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 mainly based on. literary storiesmaking it difficult to accurately determine his birth and death. Legends suggest that Merlin was fathered by a demon and a woman, or in some versions he was simply born to his mother without male intervention. Geoffrey of Monmouth He identified him with Aurelius Ambrosius, older brother of Uther Pendragon and therefore 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 the 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 the help of the magician to pretend to be her absent husband and thus realize his desire. After the death of the husband, the king marries the woman and, keeping his promise, gives Merlin the son born from this union, Arthur.
Thanks to Merlin, Arthur manages to obtain the Excalibur Sword of the rock and becomes Great 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 witch doctor.
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 Merlin’s tomb, in the hope of uncovering the truth about this enigmatic figure.
Historically, the legend of Merlin has been attributed to two characters: the bard Lailokenadvisor to the Breton kings, and Ambroise Aurelianus, Celtic hero who could 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 du Bois), Geoffrey describes how Merlin is said to have been imprisoned by a Dark Age king and buried in the Drumelzier area, on the banks of the River Tweed in the 7th century .
THE Merlin’s true existence was the subject of debate. Historian John Matthews, in his 2004 book “Merlin: The Wise Man at the Court of King Arthur,” argues that Merlin could 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 Archeology, began investigating the Drumelzier region. Their goal was to unravel the mystery surrounding Merlin’s possible grave. Archaeologists have made important discoveries, revealing clues to the region’s medieval history and the time when the legend of the magician is said to have originated. One of the most significant discoveries was the Fort Tinnisoccupied from the end of the 6th century to the beginning of the 7th century. This fort, from which the site associated with Merlin’s tomb can be seen, may have served as an important stronghold in the early Middle Ages.
Furthermore, several mounds have been discovered at Thirlestane, including a square 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 typical circular mounds of the Bronze Age. Researchers suggest that these monuments had special meaning for 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 wizard’s story may have some basis in reality.
