Did Merlin really exist? Meets the character of King Arthur Legend

The figure of Merlin, the legendary magician of the stories of King Arthur, aroused charm for the centuries. Portrait as a consultant essay, prophet and owner of supernatural powers, became one of the most emblematic characters of medieval literature. But after all, did Merlin really exist or is it just the result of popular imagination?

To answer this question, you must immerse yourself in the origins of the character, their possible historical inspirations and the way in which it has been modeled over time by medieval writers.

The research to understand if Merlin really exists leads us to discover much more than a mystical character – he reveals a powerful symbol of Western culture and narration.

Merlin’s historical roots

Before it appears like a magician in King Arthur’s stories, Merlin seems to have been inspired by real figures of Celtic traditions.

One of the names most cited by the researchers is that of Myrddin Wyllt, a prophet Calered and a century of water that he would have guided after a battle and isolated in the forests. Another similar figure is Lagotta, of Scottish origin, also associated with prophecy and imprisonment.

These figures have been reworked in literature by authors such as Geoffrey De Monmouth, who modeled Merlin that we know today.

According to the historic Anne Lawrence-Mathers, from Yale University PressMerlin could be based on medieval scholars with knowledge of astrology, prophecy and natural sciences – very different from the magician “of the cover and the pointed hat” that the modern imaginary has made it popular.

Merlin’s literary creation

It was in the twelfth century that the character obtained more defined contours, especially in the work Regim of Britanniae Historyby Geoffrey de Monmouth.

In it, Merlin appears as a prophet and councilor of the British King Vortigen, as well as being responsible for the architeration of the birth of Arthur, using the magic for Uther Pendragon to pass another man and joined the Igraine.

In another work, Vita Merlini, Geoffrey strengthens the prophetic and hermit characteristics of Merlin, bringing it even more to Myrddin Wyllt.

Researchers of Journal of Medieval History They explain that Geoffrey not only invented events, but also used the figure of Merlin to strengthen the political and symbolic themes of the time.

Merlin in the legends of King Arthur

In the Arturian legends, Merlin has a key role: Arthur Guide before birth, guides the young king in his formation and acts as a mentor during the first years of the kingdom.

It is the one who helps to establish the round taval and to consolidate the image of Arthur as a right ruler and chosen by fate.

Did Merlin really exist?

Most of the historians agree that Merlin did not exist as a real person, but as a composed figure, created by Celtic myths, historical elements and narrative needs.

However, the symbolic force of the character is so relevant that he has gone through centuries reinterpreted in books, films and even academic studies.

Recent searches, such as a thesis of Purdue UniversityThey show how Merlin’s image was perfected by Geoffrey from Monmouth to authors such as Thomas Malory, responsible for disseminating the Arturian cycle in the fifteenth century.

Although Merlin did not really exist, his inheritance is undeniable. Represents the archetype of the essay that guides the hero, the connection between magic and knowledge and the power to transform the world through the word, vision and imagination

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Source: Olhar Digital

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.