ABSTRACT
Among the figures of Arthurian legend, few have been as popular with authors of modern fiction, particularly fantasy, as has Merlin. Given that he is the most famous enchanter from the Island of Britain, this is hardly surprising. What is surprising, however, is the extent to which the power of so famous an enchanter is restricted. Though a valued counselor, he is rarely the main actor in the events that unfold, relying on others to shape the destiny that he foresees. Moreover, when he does intervene directly, the effect is almost invariably less conclusive than might be expected.1
