Life of Merlin

A Fascinating Medieval Portrait of Merlin Before the Later Arthurian Legend Composed in Latin around 1150, Life of Merlin (Vita Merlini) by Geoffrey of Monmouth is one of the foundational medieval texts concerning Merlin and an essential work for readers interested in Arthurian legend, Celtic tradition, prophecy, and the literary development of one of Europe’s most enduring mythical figures. In this remarkable poem, Merlin appears above all as a prophet and seer. Far from the familiar court magician of later romances, he is portrayed as a troubled and visionary figure who, after experiencing war and loss, descends into madness and withdraws into the wilderness, living apart from society almost like a wild man. This version of Merlin is much closer to the Welsh traditions surrounding Myrddin Wyllt, the legendary wild prophet who helped shape Geoffrey’s composite character. The text therefore offers a very different perspective from the later image of Merlin as King Arthur’s wise adviser and magician. Life of Merlin is also important for the early literary history of Morgan le Fay, who appears here as Morgen, associated with the mysterious island realm to which the wounded King Arthur is taken. This episode would become enormously influential in the later development of Arthurian tradition. Geoffrey had already introduced Merlin in Prophetiae Merlini and in his celebrated Historia Regum Britanniae, the work that helped establish the literary connection between Merlin and King Arthur. In Life of Merlin, however, he returns to older traditions and presents a stranger, more independent, and more haunting version of the prophet. This E-Bookarama Editions edition is an excellent choice for readers interested in medieval literature, Arthurian mythology, Celtic legends, and…