Merlin

He was in a beggar's array when Sir Ulfius was looking for him. He asked Ulfius whom he sought, but Ulfius didn't answer. The beggar told him that he knew he seeks Merlin, and that it is Merlin himself. He promised to help Uther if he fulfills Merlin's desire, and Ulfius agreed. (1,I)

## Serving Uther

Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion's door and then approached Uther, and he welcomed him. He knew everything in his heart and made him swear to fulfill his desire: to deliver to him the baby that will be born from him and Igraine, to which Uther agreed. Merlin devised a plan to enter Tintagil 10 miles away, to disguise Uther like the Duke, while himself and Ulfius would be disguised like Sir Jordanus, and Sir Brastias. He advised him not to pose any questions to Igraine, and pretend that he is ill and wants to rest, and not to leave until Merlin appears. Indeed they reached Tintagil and after Uther slept with Igraine, Merlin appeared in the morning and told him to go. (1,II)

While Igraine was pregnant to Arthur, Merlin came to Uther and talked about the nourishing of the child, and he suggested Uther's vassal Ector and his wife for it. Indeed, Ector promised to do so. When Arthur was born, 2 knights and 2 ladies took him bound in golden cloth and as Merlin instructed, they delivered him to a poor man at the postern gate of the castle. He bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen him, and named him Arthur. (1,III)

2 years later at London Uther fell sick and his enemies usurped upon him. He began a battle upon his own men and slew man of them. Merlin counseled him not to lie so but go to the field on a horse-litter to beat his enemies personally. After the victorious battle Uther returned to London but fell more sick. His barons were worried and asked what to do but Merlin said that only God could help him. According to Merlin's advice all barons came to him on the morning and Merlin with God's help made him speak. He asked if he accepts his son Arthur to be king of his realm and properties, and Uther before everyone he gave his blessing and bid him claim the crown. (1,IV)

## The Sword in the Stone

After Uther's death the kingdom was in peril. Merlin went to the Archbishop of Canterbury and counselled him to notify all the lords and nobles to come to London by Christmas or be cursed, so that there will be a miracle to show the rightful king of the realm. Indeed a sword appeared miraculously in a churchyard, that could be pulled by the rightful king. (1,V)

As the barons were dissatisfied that only Arthur could pull the sword, they delayed it until Pentecost. Then the Archbishop, again by Merlin's providence, prepared the best knights he could, and that Uther most loved and trusted, to be always with Arthur until the Pentecost. (1,VI)

## Battle of Carlion

After Arthur was crowned, some Kings turned against him. Merlin came to Carlion, 15 days after a siege had started against Arthur. The kings were glad seeing him and asked him why that boy was a king. Merlin ensured them that he is the son of Uther and Igraine, he was begotten more than 3 hours after the death of her husband, and 13 days later Uther wedded Igraine so he isn't a bastard. He also prophecised that he will overcome all his enemies and rule over Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, and more realms. Some kings had marvel, but some, like King Lot, laughed him to scorn, and others called him a witch. But they accepted to listen if Arthur comes to speak to them. So Merlin went to Arthur, and told him that he can go to speak without fear, answering as their king and chieftain, as he will overcome everyone, want it or not. (1,VIII)

Arthur came out but the negotiations didn't succeed and both sides returned to their positions. Merlin told the rebels that they should stint, because Arthur will still prevail even while their strength is 10 times more. Then king Lot said that they aren't afraid of a dream-reader. With that Merlin vanished and came to King Arthur, and bade him set on them fiercely. He advised him not to fight with Excalibur, but only when he comes to difficult time. And indeed the Battle of Carlion ended in victory, as the commons of the town rose against the rebels who fled. Merlin came next to Arthur and advised him not to pursue them. (1,IX)

Merlin told him that the six rebel kings would quickly invade his lands and to summon his barons to council. Because the barons could give no counsel, they sent for Merlin, and when he came, he warned them that the enemies are very strong warriors, and were joined by 4 more rebel kings and a mighty duke. So Arthur should gather as much chivarly as possibly within his realm or he'd perish. He advised that Arthur should send message to kings Ban and Bors with two trusty knights to help him with his wars, and Arthur will help them against King Claudas. (1,X)

The kings came for the feast of All Hallowmass and after the tournament, the three kings went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, Ulfius, Brastias and Merlin, arguing about the best action. At night they slept and they continued next morning. Finally they concluded that Merlin should go to France with a token from Ban (a ring) for their men, and sirs Gracian and Placidas should go with him to keep their castles and countries. So they passed the sea and came to Benwick, and the people were glad to see King Ban's ring, and that their kings are well. According to their lords, the soldiers were prepared as fast as possible, so that they were 15000 on horse and foot, and Merlin provided them with supplies. When Merlin went to the sea he sent the footmen and took 10000 horsemen, the most of them men of arms, and passed the sea and landed at Dover, then he led the host north to the forest of Bedegraine, through the most secret way, and lodged them secretly. He then rode back to London and the kings marveled how he went and came so quickly, and told them about the 10000 men he hid in the forest. As Arthur's army set forth, Merlin made an orinance that no soldier would pass the Trent without a token from King Arthur, so no enemy could spy them. (1,XI)

## Battle of Bedegraine

By Merlin's advice scout riders skimmed the country, and they met scouts of the north, and made them to tell which way the host came. Again by counsel of Merlin, when they learned which way the rebels would ride and lodge, at midnight they attacked them in their pavillions. (1,XIII)

Merlin said to the 3 kings that Ban and Bors with their 10,000 men should go and hide in a wood nearby, and wait until the other knights fight. And at daylight, dress before the others while still fresh. (1,IV)

During the Battle Merlin came on a great black horse and said to Arthur to stop the battle because he left alive half of the original 30,000 men, and God is angry with him. The rebels won't be overthrown but instead would increase. He praised the knights for despite being so few, they are the best fighters of the world and no gold and silver will compensate their prowess. He said that Arthur should let the rebels be because more than 40,000 Saracens landed in the rebel King's countries and burn and slay, and laid siege at Wandesborow, and they will be busy with them for the following 3 years. He suggested that he rewards his knights with his own goods, but the loots of the battle be given to the 2 kings and their knights so that more Kings will want to ally with Arthur.

Then Merlin took his leave of the Kings and went to Northumberland and his master Bleise to whom he said about the battle, the names of all kings and knights there, and how it ended. He did so with all the battles in Arthur's days, and the deeds of every knight in his court.

Then on the morn after Candlemas he returned to the castle of Bedegraine, but was disguised in black sheep-skins, a great pair of boots, bow and arrows, a russet gown, and brought wild geese in his hand. He asked from Arthur a gift from the battle, because its "better to give a gift not in your hand than lose great riches". Arthur didn't recognize him and asked the churl how he knew about the battle and he replied that Merlin told him so. Ulfius and Brastias recognized him and smiled and Arthur and the two kings had marvel of Merlin. (1,XVII)

Later the 3 kings went to Cameliard to support King Leodegrance. After the battle the Kings had to return to Gaul. Merlin predicted that the kings won't come again to support Arthur, as the rebels will perish by Balin and Balan, but Arthur will go to the kings's support within 1-2 years. (1,XVIII)

Merlin took the form of a 14 years old child and met Arthur in a forest, saluted and asked why he was so pensive, claiming that he knows what Arthur saw, his thoughts, and that they won't fix his problems; and that he knows his parents, Uther and Igraine. Arthur denied it, pointing out the boy's age, but when the boy insisted that he knows better than anyone, Arthur was angry and the boy left. Then he returned as a 60-years old man, and Arthur was glad to see a wise man. He asked Arthur why he is sad and saying about the boy, the man verified that the boy told the truth, and would say more if Arthur allowed him. He also revealed that he lain by his sister and God is angry with him and the child will destroy him and his kingdom. Arthur wondered and he said he was Merlin. Merlin also mentioned that while God wants Arthur to be punished by dying in battle, while himself will die a shameful death, quick in the earth. Then a man brought the horse and the two rode to Carlion. There he asked Ector and Ulfius about his birth and said to Merlin that he wanted to ask his mother herself to believe it. (1,XX)

