Scotland's Merlin

A Medieval Legend and its Dark Age Origins

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Folklore & Mythology, History, Medieval, British
Cover of the book Scotland's Merlin by Tim Clarkson, Birlinn
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Tim Clarkson ISBN: 9781907909382
Publisher: Birlinn Publication: May 19, 2016
Imprint: John Donald Language: English
Author: Tim Clarkson
ISBN: 9781907909382
Publisher: Birlinn
Publication: May 19, 2016
Imprint: John Donald
Language: English

Who was Merlin? Is the famous wizard of Arthurian legend based on a real person? In this book, Merlin's origins are traced back to the story of Lailoken, a mysterious 'wild man' who is said to have lived in the Scottish Lowlands in the sixth century AD. The book considers the question of whether Lailoken belongs to myth or reality. It looks at the historical background of his story and discusses key characters such as Saint Kentigern of Glasgow and King Rhydderch of Dumbarton, as well as important events such as the Battle of Arfderydd. Lailoken's reappearance in medieval Welsh literature as the fabled prophet Myrddin is also examined. Myrddin himself was eventually transformed into Merlin the wizard, King Arthur's friend and mentor. This is the Merlin we recognise today, not only in art and literature but also on screen. His earlier forms are less familiar, more remote, but can still be found among the lore and legend of the Dark Ages. Behind them we catch fleeting glimpses of an original figure who perhaps really did exist: a solitary fugitive, tormented by his experience of war, who roamed the hills and forests of southern Scotland long ago.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Who was Merlin? Is the famous wizard of Arthurian legend based on a real person? In this book, Merlin's origins are traced back to the story of Lailoken, a mysterious 'wild man' who is said to have lived in the Scottish Lowlands in the sixth century AD. The book considers the question of whether Lailoken belongs to myth or reality. It looks at the historical background of his story and discusses key characters such as Saint Kentigern of Glasgow and King Rhydderch of Dumbarton, as well as important events such as the Battle of Arfderydd. Lailoken's reappearance in medieval Welsh literature as the fabled prophet Myrddin is also examined. Myrddin himself was eventually transformed into Merlin the wizard, King Arthur's friend and mentor. This is the Merlin we recognise today, not only in art and literature but also on screen. His earlier forms are less familiar, more remote, but can still be found among the lore and legend of the Dark Ages. Behind them we catch fleeting glimpses of an original figure who perhaps really did exist: a solitary fugitive, tormented by his experience of war, who roamed the hills and forests of southern Scotland long ago.

More books from Birlinn

Cover of the book Troubled Waters by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book Masters of Men by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book Walking the Border by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book Play With Me by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book The Flying Scotsman by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book The Soap Man by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book ABC, My Grannie Caught a Flea by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book Money by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book The Diary of Archie the Alpaca by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book Appointment in Arezzo by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book Columba and All That by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book Columba by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book Salmond: Against the Odds by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book St Kilda: A People's History by Tim Clarkson
Cover of the book The Potter's Tale by Tim Clarkson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy