Scotland's Merlin - A Medieval Legend and its Dark Age Origins (Paperback)

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.

General

Imprint:	John Donald Short Run Press
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	May 2016
Authors:	Tim Clarkson
Dimensions:	235 x 155 x 15mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	190
ISBN-13:	978-1-906566-99-9
Categories:	Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Myths & mythology Books > Humanities > History > World history > 500 to 1500 Books > Humanities > History > British & Irish history > General Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social institutions > Customs & folklore > Folklore Books > History > British & Irish history > General Books > History > World history > 500 to 1500 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Myths & mythology
LSN:	1-906566-99-2
Barcode:	9781906566999

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