Part III. Magic and Sorcery

"Ambros Prophesies to King Vortigern," 15th century manuscript, Lambeth Palace.

[As a youth, Ambros/Merlin foretells that the red dragon--the British kings

leading up to King Arthur--will defeat the white dragon--the invading Saxons.]

Stonehenge at dawn [reputedly created by Merlin]

"Merlin, the Enchanter" by Louis Rhead "Merlin, changed into the appearance of a

fair young squire, by degrees made

acquaintance with Vivian, who told him

who she was" by Albert Herter.

"Four Queens Find Lancelot Sleeping" by Frank Cadogan Cowper.

[The fairy queens try to seduce Lancelot who is

enchanted and imprisoned by Morgan le Fay.]

"Morgan la Fay, Queen of Avalon" by Frederick Sandys

[Morgana uses Merlin's magic to oppose Arthur's reign.]

She Filched Away the Sword" by Jessie M. King "Morgan Casts Away Excalibur's

[Morgana steals Excalibur for her lover Scabbard" by H. J. Ford.

to use against King Arthur.] [Part of Morgana's plan to defeat Arthur.]

"The Damsel of the Lake, called Nimue the "Dame du Lac (Lady of the Lake)"

Enchantress" by Frank Cadogan Cowper [Cover from Marion Zimmer Bradley's

The Mists of Avalon, 1982]

"The Beguiling of Merlin" by E. C. Burne-Jones "A Magic Circle" by J. W. Waterhouse

[Merlin is bewitched by Nimue/Vivien.] [Nimue/Vivien usurps Merlin's magic.]

"Merlin and Vivien" by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale

[Vivien seduces Merlin's secrets from him.]

"Merlin" by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale

[Nimue/Vivien magically imprisons Merlin in bush, tree, cave,

or tower of air, depending on which source is consulted.]

Links

Youth and early history of Merlin the Magician.

Bulfinch's summary of Merlin's life.

Find out more about Merlin and Merlin, the Legend.

Those magical women: Morgan and her Sisters: Enchantresses in Arthurian Tradition

More on Lady of the Lake and on Morgan le Fay.

Resources on "Arthurian Literature and Art": Celtic-Medieval and Victorian-Modern.

Return to Nichols Home Page

NOTE: Students should be advised that there is no one standard version of the King Arthur legends. This "Arthurian Legends Illustrated" represents an amalgam of different artists' views.

Painting, top of page: "Attainment of the Holy Grail" (tapestry) by E. C. Burne-Jones