Merlin and Arthur A Relationship Through the Stories Presentation by: Katie Arnold Special Topics in Literature: Arthurian Legends

The Good

The Bad

The Ugly

Le Morte D'Arthur Advisor – The force that pushed Arthur in the direction he needs to go; usually relying on his ability to see the future. Advises Arthur when to withdraw from battles, etc. Similar to Merlin's relationship with Uther Pendragon. Friend – Always there for the young king. Tries to prevent Arthur from wedding Guinevere, but even Merlin is powerless to stop it.

Idylls of the King

Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court The Fool – A 'hack' magician who is made out to be inferior to the Yankee (Hank Morgan). Full or “parlor tricks” that don't ever work. Attempts to re-open the well and fails. His spells during the tournament fail as well. Deceptive – Uses the tournament with Sir Sagramore as an excuse to “get back” at Hank. "He brought but the one because there was but the one to bring. There exists none other but that one. It belongeth to the king of the Demons of the Sea. This man is a pretender, and ignorant, else he had known that that weapon can be used in but eight bouts only, and then it vanisheth away to its home under the sea."

Once and Future King/Book of Merlyn Teacher – He's present at the beginning of Arthur's final battle to complete his training. Prophesier – Informs other characters, not only Arthur, of things that will come to be. Tells Lancelot that he will become the best knight in all of Camelot. Counselor – Merlin is the one who, throughout most of his life, Arthur turns to for assistance. In Book of Merlyn, before Merlyn appears, Arthur is calling for him to help.

Works Cited  Malory, Sir Thomas. Le Morte d'Arthur. New York: Dutton Print.  Tennyson, Alfred. Idylls of the King. New York: Macmillian, Print.  Twain, Mark. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. New York: Mod ern Library, Print.  White, T.H. The Book of Merlyn. Austin, University of Texas Press, Print.  White, T.H. Once and Future King. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, Print.