character
Merlin
The wizard advisor to King Arthur โ the prototype for every wise mentor in fantasy.
Origin
Originating in Welsh tradition (Myrddin Wyllt), elaborated by Geoffrey of Monmouth and later romances. Merlin guides Arthur from boyhood through kingship before his own enchantment-and-disappearance.
Modern usage
Direct ancestor of Gandalf, Dumbledore, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and basically every wizard-mentor.
Tags
wizard
mentor
magic