Merlin

…early 13th-century verse romance, the Merlin, by Robert de Boron, that had told of Arthur’s birth and childhood and his winning of the crown by drawing a magic sword (see Excalibur) from a stone. The writer of the Vulgate cycle turned this into prose, adding a pseudo-historical narrative dealing with…

…Robert de Borron’s verse romance Merlin added a Christian dimension to the character, making him the prophet of the Holy Grail (whose legend had by then been linked with Arthurian legend). The author of the first part of the Vulgate cycle made the demonic side of Merlin’s character predominate, but…

…trilogy of poems (Joseph d’Arimathie, Merlin, Perceval). It told the early history of the Grail and linked this independent legend more firmly with Arthurian legend, using the prophetic figure of Merlin, with his knowledge of past and future, as the connecting link.

…de l’estoire dou Graal and Merlin (c. 1190–1200), to combine the fictional history of the Holy Grail with the chronicle of the reign of King Arthur. Robert gave his story an allegorical meaning, related to the person and work of Christ. A severe condemnation of secular chivalry and courtly love…