Character Analysis Of Merlin In The Crystal Cave

Each hero that we know of has their own story, their own journey, that has defined them as a hero. It was best said by Brodi Ashton that “Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” This proves true for all heroes, and the path they take can be outlined by Joseph Campbell’s A Hero’s Journey. This journey includes the separation or departure, the trials & victories of initiation, and the return & reintegration with society (Lavender, 2012, Lectures 1-4). In Mary Stewart’s novel, The Crystal Cave, the protagonist of the story is Merlin, and his journey to become a hero is apparent. Throughout the novel, Merlin is shown to undergo trials, difficulties, love, loss, and accomplishments, and possess almost all

A supernatural aid can come in many forms, from “animals, ants, insects, etc.” to “the wise old man” (Lavender, 2012, Lecture 1). Merlin’s supernatural aid comes not only in the form of the merlin falcon, but also in the form of the wise old man. The merlin that Merlin encounters helps him in many ways, helping him choose his path to start his journey, being a symbol of his growth, while also helping him to find the mining tunnels that are important for his survival later in the novel. The other form of supernatural aid that Merlin receives is the Wise Old Man. The wise old man is “usually portrayed as a wizard, and holds arcane knowledge that is about to be lost except for the hero … and after the journey the wise old man gets killed off” (Lavender, 2012, Lecture 1). In the novel, Merlin’s mentor and teacher, Galapas, is the wise old man and helps Merlin with his journey. Galapas teaches Merlin important pieces of knowledge and helps him with his Sight, as well as teaches

He knows that these visions will come at odd times, and cause him to become weak and unaware of his surroundings, as well as be unaware he is having the visions. He knows that his relationship with Keri will not come to fruition, and so he is able to continue his Hero’s Journey. Another aspect is the Atonement with the Father. In the beginning of the novel, Merlin didn’t know who his father was; in the middle of the novel, he comes to the realization that Ambrosius is his father when Merlin