Igraine came and told to everyone about how Arthur was conceived and Uflius and Merlin's role in this, and that she never learned what hapened to it as Merlin took it by Uther's command. Uflius said that Merlin is more to blame than her. Then Merlin took the king by the hand, saying that this is his mother, and Ector witnessed how he nourished him by Uther's command. (1,XXI)

Griflet wanted to be knighted in order to joust Pellinore who killed Miles. Merlin said that Griflet will be a good man, and it will be a pity to lose him, as the knight he will challenge, is one of the best and strongest in the world. Arthur reluctantly knighted him. (1,XXII)

One morning 3 churls chased Merlin to kill him. Arthur saw it and rode unto them and drove them away. He teased Merlin saying his crafts wouldn't save him if he didn't show up. Merlin said that he would if he wanted, and Arthur is nearer to death than himself, knowing that he is going to meet Pellinore. (1,XXIII)

Arthur and Pellinore jousted and fought, but Pellinore broke Excalibur and then was about to slay Arthur for not yielding. Merlin came to stop him, saying that if he slays him the realm will suffer the greatest damage and revealed he is king Arthur. Nonetheless fearing of his wrath he lifted up his sword, but Merlin enchanted him and he fell asleep for 3 hours. Merlin took his horse and together rode away. Merlin had warned Arthur, who would have died if he didn't save his life; he said his name, and predicted that he will eventually serve him well, he will have two sons, Percivale and Lamerake, and will tell Arthur the name of his son who will destroy the realm. (1,XXIV)

The two went to a hermit who was a good man and healer and in 3 days he was ready to ride. Arthur said he had no sword, and Merlin replied that that one will be his. They came to the Lake and Merlin told Arthur that he can take the fair sword that is held by the hand. Merlin explained him that the damsel who comes is the Lady of the Lake from a fair and rich place beneath a rock inside the lake, and Arthur should speak fair to her. Tying their horses to 2 trees, they boarded a barge and rowed to the arm and Arthur took the sword.

They rode forth into the land until Arthur saw a pavilion which Merlin reminded him that it ws Pellinore's, who right now is hunting his knight Egglame. Arthur considered avenging him now he has a sword, but Merin counseled against it, as he is weary and the challenge would be honorless; furthermore he is a hard adversary, and predicted again that he will serve Arthur well in the future.

Arthur admired the sword, and Merlin asked him whether he prefers the sword or its scabbard. Arthur prefers the sword, but Merlin told him that the scabbard will protect him from wounds so he must keep it always on him. On their way they met Pellinore, who didn't talk Arthur because of Merlin's craft. Arthur wondered, and Merlin said that if he saw him, they would have trouble. (1,xxv)

## Camelot

Merlin came to the court in Camelot and was was told about the damsel with the sword and how Balin took it and then killed the Lady of the Lake. Merlin then revealed the story of the damsel, how she wanted to revenge her brother who killed her lover. (2,iv) So Lady Lile gave her the sword to find the one who will kill him. Then he was sad about Balin's fate, because there is no stronger or braver knight and will do great honour and kindness to Arthur, but it is a damage that soon the sword will destroy him. (2,iv)

While King Mark was setting the tomb of Sir Lanceor and Colombe, Merlin came to him and prophecised that in this place two knights will fight the greatest battle, but none will slay each other; and he wrote on the tomb their names with golden letters: Launcelot de Lake and Tristram. Mark marveled at how a boistous man can speak of such marvel and asked his name, but he replied that he won't tell it; only in the time when Tristram is taken with his lady, Mark will learn his name, along with bad news. Then he said to Balin that he did evil for not saving Colombe's life; Balin swore that she killed herself too suddenly and couldn't save her. Merlin prophecised that because of this he will strike the most dolorous stroke, against the truest and more honorful knight and harm 3 kingdoms for 12 years. Balin said that if he knew that he would do such things, he would slay himself right now to make him a liar. With this Merlin vanished suddenly. (2,viii)

