Merlin's traditional biography casts him as a being born of a mortal woman, sired by an incubus, from whom he inherits his supernatural powers and abilities, most commonly and notably prophecy and shapeshifting.
Later writers in France and elsewhere expanded the account to produce a fuller image, creating one of the most important figures in the imagination and literature of the Middle Ages. Geoffrey's rendering of the character became immediately popular, especially in Wales. It is believed that Geoffrey combined earlier tales of Myrddin and Ambrosius, two legendary Briton prophets with no connection to Arthur, to form the composite figure called Merlinus Ambrosius ( Welsh: Myrddin Emrys, Breton: Merzhin Ambroaz). His usual depiction, based on an amalgamation of historic and legendary figures, was introduced by the 12th-century British author Geoffrey of Monmouth. Merlin ( Welsh: Myrddin, Cornish: Marzhin, Breton: Merzhin) is a mythical figure prominently featured in the legend of King Arthur and best known as an enchanter or wizard, among his various other roles. Lady of the Lake, Morgan le Fay, Sebile (romance tradition) Prophet, magician, bard, royal advisor, warrior, others (depending on the source)
The Enchanter Merlin, Howard Pyle's illustration for The Story of King Arthur and His Knights (1903)
0 kommentar(er)
