Merlin/Origins of the founders

[rowena_grunnionffitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 67604

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, silmariel <silmariel at t...> 
wrote:

> Is Myrddin a name? 

   Apparently so, I think it's the name used in Welsh sources for 
King Arthur's enchanter.

>Merlin is not a name, is the title for the druids boss, 
> isn't it?

   I rather doubt that. The name 'Merlin' seems to be of French 
derivation and was given to Arthur's mentor by the authors of the 
early lais. It has indeed been used as a Druidic title in certain 
modern Arthurian novels but I don't think the practice has any 
historical basis.

   The 'Merlin' of Arthurian legend is generally held to be a 
composite figure with elements from many earlier legendary and 
possibly historical figures. As a legendary figure he may well 
predate Arthur and, like Tristan and Isold, have been added to his 
court by later writers.