As they rode, they met Merlin disguised, asking them where they are going and they didn't tell; Merlin didn't tell who he is either, and the knights distrusted him. Then he said he knows they are going against King Rience, but they won't defeat him without his help. Balin realised it is Merlin and agreed to follow his advice, as they will need it. (2,viii)

Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the highway, put the bridles of their horses to grass and laid them to rest them. At midnight he rode them up and made them ready because Rience was nearby to meet Lady de Vance. Merlin showed them where he rode to meet him in a strait way. Once Rience surrendered, he vanished and presented to Arthur, to inform him that his worst enemy was captured by two knights whose names will learn soon. Rience was brought and asked about who defeated him, he said that it was the "Knight with the Two Swords" and his brother, which Arthur, didn't recognise. Merlin revealed they were Balin and Balan, and he has the greatest dole because he will not endure long; and revealed that he will do much more for him soon. Then he warned him that Rience's brother Nero will bring his host the next day, and to be ready because Merlin will leave. (2,ix)

Merlin knew that if Lot joined Nero, they would destroy Arthur and his people; and hew knew that either Arthur or Lot would be killed that day but he preferred to save Arthur. While was preparing before Terrabil, he came to Lot and kept him occupied saying prophecies during the course of the Battle of Terrabil; until Nero and his people were destroyed and a messenger came to him. (2,x)

After the Battle, Merlin with his subtle craft made the images of the 12 slain kings who were buried in the Church of St. Stephen. He predicted to Arthur that their tapers will burn constantly as long as he is alive, and afterwars the adventures of the Sangreal will come. He also said about the dolorous stroke that Balin will give, and its consequences. He predicted that he wil meet Pellinore again soon, and Balin, but not his brother. He reminded him to keep always the scabbard of Excalibur with his protection. After that Merlin also told him that Bagdemagus is his cousin, and that he will fight his son near Salisbury. (2,xi)

Merlin came to Listeneise and rescued Balin who was buried under the ruins of Pellam's castle; he found him a good horse to leave the country and showed him that Herlews's damsel was killed. He said that he gave the dolorous stroke with the spear with which Longius also smote Jesus Christ to the heart. Pellam was nigh of Joseph's kin, and his hurt turned to great dole and damage, and he will be healed by Galahad in the quest of the Sangreal. They parted and said that they won't meet any more in this world. (2,xvi)

After the duel and deaths of Balin and Balan, Merlin came to the island the next morning where lay their tomb and wrote Balin's name with golden letters (as the lady didn't know it before) that "Here lieth Balin le Savage that was the Knight with the Two Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous Stroke." Also Merlin made a bed there that would make mad anyone who would lie there. Merlin also repomelled Balin's sword and asked a knight to handle it, and failed; Merlin laughed and said that only the best knight of the world will handle it, and wrote a prophecy on the pommel. He also had made an iron and steel bridge to be passed only by a good knight without villainy, and left there the scabbard to be found by Galahad. He then put the sword on a floating marble stone that will reach Winchester after years. He then returned to Arthur and told the story of the dolorous stroke and how the brothers killed each other and were buried. (2,xix)

Arthur was mostly ruled by the counsel of Merlin, and concerning his marriage, he would take only one by his advice. Merlin asked if he loves someone already and he said about Guenever of Cameliard. Merlin agreed that she is one of the fairest, and if he didn't love her so much he would suggest for him another beautiful and good damsel because Guenever will not be wholesome for him; but he realized his heart is set. He covertly advised him that Guenever and Launcelot will love each other, and then said the adventures of Sangreal. As Merlin suggested, Arthur sent him with some men to Leodegrance to ask Guenever from Leodegrance. The King was very happy for the news and offered also the Round Table with its 100 knights. With all royalty the passed through land and water and returned to London. (3,i)

