Merlin

Merlin
Also Known As:	None
Biographical Information
Race:	Human
Gender:	Male
Ethnic Group:	Albion
Family:	*Hunith (Mother)
Statistics
Weapon(s) Owned:	*Book of Magic
Affiliation:	Prince Arthur,The Great Dragon, Gaius
Enemies:	Nimueh
Behind The Scenes
Portrayer:	Colin Morgan
Appearances
List Of Appearances

Merlin is a fictional character and protagonist of the BBC fantasy drama of the same name.

Profile

Biography

Merlin was born in a small village in the kingdom of Albion. His mother is called Hunith and his father is unknown. Merlin was born with a strange power that enables him to slow down the movement of time and move objects to wherever he wishes.

He is sent to Camelot by his mother to stay with Gaius, the court physician, in order to give him guidance and make sense of his powers. Upon his arrival in Camelot Merlin saved Gaius from a fatal fall from a balcony in his apartments in the city. He gives Merlin a magic spell book in order to advance his skills but advices Merlin to hide his powers as the king, Uther Pendragon, has made all forms of magic illegal.

During his first week in Camelot Merlin hears a voice calling him. He goes down to he dungeons of the castle and discovers The Great Dragon. The dragon tells Merlin that he is destined for great things, and that he will aid Prince Arthur in his destiny to become king. The dragon continues to give Merlin advice, although Merlin rarely understands them at first as the advice is usually in riddles.

As well as being dogsbody to Gaius, Merlin became the personal servant to Arthur after he saved him from being impaled by a dagger thrown by Mary Collins. Although the pair share an antagonistic relationship at first the two quickly begin to trust each other. Merlin also befriends Guinevere, known as "Gwen", servant to Morgana.

Merlin frequently uses his magic to try and help others, sometimes without thinking of the consequences. When Gwen's father's life is threatened by a strange plague in Camelot Merlin uses his magic to heal him; this subsequently leads Arthur to assume she healed him with witchcraft and had caused the plague in the first place. (The Mark of Nimueh) However Merlin's magic has also helped expose witches and warlocks with more sinister motives. He managed to expose Knight Valiant's magical snake shield during the final of the sword tournament, saving Arthur's life. (Valiant) Merlin uses his magic to help a swordsman named Lancelot to make him look like a nobleman's son to enable him to join the Knights of Camelot and later to enchant his lance to aid in killing the Griffin. (Lancelot)

The only people who know of Merlin's powers are Gaius and Lancelot. It is suggested that Arthur may be coming to realise Merlin's powers but finds it difficult to accept on account of his low opinion of competence in Merlin. (The Poisoned Chalice)

Personality

Merlin shows brilliance in his magical abilities and his keenness to further his education despite the risks carried with using magic. He can be outspoken and proud as well as being foolish, as with his first meeting with Arthur. He will at times use his magical abilities for himself, as when he fights Arthur in the market place. (The Dragon's Call) However most of the time Merlin will use his magic to help others, although this will sometimes have consequences. Merlin is also very selfless; when Gwen is sentenced to death for witchcraft he confesses that it was him who cured Gwen's father with magic, despite the fact it would have cost him his life. (The Mark of Nimueh)