Arthur's adviser, prophet and magician, is
basically the creation of Geoffrey of Monmouth, who in his twelfth century
History of the Kings of Britain combined the Welsh traditions about a bard
and prophet named Myrddin.
Geoffrey gave his character the name Merlinus
rather than Merdinus, because the latter might have suggested to his Anglo
Norman audience the vulgar word "merde."
In Geoffrey's book, Merlin assists Uther Pendragon
and is responsible for transporting the stones of Stonehenge from Ireland
Arthur's adviser, prophet and magician, is
basically the creation of Geoffrey of Monmouth, who in his twelfth century
History of the Kings of Britain combined the Welsh traditions about a bard
and prophet named Myrddin.