Magic Forums

Throughout many cultures there is an archetype of the hero who protects his country and guides its rulers to glory. In Britain this hero is Merlin. Merlin is a very interesting character. He is best known for advising King Arthur, finding Excalibur (other names of the sword include Caliburn, Caledfwlch, and Caliburnus), and transferring Stone Hedge from Ireland to Great Britain. Merlin appears in literature in the 12th century in works by Geoffrey of Monmouth and Sir Thomas Malory. Merlin's powers and origin are shrouded in mystery. Some writers claim his father was an Incubus while others claim Merlin actually held a legitimate claim to the throne of Great Britain (they claim his father was High King). Some people even consider Merlin a member of the Celtic Pantheon. He is called Merlin or Myrddin. I personally don't agree with this but it is a personal preference. The closest people in history that we can base the fictional Merlin off of are Myrddin Wyllt and Lailoken. Some scholars believe that these two might have actually have been the same person so Merlin's origin is a great debate.

What are your guy's opinions on Merlin's abilities and origin? Some of the stuff attributed to him is pure fantasy, but many claim there is a bit of fact in this legendary character's tale. So, what do you think?