This character was combined with a 6th Century Welsh fictional bard called Myrddin ( who was mentioned in many Welsh poems ). The man who invented Merlin the Wizard was a Welsh cleric called Geoffrey of Monmouth. In 1136 Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote a book called Historia Regum Britanniae - the History of the King’s of Britain. The Latin form of the name Myrddin was Merdinus.
Geoffrey of Monmouth ‘Latinised’ the legendary character’s name to Merlinus ( because the word ‘merde’ was viewed as vulgar and obscene). Further credence was given to the stories about Merlin the Wizard by the ‘Black Book of Caernarvon’ (Welsh: Llyfr du Caerfyrddin). This book was written, in Welsh, in 1250 and contained stories and poems relating to the heroes of Britain in the Dark Ages including those connected with the legend of King Arthur and Merlin the Wizard.
Merlin the Wizard
Merlin the Wizard
- Merlin the Wizard
- Merlin the Sorcerer
- Merlin the Magician
- The legend and myths about Merlin
- The prophecies of Merlin and their influence on the history of England and Wales
Who was Merlin the Wizard?
There are many magical legends which surround Merlin the magician and wizard. Merlin was enchanted by the Lady of the Lake, became the guardian of the young Arthur. He appeared as an old, wise man, giving his wisdom to four successive British kings. He was known as the Wild Man of the Woods during which time he learned to talk to the animals. Merlin was reputed to be a mystical Druid, a Celtic priest, Merlin the Wizard, Merlin the Sorcerer, Merlin the Magician a man who possessed the knowledge and secrets of the ancients. The mystical advisor to King Arthur at Camelot. The population knew, and believed, the old legends and myths about Merlin and he was especially revered as a great prophet. Enter the Medieval ‘Spin Doctors’ of the English Kings!
The Prophecies of Merlin!
Merlin the Wizard was credited with making many prophecies. The Medieval ‘Spin Doctors’ of the English Kings, especially King Edward I and the Tudors used these prophecies to substantiate their claims to both the English and Welsh thrones. King Edward I went to the tremendous trouble and expense to build Caernarvon castle in such a way that it fulfilled a prophecy of Merlin the Wizard see Caernarvon Castle Welsh Mythology The Druid Wizard, Merlin, and several prophecies, were strongly associated with Caernarvon! Merlin was believed to have been born in a cave outside Caernarvon. The name Caernarvon is believed to be derived from ‘Caer Myrddin’ meaning Merlin’s town or fortress. Merlin the Wizard was closely linked with King Arthur and was even linked with the transportation of the great Stonehenge stones! It was in the political interests of the Medieval ‘Spin Doctors’ and the English Kings to be seen to “fulfill” these ancient prophecies of Merlin the Wizard!
The Prophecies of Merlin - Fiction turns into Fact!
The stories, legends and myths about Merlin the Wizard, Merlin the Sorcerer, Merlin the Magician and Merlin the Prophet play an important role in the History of the Britons. The character of Merlin the Wizard was invented by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Other Medieval writers, poets and Chroniclers used the character of Merlin the Wizard in their works and the stories of the Knights of the Round Table appeared. The Kings of England encouraged the belief in King Arthur and Merlin to meet their own ends. The legends and myths about Merlin continued to grow. Of course the stories were true - the King said so! The King has fulfilled the ancient prophecies of Merlin! Even up to the present day people are confused as to whether Merlin the Wizard was an actual person - which might be the reason you are reading this text! The legend of Merlin is a perfect example of Fiction being turned into Fact!
Merlin the Wizard and the Medieval ‘Spin Doctors’
The Medieval ‘Spin Doctors’ of the old English Kings elevated Merlin the Wizard, Merlin the Sorcerer, Merlin the Magician and Merlin Prophet to a position of high, unassailable prominence. Merlin was surrounded with magic and mystery. People did not question his existence - until now…
Merlin the Wizard
Arthurian Legend
- Merlin the Wizard - Was the Life of King Arthur Fact or Fiction?
- Merlin the Wizard - What influence did the Arthurian legend have on the actual history of England and Wales?
- Merlin the Wizard - Educational resource which sorts Arthurian Legend fact from fiction