Exploring Merlin, the Wise Advisor: Unraveling the Legend

Describe Merlin, a character created by Geoffrey Monmouth

a) Merlin was a powerful sorcerer with a long white beard.
b) Merlin was a humble shepherd who discovered his magical abilities.
c) Merlin was a skilled knight who wielded the Sword in the Stone.
d) Merlin was a cunning advisor to King Uther.

Final answer:

Merlin, in Geoffrey of Monmouth's works, is depicted as a wise and cunning advisor to King Uther, known for honor, valor, and foresight. He is neither a powerful sorcerer, nor a shepherd, nor a knight, but a significant figure in the courts of King Uther and King Arthur. He was deeply revered for his wisdom, reliability, and steadfastness.

Explanation:

Merlin, as depicted by Geoffrey of Monmouth, was a cunning adviser to King Uther. The character of Merlin is known for his deep wisdom, his ability to foresee the future, and his role in the stories of Arthurian Legend. He is not predominantly portrayed as a powerful sorcerer with a long white beard, a humble shepherd who discovered his magical abilities, nor a skilled knight who wielded the Sword in the Stone. In the text referenced, Merlin is described as hardy, rich, wise, merciful, and just. He is said to be true to his word, benign and honorable. He was also young, fresh, and ambitious in warfare, indicating his courage and bravery. Merlin has been characterized as handsome and fortunate as well. The main answer hence, is that Merlin was a wise and cunning advisor who had a significant role in the courts of King Uther and later King Arthur. His character was stable like a center in his heart, indicating his reliability and steadfastness. His character has been a model for service, wisdom, and honor in the medieval chivalry literature and has inspired numerous derivatives in contemporary literature and popular culture. In conclusion, the Wizard Merlin was a seminal figure in the Arthurian legacies and wisdom-filled advisor to King Uther, deeply revered for his wisdom, honor, and valor. He was neither an ordinary shepherd nor a sword-wielding knight, but a man of substance and wisdom who guided King Uther in various affairs.