Merlin is brought up in a town beyond the borders of Albion by his mother Hunith. She sends him to Camelot because of a magical 'gift' that the boy has developed and Merlin is put into the care of kindly old court physician Gaius.

Gaius becomes quickly aware of the young man's abilities but warns him to keep them a secret as the use of magic is forbidden in King Uther's kingdom. Merlin soon meets Gwenhwyfar and then Prince Arthur. At first the arrogant Arthur dislikes him but it is not long before he notices the loyalty in Merlin and makes the young wizard his servant. Merlin also stumbles upon the Great Dragon, who is a prisoner beneath the castle and the creature tells him of his destiny. Merlin must protect the life of Prince Arthur!

Merlin then has to secretly stop a number of assassination attempts against Prince Arthur's life and he develops a friendship with both Gwen and King Uther's ward, Morgana. Most of the attacks on Camelot are a result of magic and often Merlin is the only one who can save the kingdom or at least empower Arthur into doing so.

One of the major differences that exist between this Merlin and the figure from more traditional tales is that he is the same age as Arthur. In most cases Merlin would be a wiser old man who's magic is actually involved in Arthur's conception and who has already acted as an advisor to Uther Pendragon.

Legend/Historical

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. More...

thependragon.co.uk takes no responsibility for the content of external websites although if you have any concerns about copyright infringement please contact us at thependragon@yahoo.co.uk.

Image Gallery  

Press on thumbnails for full size Screencaps