Marlinethe legendary magician of the Arthurian cycle, is a central figure of the british folklore who is said to have lived in Britain in the 5th century. His biography is enigmatic and is based mainly on. literary storieswhich makes it difficult to determine his precise birth and death. Legends suggest that Merlin was fathered by a demon and a woman, or in some versions, he was simply born of his mother without male intervention. Geoffrey of Monmouth He identified him with Aurelius Ambrosius, elder brother of Uther Pendragon and thus uncle of Arthur. Throughout his life, Merlin became the spiritual guide and advisor to several kings, including the King Arthur.
Merlin is considered one of the most powerful sorcerers in Arthurian epic, capable of talk to animalstransform and control the weather. According to legend, Merlin met Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, who eventually imprisoned him in a tree, cave, or crystal cell. The story of King Arthur, closely linked to that of Merlin, begins when the King of Great Britainin love with a married woman, receives help from the magician to pretend to be her absent husband and thus fulfill his desire. After the husband’s death, the king marries the woman and, keeping his promise, gives Merlin the son born of this union, Arthur.
Thanks to Merlin, Arthur manages to obtain the Excalibur Sword from the rock and becomes High King. Merlin guides him in his reign and in the founding of Camelot. Later, the sorcerer is trapped by the Lady of the Lake in a crystal prison. An alternative version suggests that Merlin could be based on Myrddina Scottish warrior who, after losing his family in battle, became a hermit and was known as a sorcerer.
The Legend of the Wizard Merlin
The legend of the wizard Merlin occupies an important place in British and world folklore. Merlin, who according to legend was born from union between a woman and a demonhas been shrouded in mystery for centuries. However, a team of archaeologists from the University of Glasgow are working at Drumelzier, a site traditionally associated with the tomb of Merlin, in the hope of uncovering the truth about this enigmatic figure.
Historically, the legend of Merlin has been attributed to two figures: the bard Lailokenadvisor to the Breton kings, and Ambrose Aurelianus, a Celtic hero who may have inspired the figure of King Arthur. The name Merlin was popularized by the Norman-Welsh clergyman Geoffrey of Monmouth, who was responsible for spreading the stories of Camelot. In his medieval manuscript, Vita Merlini Sylvestris (The Life of Merlin of the Wood), Geoffrey describes how Merlin was imprisoned by a Dark Age king and buried in the Drumelzier area on the banks of the River Tweed in the 7th century.
THE The True Existence of Merlin has been the subject of debate. Historian John Matthews, in his 2004 book “Merlin: The Wise Man at the Court of King Arthur,” argues that Merlin may have been a real historical figure. Matthews suggests that after a devastating war, Merlin voluntarily exiled himself to the forest, where he lived in harmony with nature, which may have given rise to the legend of the sorcerer.
In 2022, a team of volunteers and archaeologists from University of Glasgowunder the direction of GUARD Archaeology, began investigating the Drumelzier area. Their goal was to unravel the mystery surrounding Merlin’s possible tomb. The archaeologists made important discoveries, revealing clues about the medieval history of the area and the time when the legend of the magician was born. One of the most significant discoveries was the Fort Tinnisoccupied from the late 6th century to the early 7th century. This fort, from which one can see the site associated with the tomb of Merlin, may have served as an important stronghold in the early medieval period.
In addition, several barrows have been discovered at Thirlestane, including a square one dated between the end of the 3rd century and the end of the 6th century. This type of mound is unusual for the period and different from the circular mounds typical of the Bronze Age. Researchers suggest that these monuments had special significance for the ancient inhabitants, who passed down their history and legends through local folklore.
A particularly interesting aspect of the project was the geophysical study near the site associated with Merlin’s tomb. This study revealed a archaeological training which could be a tomb, adding a possible touch of reality to the legend. Although it is still difficult to confirm whether this structure corresponds to Merlin’s tomb, its presence suggests that the sorcerer’s story could have some basis in reality.
