Merlin and Legendary Romance [Paperback]

An indepth work on the origins of the Merlin of Arthurian legend, this book examines early texts, thirteenth century romances focusing particularly on Merlin as a character, rather than those where Merlin is a background cast member. The outline here starts with looking at the genre and the place of fantasy, moving on to consider the attitudes towards magic and magic-users in medieval times. Main works considered are Geoffrey of Monmouths Historia Regum Britanniaeand Vita Merlini; the Vulgate cycle, Suite du Merlin; and finally Malorys work. The author asserts that each portrays a different approach to Merlin but all are tied to history and to the Christian religion.

Introduction  1. The Good Magician Before Merlin: Secular Tales and Saints Lives  2. Merlin the Prophet: Geoffrey of Monmouths Historia  3. Merlin Beatified: The Vita Merlini  4. The Kings Right Hand: The Vulgate Merlin  5. Magician Beware: The Suite du Merlin  6. Conclusion: Malorys Le Morte Darthur.  Appendix 1: Summary, Robert de Borons Merlin.  Appendix 2: Summary, Vulgate Merlin.  Appendix 3: Summary, Suite du Merlin