This is the beginning of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Latin verse, "The Life of Merlin." It describes how Merlin, after losing three brothers in battle, was afflicted with madness and fled to the forest, where he lived a wild life for the summer.
Dedication
I will sing of the madness of the prophet Merlin, and of a playful god of poetry. Bishop Robert, guide my pen, and correct this song. We know that philosophy has nourished you with its sacred nectar, making you a scholar versed in all things. It was so that you might teach, be a leader of the world, and become a master.
Therefore, I ask you to lend your strength to my plan and protect this poet under a more generous patronage than that afforded by his predecessors who held the position before you. You have rightfully ascended to that high office through your merits. Indeed, your character, your proven life and lineage, and the public good of this land, all have eagerly sought it. Therefore, now, the fortunate Lincoln will be raised high among the stars.
Therefore, I want to envelop you in a song worthy of you. But my abilities are insufficient. Even if Orpheus and Camillus, Macelus and Marius, and even the eloquent Labilius were present, with the Muses attending them all, and they sang through my voice. Now, you Camenae who have become accustomed to singing with me, let us sing together this work that we have conceived, and play the lyre.
Battle and Escape into the Forest
Thus, under the rule of many kings, years passed, and the Briton Merlin became a famous figure in the world. He was both a king and a prophet. He bestowed laws upon the proud people of Demetae, and sang of the future to the lords. At that time, many of the kingdom's lords were fighting among themselves, ravaging innocent people and cities with fierce battles. The Duke Peredur of the Venetii was at war with Guenorlaus, who ruled over the lands of Scotia. Soon, the day of battle arrived. The generals stood on the battlefield, the armies fought with all their might, and both sides fell in a tragic slaughter.
Merlin was participating in the battle alongside Peredur. The King of Cambria, Rodalx, was also there. Both kings were brave. They wielded their swords with hatred and cut down any enemy that stood before them. Furthermore, the three brothers followed their brother in battle, constantly fighting back against the enemy, cutting them down and destroying their ranks. And despite such great achievements, they suddenly fell, struck down within the midst of a hostile army. Seeing this, Merlin lamented, repeatedly crying out in sorrow amidst the ranks of the soldiers, and roared: "Could fate be so cruel as to strike me down like this? To take away from me so many, such excellent companions."
Just a moment ago, so many kings, and such distant lands, feared them. Ah, how uncertain are the things that happen to people. How close death is. Death is always beside us, pricking at us with hidden thorns, driving out pitiful lives from our bodies. Ah, youth's glory. From now on, who will stand armed by my side, and drive back those generals who come forward to destroy me, and the advancing armies, together with me? Brave young men. Your courage has taken away your beloved lives, and your precious youth, from you. Just a moment ago, you were running through the ranks, armed, defeating all who stood before you, but now you are lying on the ground, struck down, stained red with blood.
Thus, Merlin caused tears to flow among the troops as he raised his voice and lamented, mourning for the dead men. However, the tragic battle did not stop. Battalions clashed with battalions, enemies fell into enemy hands, blood flowed everywhere, and soldiers from both sides died. But finally, the Britons called back their forces from various places and gathered together. And then, all at once, they swung their weapons and charged, attacking the Scots and wounding them to defeat them. They continued fighting without rest, and eventually, the enemy's troops turned around and fled in scattered groups along side paths. Merlin called his companions together from the battlefield and ordered that the three brothers be buried in separate chapels. He mourned for the three of them and did not stop shedding tears. He sprinkled dust on his hair, tore at his clothes, prostrated himself on the ground, and rolled around here and there.
Peredur comforted Merlin, and the nobles and generals also offered comfort. However, Merlin did not want to be consoled, nor did he listen to their pleas. Three days had already passed, and during that time, he continued to cry incessantly, refusing food. Such intense grief consumed him. Then, after filling the air with so much sorrow and such profound lamentation, he was seized by a new madness and quietly left the place. He fled into the forest. He did not want anyone to see his fleeing figure. He entered deep into the forest, rejoiced in hiding under a rowan tree, and watched the wild animals that were eating grass with astonished eyes. Sometimes he chased after the beasts, and sometimes he ran past them. He ate grass roots, grasses, nuts, and brambles. He became a creature of the forest. As if he had been born from the forest itself. Throughout the summer, he remained hidden from everyone, forgetting about himself and his own family, concealed by the forest like an animal, lurking there.
Original Information
- Work: Vita Merlini (The Life of Merlin)
- Author: Geoffrey of Monmouth
- Source Text: Edited by Francisque Michel and Thomas Wright, 1837 edition.