The legend of Merlin the Wizard
...rusted in jewels and its scabbard was to protect him from any mortal wounds. Merlin took him to see the Lady of the Lake; which was Merlin’s sister, Nimue. She instructed Arthur what to do to get the sword. The scabbard was stolen then lost and Arthur was mortally wounded. Merlin was a key part in these stories because he provides so much information. This wizard was very well-known, as well as feared. There are stories of the power Merlin possessed. His power has derived from God, but his wisdom is a different story. It is said that Merlin’s wisdom is from a totally different force. When he was a child he spoke to Vortigern; when he did the spirit seized him, so what he says in wisdom are not his words. He doesn’t know anything, but the Spirit uses him as a conduit. When he speaks to Auerelius he already possesses whatever knowledge he has. He just does not want to reveal the knowledge because he fears that the spirit will not teach him more in the future. Another factor on the image of Merlin, is his personality and purpose. Some view Merlin as a savior or “miracle worker”. In legend, he is only there to aide King Arthur and the decisions he makes while ruling in Camelot. Merlin as portrayed in the movie “First Knight” has a bit of a personality and looks a lot younger. But, in the movie “Quest for Camelot”, Merlin is more stern and serious, so he gets straight to the point. There can never be an exact description of his personality, and that’s what makes him so mysterious to others. At a time though, he had a pupil named Vivien. She was an apprentice to him; and Merlin was eager to show her more because not only was she his student, Merlin also fell in love with her. And in the French Vulgate texts it explains that after she learned all his spells, that she entrapped Merlin in a beautiful tower. But, there is another version of this in “Le Morte de Arthur” and it states that Vivien is a pure young girl and Merlin can not stop thinking about her, and plotting to take her virginity. So as you can see there are many versions of this prophet and his story. Later in the twentieth century, Merlin became very popular as a literary figure. Tales of Merlin and Vivien we...