Welsh Sorcerer Mythology Archives

Tradition: Welsh Mythology
Alternative Names: Myrddin, Merlinus Ambrosius
Category: Sorcerer

The Myth

Merlin is a powerful wizard and prophet, often depicted as an old man with a long beard, a staff, and extraordinary knowledge of magic. He can foresee the future, change his shape, and perform supernatural feats beyond the abilities of ordinary men. In some legends, he is born from a mortal woman and an incubus, inheriting strange powers from his supernatural father. His wisdom is sometimes accompanied by madness, making him a mysterious figure whose mind reaches beyond the ordinary world.

Merlin becomes a trusted advisor to Uther Pendragon, the father of King Arthur. Through magic and cunning, he helps bring about Arthur’s birth, believing the child has a great destiny. When Arthur becomes king, Merlin serves as his counselor and mentor, guiding him through the challenges of ruling Britain. Merlin’s prophecies warn of future conflicts and reveal events that others cannot yet understand.

However, Merlin’s story does not always end in triumph. In a famous version of the legend, he falls in love with his student, the Lady of the Lake, and teaches her his magical secrets. She eventually uses her knowledge to enchant and imprison him, sealing him away forever in a cave, tomb, or other magical enclosure. Other tales describe his disappearance into the wilderness or his departure from the world of men, leaving behind prophecies of things yet to come.

Merlin is one of the great figures of magical wisdom: a sorcerer who helps shape the destiny of kings while remaining bound by the mysteries of fate. His legend also warns that knowledge alone cannot protect a person from love, betrayal, or the consequences of misplaced trust.

Sources

“Merlin.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin

The Myth

Jack o’ Kent is a clever wizard from the Welsh Marches, often portrayed as a robed cleric with magical powers and a sharp mind. He is famous for repeatedly outwitting the Devil through tricks, wagers, and bargains. His legends are especially associated with Herefordshire and Monmouthshire.

In one tale, Jack makes a bargain with the Devil to ensure his crops receive the right amount of sunshine and rain. When harvest comes, the Devil can choose either the tops or the bottoms of the plants. The Devil chooses the tops, expecting wheat, but Jack plants turnips, leaving him with nothing but leaves. The following year, the Devil chooses the bottoms, hoping to claim turnip roots. Jack instead plants wheat, cheating the Devil once again.

In another story, Jack asks the Devil to help him build a bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross it. Once the bridge is finished, Jack throws a bone across it. A hungry dog rushes after the bone and becomes the first to cross, leaving the Devil with an animal instead of a human soul.

Jack’s cleverness also explains various unusual hills, rocks, and other landscape features around the Welsh Marches. His stories portray him as a man who can challenge the Devil and win, not through brute strength, but by finding loopholes in every bargain.