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The Crystal Cave (Arthurian Saga, #1)

Mary Stewart

Start date: December 1, 2022

Finish date: December 31, 2022

Discussion: Science Fiction and Fantasy

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Dec 23, 2022 Natalie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

I'm pretty sure I read this as a young girl but I don't remember very much of it. It was originally published in 1970.
Mary Stewart is a talented writer. Her tale of Merlin is well written, well paced, and interesting. Her narrator says he's an old man but the story begins when Merlin, also known as Myrddin Emyrs, is 6 years old.
As a child, Merlin is clever and quick. He is raised in his grandfather's house by his nurse maid Moravik, his mother, the princess Ninain, and later his servant Cerdic. I'm pretty sure I read this as a young girl but I don't remember very much of it. It was originally published in 1970.
Mary Stewart is a talented writer. Her tale of Merlin is well written, well paced, and interesting. Her narrator says he's an old man but the story begins when Merlin, also known as Myrddin Emyrs, is 6 years old.
As a child, Merlin is clever and quick. He is raised in his grandfather's house by his nurse maid Moravik, his mother, the princess Ninain, and later his servant Cerdic. He lives with his grandfather and uncle Carmlach, who is destined to become King. For a long time, Merlin doesn't know who his father is. He is taught by a Greek tutor and learns multiple languages as he learns to read and write. He has a lot of free time too. He wanders away and meets Galapas, an old wizard in a cave who teaches him too.
The grandfather falls and dies so Merlin runs away to escape getting killed by Carmlach, the new king. He gets caught, is put on a ship, and is taken to see Ambrosius, the king of little Britain. Ambrosius takes good care of Merlin, and Merlin prophesies things for him. He also discovers Amrosius is his real father.
When Merlin is grown, he returns to his homeland to see his mother and discover what is happening politically for Ambrosius. His mother, locked away in a nunnery, helps him as he faces the new king of the land, Vertigern.
Ambrosius arrives with his troops to bring down Vertigern and the king of Ireland as well. Merlin acts as advisor and symbol of strength. At one point, he escapes death when he shows the king a hidden cavern under the rocks on which he wishes to build a tower. The king's magicians want to kill Merlin but instead Merlin shows them that a red dragon will defeat the white one (a symbol of Vertigern). When Ambrosius dies, Merlin reluctantly serves Ulfin, the new king.
I really liked how Merlin is bright, curious, and virtuous. He is such a good character and though more obedient than anything, he has a good conscience and avoids evil. He sticks up for and protects his servants and stands by King Ambrosius, making him a loyal friend. I look forward to reading more of this story! ...more

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Mar 14, 2008 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, hf-ancient-europe

Fifth century Britain is a country of chaos and division after the Roman withdrawal. This is the world of young Merlin, the illegitimate child of a South Wales princess who will not reveal to her son his father's true identity. ...more

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