November 23rd, 2007 Posted in Wales
When coming to Wales, it is inevitable that you will hear and encounter many local legends and stories. One of these is that Merlin, aide to King Arthur, was born in and inhabited Wales. According to the local tales, legendary magician Merlin was born in Wales. Specifically, he was born in the area around Carmarthen in South Wales.
Raised by his mother and the nuns of the Church of St. Peter, Merlin’s father was known by the locals as being a spirit who lived between the moon and the earth. Merlin’s mother’s father was also thought to be the king of South Wales.
According to legend, Merlin spent most of his time and life in the area of Carleon where he helped King Arthur. He roamed around the lowlands of Scotland for 50 years with pigs and other animals of the area after Arthur had a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Arfderydd in 537 BCE.
Another grand tale about Merlin was that he told all of his secrets of his mysticism to a woman that he fell in love with. She promised to love him forever if he would tell her his secrets. Merlin believed and did so. Instead of keeping her part of the deal, the woman cast a spell on Merlin, putting him into a slumber. She then put him in a cave and left him.
Those visiting the area will find many people preserving the sites of the legends of Merlin. The present people of Wales are working with the history of Wales to keep the integrity and legends alive.