Arthur sent him to search in all this land the 50 best knights to fill the seats, and within short time Merlin returned with 28 knights as he couldn't find more. When they were given their seats, Merlin told them to go and pay homage to Arthur to inspect them. When they left he found in every seat golden letters with the knights' names but two were void. (3,ii)

When Arthur agreed to knight Tor he asked Merlin's prediction and he said he would become a good knight, as he was of royal heritage as his father is Pellinore; his father doubted it but Merlin had his wife to come and tell the story. Once she did, Tor said to Merlin not to dishonor his mother, and Merlin said that it is good for him and his mother as all happened before she was married, and his father is a good man and will advance them. (3,iii)

Arthur asked him why two seats of the Table were empty, he explained they were for the most worthy knights and any knight who will sit on the Siege Perilous will be destroyed. He then took Pellinore (who came that morning) by hand and put him next to them, honoring him, enraging Gawaine. (3,iv)

After the wedding, Merlin came to the knights sitting at the Tound Table telling them to stay still and watch marvelous events. They saw a white hart running, chased by a white brachet and hounds, Nimue asking her brachet before being abducted by Hontzlake. Arthur was glad that the noise was over, but Merlin told him that he mustn't leave these events, as his feast wil be shamed; according to Merlin's advice he sent Gawaine to bring the hart, Tor to bring the brachet and Pellinore to bring the lady. (3,v)

When Gawaine returned with the hart's head, Merlin wanted Arthur to make Gawaine swear about his quest, how he refused to show mercy to Ablamar and how he accidentally slew his lady. (3,viii)

When Tor returned, Merlin adviced them to make him swear to tell his adventures, and they were impressed by them. Merin said that in the future he will do much more, for he shall prove a noble and strong knight, gentle and courteous, true of his promise. With this, Arthur gave the young knight an earldom and lands. (3,xi)

A spy of enemy chieftains leaving Camelot, warned his accomplice from the north who panned to poison Arthur, to be careful about Merlin, who know everything. (3,xiv)

When Pellinore returned wiht Nimue, repenting for having failed to save a damsel and her lover from death, Merlin revealed that he wil surely repent, and revealed that she was Eleine his daughter, and her lover was Miles who was coming to Camelot and would be a good knight, if Loraine didn't wound him. He prophecized that for this failure, Pellinore will be betrayed by his most trusted friend at the time of his greatest need. (3,xv)

## Leaving Arthur

Merlin soon fell in love with Nimue after Pellinore brought her back. He always wanted to be with her and never left her alone. Nimue learned from him all things that she desired. One time (perhaps in Cardoile) Merlin warned Arthur that he won't endure for much more, and will be put in the earth despite his crafts; he will miss him and would give all his lands if he could have him again. He told him many prophecies and warned him to keep Excalibur and its scabbard with him because they will be stolen by a woman that he trusted most. Arthur told him that he should avoid his fate since he knows it, but Merlin said that "it will not be".

Nimue departed and Merlin always followed her and would use his crafts to have her "privily away", and she made him swear that he will never do enchantment upon her. Together they passed the sea and went to Benwick and saw young Launcelot and Queen Elaine. He comforted her for the wars of Claudas, saying that her son, whose first name was Galahad until she confirmed him Launcelot, will revenge them and be famous as the most glorious man in all Christendom, and she will live to see him and many years more.

## Final fate

Soon after they left and Merlin showed Nimue many wonders until they reached Cornwall. (4,i) (Perhaps it was around this time when he rescued King Meliodas from an old tower. (8,ii)) He always lay near Nimue to have her maidenhood. Eventually he showed her into an impressive rock made with enchantment, under a great stone. Nimue made him to go under it and tell her the marvels there, but with an enchantment she made, he couldn't come out, despite all his craft. She departed and left him behind. (4,i)

After many adventures, Bagdemagus came to the rock, and heard his moaning. He attempted to lift the heavy rock, and Merlin told him that only Nimue could release him. (4,v)