Merlin the Magician
The ancient Britons were told a legend that the great fortress they had erected on Salisbury plain (near Stonehenge) would never be safe until the ground upon which it stood was soaked with the blood of a baby who had no mortal father. The poor Britons thought all was hopeless, as they'd never find such a half-human child to sacrifice. But then one day they heard of a beautiful young girl who was with child by a demon - this child was Merlin.
Though young Merlin had a Christian baptism, he still had wondrous powers, no doubt from his demon father. Luckily he escaped being sacrificed to save the Britons' fortress as he got rid of the dragons (the threat to their fortress) with magic.
Merlin was indeed a famous wizard, a sage from a magical realm, an inspired seer, and a mystic mage. He was an exceptionally wise counsellor and faithful companion to several kings. His magic powers were so renowned that medieval traditions credit him with the building of Stonehenge, as well as the famous Round Table - of which a copy can still be seen at Winchester, England today - and with the plan for Camelot.
When, it was said, Uther Pendragon successfully invaded Britain, Merlin joined him and used his magic to enable Uther to sleep with Igraine - the wife of a Cornish nobleman - by disguising him as her husband. Arthur, future king of the Britons, was conceived through this union.
Merlin stayed close to Arthur, acting as his spiritual and fatherly guardian. And when Arthur took the throne of Britain, Merlin was his most trusted advisor, counselling him both gently and with a strong hand but always with great wisdom.
Accounts of Merlin's death vary. One legend says that he forgot about the Siege Perilous at the Round Table - the seat meant only for the pure Sir Galahad, the knight who found the Holy Grail - and was swallowed up by the earth like so many others before him. I don't like this story; it doesn't fit Merlin's image of a wise wizard. I prefer the next, more romantic tale.
Another account blames Merlin's demise on his heart. He was so in love with Nimue, the Lady of the Lake (sometimes Vivien) that he told her all of the secrets of his magic powers and tremendous knowledge. Then after Merlin had divulged everything she trapped him in an enchanted forest for eternity. It is reported that Merlin once said to a passing Sir Gawain: "I am also the greatest fool. I love another more than I love myself, and I taught my beloved how to bind me to herself, and now no one can set me free."
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