Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Merlin====== =====Introduction===== 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 [[Muggles|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 [[Muggles|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. =====Biography===== 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 [[Muggles|Muggle]] communities should live in harmony. He became part of the court of the [[Muggles|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-[[Muggles|Muggle]] views. =====Physical Appearance and Personality===== The primary novels do not provide a physical description of Merlin. His depiction on a [[Famous Witches and Wizards Cards|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 [[Muggles|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. =====Magical Abilities and Skills===== 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. =====Relationships===== * **[[King Arthur]]:** Merlin served in the royal court of this legendary [[Muggles|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 Founders|Hogwarts Founder]]. * **[[Morgan le Fay]]:** Known as Morgana in legend, she was Merlin's half-sister. A powerful [[Dark Arts|Dark witch]] and an enemy of [[King Arthur]], she was a notable rival to Merlin during her time (Pottermore). =====Etymology===== The name "Merlin" is taken directly from the figure of Arthurian legend in [[Muggles|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]]. =====Behind the Scenes===== 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 Arts|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.
