Merlin’s Faces. From Medieval Literature to Film

Numerous mutations and genealogy of Merlin’s appearances are identified and compared with his original features, as described by Geoffrey of Monmouth and Robert de Boron, Author presents different images of Merlin: the Son of the Devil, the Great Seer, the Master of Disguise, King-Maker as well as smiling Merlin Silvester. All these are traced back to its origins and refers to his appearances as a young extraordinary boy with prophetic abilities – Merlin the Magician or Merlin Ambrosius and contrasting image of Wild Man and a wise old man, that seems to be closer to his current image in cinematography. Thus, a phenomenon of “medievalism” in cinema is revealed and discussed, providing good background  for further analysis in different contexts.