Merlin

Merlin is best known as a wizard or Druid in Arthurian legend. The standard depiction of the Druid comes from Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Historia Regum Britanniae' which combines the stories of Merlinus Caledonensis, a wizard and madman with the historical tales of Aurelius Ambrosius.

Merlin in Arthurian Legend

In Arthurian legend Merlin is often referred to as a wise wizard who becomes an advisor to King Arthur.

In the most standard tales he has a huge influence on Arthur's creation having helped Uther to lay with the wife of his enemy, Gorlois. From this liaison between Uther and Igrayne, Arthur is born. Merlin's condition for helping Uther is that he takes charge of the child. The wizard takes Arthur to be fostered with Ector and later when Arthur is king he becomes his most trusted advisor. Merlin's tale generally comes to an end by being imprisoned during an act of betrayal often by Morgan le Fay (his pupil) and sometimes by Nimue (his lover).

Films

Arthur The King (1985) ~ Played By Edward Woodward
Camelot (1967) ~ Played by Laurence Naismith
Excalibur (1981) ~ Played by Nicol Williamson
Guinevere (1994) TV ~ Played By Donald Pleasence
King Arthur (2004) ~ Played By Stephen Dillane
Knights Of The Round Table (1953) ~ Played By Felix Aylmer
Merlin (1998) TV ~ Played by Jason Connery
Merlin (1998) TV ~ Played By Sam Neill
Merlin Of The Crystal Cave (1991) TV ~ Played By George Winter
Merlin's Apprentice (2006) TV ~ Played By Sam Neill
Quest For Camelot (1998) ~ Played by John Gielgud
Shrek The Third (2007) ~ Played by Eric Idle
The Last Legion (2007) ~ Played By Ben Kingsley
The Legend Of Prince Valiant (1991) TV ~ Played by Alan Oppenheimer
The Mists Of Avalon (2001) TV ~ Played by Michael Byrne
The Sword In The Stone (1963) ~ Played by Karl Swenson

TH White
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Bernard Cornwell
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Marion Zimmer Bradley
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