EDINBURGH – Merlin is one of the most famous figures in the Matter of Britain, the body of medieval literature and legendary material associated with the history of Britain, particularly the tales of King Arthur, his knights, and the mythical events and characters tied to his reign. He needs little introduction to Pagans. Merlin is known for his magical abilities, including prophecy, shape-shifting, and his role in orchestrating key events in Arthur’s rise to power.
In legend and stories, Merlin is depicted as a powerful wizard and close advisor to King Arthur. His character has evolved through centuries of re-telling the Arthurian Cycle, ultimately becoming a complex blend of myth, folklore, and historical influences.
Nicol Williamson as Merlin [Excalibur, 1981; Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM
Merlin’s mythological status is closely tied to ancient Celtic druidic traditions. In some medieval romances, he is depicted as a human-demon offspring or human-faery offspring. Even today, Merlin is associated with the mystical aspects of some branches of Druidry, including him as a vehicle for communication, magic, and divination.
One stream of Merlin’s origins connects to figures like Ambrosius Aurelianus, a warrior-prophet and one of the last Roman leaders in Britain, and Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century French saint whose mystical abilities resemble those attributed to Merlin. The Welsh version of Merlin’s full name, Myrddin Wynn Emrys, reflects his druidic origins, where “Myrddin” is his given name and “Emrys” represents his druidic title.
Earlier this summer, archaeologists announced that they may have unearthed fresh insights into the enduring legend of Merlin, revealing deeper connections between the famous figure and Scotland.
The village of Drumelzier holds particular significance in one version of Merlin’s legends. In this saucier version, Merlin was witness to a sexual scandal concerning the local Chief’s wife, and the attempted cover-up culminated in his assassination. According to the Vita Merlini Sylvestris (the Life of Merlin of the Forest), a medieval manuscript preserved in the British Library, Merlin was imprisoned and ultimately buried on the banks of the River Tweed in the 7th century. The location of the site has been known since the seventeenth century with maps showing the location.
In 2022, a team of archaeologists and volunteers embarked on a project to investigate the rich archaeological heritage of the Drumelzier area. Their efforts have uncovered findings that may provide new insights into the region’s early medieval past, particularly the period when the legend of Merlin is believed to have emerged.
One of the most noteworthy discoveries occurred at Tinnis Fort, a prominent hillfort overlooking the supposed site of Merlin’s grave. The fort was found to have been inhabited during the late 6th and early 7th centuries AD, the same era in which Merlin’s story is set. With its strategic location offering sweeping views of the Tweed Valley, the fort likely served as a stronghold for local rulers, further supporting the notion that the area held considerable importance during this time.
Excavations revealed vitrified ramparts at Tinnis, suggesting that the fort was destroyed by a massive fire during the Late Iron Age. This evidence points to a violent conflict, likely part of the power struggles that characterized the era, as emerging kingdoms competed for control over the region.
During a geophysical survey conducted at Drumelzier, researchers identified a grave-like pit near the purported location of Merlin’s final resting place. The excavations produced archaeological evidence to indicate that the fort was inhabited during the 6th and 7th centuries AD, aligning with the time period in which Merlin is said to have lived and died. The fort itself bears the hallmarks of a lordly stronghold from this era, further supporting its connection to the legend.
Ronan Toolis, CEO of GUARD Archaeology and the leader of the project, noted that the archaeological context strongly supports the idea that the Merlin legend originated in Drumelzier. GUARD Archaeology is a professional archaeological organization based in Scotland that specializes in a range of archaeological services, including excavations, surveys, research, and heritage management. Founded in 2001, the company provides expertise for both private and public sector clients, often working on projects related to construction, development, and heritage preservation.
Thirlestane Square Barrow excavation © GUARD Archaeology Ltd
Toolis suggested that the legend may have begun as a local folk memory, which was embellished and transformed over time into the fantastical tale we recognize today. This transformation could have taken centuries, spreading far beyond its origins in Drumelzier and evolving with each retelling.
The portrayal of Merlin in the Drumelzier legend differs significantly from the image of the wise, magically-gifted, and respected advisor to King Arthur. Instead, Merlin is depicted in Drumelzier version as a pitiable figure, prone to rambling prophecies and kept prisoner by a minor ruler in a forgotten kingdom, only to meet a gruesome end due to political intrigue. This darker version of Merlin offers an intriguing contrast to the idealized figure seen in other parts of the Arthurian legend.
Further excavations across the River Tweed at the Thirlestane Barrows uncovered additional finds. A square barrow dating from the late 3rd to 6th centuries AD was discovered, containing the graves of two high-status individuals. These findings, coupled with the evidence from Tinnis Fort, indicate that the area was an important location during Merlin’s era. The excavation also revealed traces of earlier human activity, including Mesolithic and Neolithic flint blade fragments, hinting at a long history of human presence on the hill.
“It seems a remarkable coincidence,” Toolis commented, “that the one hillfort associated with this local legend dates to exactly the same time as the story is set, especially when hillforts of the post-Roman period are quite rare.”
The discovery does not prove that Merlin existed or that the specific details of the legend are true, of course. However, the discovery does lend credence to the idea that the lore may have originated from this region adding a layer of credibility to the local legend. What is particularly interesting is how folklore helped shape the search that then, surprisingly, revealed a grave.
It also hints that the story of Merlin may have origins in real historical events or practices.
As Toolis remarked, “The people of ancient Tweeddale were aware of the history beneath their feet, and it was through local folklore that stories about their past were passed on.” The investigation into Merlin’s Scottish connections offers a fascinating glimpse into how ancient tales can be shaped by the landscapes in which they were born.
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