Monday, April 15, 2013

M is for Merlin

I Love Sci-Fi/Fantasy Because...
...of Merlin.

I can't recall ever reading or watching a depiction of Merlin that didn't fascinate or entertain me on some level. This wizard has surfaced in tales and shows I'd never have expected.  Even Stargate!

Everything about him is rooted in mystery. The source of his allegiances. The nature of his beliefs. His origins.  He's been rumored to be ageless, an alien, aging backwards, and the list goes ever on.  And no one seems to agree on how much power he really possessed.

I have to stop and wonder how much of a role the legend of Merlin played in J. R. R. Tolkien's mind when he created Gandalf.

But whether wizard, magician or merely a mysterious mortal, Merlin is one reason why I love science fiction and fantasy.

39 comments:

  1. I've always been a Merlin fan, too. If he's in a story, I'm going to want to read it/see it, whatever. And now I'm thinking I might have to check out this Stargate thing.

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    1. If memory serves, Merlin was a long-ago ascended ancient in the SG1 series.

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  2. Merlin is such an interesting character (I've not watched a full episode of Merlin though... um-ah!)

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  3. Merlin's awesome! I really love the BBC show's take on this character. (Although I've only seen the first season of that. I really need to catch up sometime!)

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    1. I was pleasantly surprised by the series. I still have to catch up on the last season myself.

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  4. Merlin rocks. He can be viewed and written in so many ways. He's sci-fi's top chameleon.

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  5. I love anything Arthurian, and I loved the Merlin TV show.

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  6. I love anything to do with Merlin and the Arthurian legends... Avalon and so forth. As a kid, I used to devour these sorts of stories. I love that you chose him for your M! :D

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    1. There are so many wonderful legends around him.

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  7. I remember that show from the 80s, "Mr. Merlin" and always thought that was an interesting take on the character, too.

    Left and Write

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    1. Everyone's take on him seems to be a little bit different.

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  8. I bet Merlin was a huge influence for Gandalf.

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  9. Merlin is such a great source of inspiration!

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  10. Jeff, I feel like the lone commenter who hasn't read a lot of fantasy, enough to know about these characters and comment intelligently anyway, but I'm having fun stopping over during A-Z and reading about all these characters that inspire you!

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    1. There are definitely plenty of them. I'll whisper a spell to put a fantasy-reading urge in the back of your mind. ;-)

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  11. I've never really been interested in Merlin. Maybe there's more to him than I knew.

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    1. Certainly, if you delete the stereotypical dross, he's a rather interesting chap.

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    2. That actually surprises me, Sara. Widdershins is right. There's a lot under the surface.

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  12. I loved the first season. I still have to catch up though. I've always liked Merlin as a character :)

    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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    1. Some characters are simply ageless. Merlin is one of those characters.

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  13. Merlin is pretty cool. You've done quite well creating your own magician...I love that Tobin!

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    1. I'm glad to hear that you like Tobin. I hope you still like me after you finish the story. :::ducking:::

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  14. Melin is really just a fairy godfather

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    1. From Arthur's perspective, that would be about right. But he's far more entertaining than Cinderella's fairy godmother--in my opinion. And he definitely gets more screen time. :)

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  15. Merlin is a great character and great name! I don't remember it from Stargate. The movie or the series? Anywa, excellent M word!

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    1. The last season of SG1's series, I think. There is something rather mystical about the name. I wonder if that's inherent or conditioned.

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  16. Hey Jeff,

    Merlin is real. I've been to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. I'm sure I saw him there. Then again, it might of been some old hippy dude with long grey hair and a long grey beard...

    See how my alternative alphabet met up at the letter "M" :)

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    1. Hippy dudes are cool! (I know this because I was one.)

      And I will never ride metro again, Gary. Ever! :-)

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  17. I like Merlin as portrayed in the Mists of Avalon series. Of course there are a lot of cool versions of the Merlin story. Many a cat named Merlin has crossed my path, as well...

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  18. I love Merlin!!!! Hubby and I totally laugh at the Dragon voice parts, LOL... but we love it. It's way fun. Perfect for the letter M!

    (And I totally love my birthday poem! Made my birthday! Thank you!)

    :D

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    1. Glad you liked the poem. I blame my meds (or lack) for actually clicking the "Publish" button though.

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  19. Merlin is great. :) What a perfect M choice. :)

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    1. I suppose one of my "big dreams" as a writer is to create a character that could be so memorable.

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