelius Ambrosius died, Merlin revealed the news, and his interpretation of the dragon omen led to Uther Pendragon receiving that title. Later, Merlin transformed Uther Pendragon into the likeness of Gorlois and Ulfin de Ricaradoch into that of Jordan so they could take part in the adventure.