Merlin

Merlin is one of the most famous and powerful wizards in history, a legendary figure whose name has become an integral part of modern wizarding vernacular. Though known in the Muggle world through Arthurian legend, he was a real wizard who attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and belonged to Slytherin House. Despite his House's reputation, Merlin was a staunch advocate for Muggle rights and believed wizards should aid and co-exist peacefully with non-magical people. His primary legacy in the wizarding world is the Order of Merlin, an award established to honor those who performed great deeds.

Merlin lived during the medieval era. He attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he was Sorted into Slytherin House. The claim that Salazar Slytherin himself taught Merlin was made by the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black, which places Merlin's time at Hogwarts in the early centuries of the school's existence. During his time, Merlin developed a belief that the wizarding and Muggle communities should live in harmony. He became part of the court of the Muggle monarch King Arthur, serving as a powerful advisor and protector. He actively campaigned for the rights of Muggles, a stance that often put him at odds with the more prejudiced members of his own Slytherin House and other pure-blood supremacists of the age (Pottermore). To promote his ideals, Merlin founded the Order of Merlin, an organization intended to reward wizards and witches who helped or protected Muggles (Pottermore). Over the centuries, the original purpose of the Order of Merlin was largely forgotten, and the Ministry of Magic began awarding it for a wide range of achievements, sometimes even to wizards with noted anti-Muggle views.

The primary novels do not provide a physical description of Merlin. His depiction on a Chocolate Frog Card in some video games shows him as an elderly wizard with a long white beard, fitting the classic archetype (video game). Merlin's personality stands as a significant counterpoint to the typical Slytherin stereotype. He was progressive, compassionate, and believed in using his considerable power for the greater good of all, not just the wizarding community. His willingness to champion Muggle rights in an era of growing prejudice demonstrates immense courage and conviction. The fact that his name evolved into a common exclamation of surprise or awe (“Merlin's beard!”, “Merlin's pants!”) speaks to the immense respect and legendary status he achieved.

Merlin is universally considered one of the most powerful and skillful wizards of all time, often referred to by the title “The Prince of Enchanters” (Pottermore). While no specific spells are attributed to him in the novels, his historical reputation suggests a mastery of all forms of magic, particularly advanced Charms and Transfiguration. His influence was so profound that an award for outstanding magical achievement, the Order of Merlin, was named in his honor.

• King Arthur: Merlin served in the royal court of this legendary Muggle king, using his magic to aid and protect him (Pottermore).
• Salazar Slytherin: According to Phineas Nigellus Black, Salazar Slytherin was Merlin's teacher at Hogwarts, establishing a direct link between Merlin and a Hogwarts Founder.
• Morgan le Fay: Known as Morgana in legend, she was Merlin's half-sister. A powerful Dark witch and an enemy of King Arthur, she was a notable rival to Merlin during her time (Pottermore).

The name “Merlin” is taken directly from the figure of Arthurian legend in Muggle folklore. The name itself is an English version of the Welsh name Myrddin, associated with Myrddin Wyllt (Merlin the Wild), a prophetic figure in medieval Welsh legend. J.K. Rowling incorporated this prominent mythological figure into her universe as a real historical wizard.

Merlin is one of several figures from real-world history and legend, alongside Nicolas Flamel and Paracelsus, who are confirmed to have been real wizards in the Harry Potter universe. His placement in Slytherin House, first revealed in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, was a significant piece of lore for fans. It demonstrated that Slytherin was not exclusively a house for Dark wizards and that its core traits of ambition and cunning could be used for noble purposes. J.K. Rowling later confirmed on the Pottermore website that the green ribbon of the Order of Merlin was chosen to reflect Merlin's Hogwarts House.