Merlin (Marvel Comics)
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Merlin is the name of multiple characters in the Marvel Universe.
Contents |
Merlin of Legend
- debut:Black Knight Comics #1 (historical)
Strange Tales #134 (Jul 1965) (first modern appearance)
Character biography
The first Merlin of the Marvel Universe is apparently the figure of Arthurian legend, hailing from 6th century A.D. Britain. He was born in Carmarthen, Wales. He was a powerful sorcerer who acted as teacher, advisor, and defender of King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot. Merlin warned King Arthur that his son, Mordred would be responsible for the end of Camelot, but before Arthur could put the baby to death, he was rescued and raised in anonymity. Merlin was responsible for teaching magic to Morgan le Fay, though she turned against him and became one of King Arthur's greatest foes.
Knowing that Britain would need a champion to face the likes of Mordred and Morgan, he sought a boy to become the first Black Knight. He had this boy, Percy, trained in all known forms of combat, and when he grew up, Sir Percy was presented with the Ebony Blade.Black Knight Comics #1
When Kang traveled back to the days of Camelot, Merlin was defeated and imprisoned by Kang. Merlin defeated Kang, however, with the aid of time travelers the Human Torch and the Thing.Strange Tales Vol. 1 #134
Merlin cast a spell over the dying Sir Percy so that he would have successors in future centuries.Marvel Super-Heroes #17
Merlin was finally placed in suspended animation within an enchanted cave by the faerie sorceress Nimue.as revealed in Iron Man #150 His spirit continued to appear in astral form and advise the original Black Knight, but he was no longer seen in his physical body.
It was later depicted how Merlin magically imprisoned Morgan le Fay within her castle.Iron Man #209
Merlin allied with St. Brendan against the Darkhold's power.Doctor Strange Vol. 3 #11
Later was revealed further information about Merlin's alliance with the original Black Knight and imprisonment Morgan.Black Knight #1-2
It was also depicted how Merlin banished Tyrannus to Subterranea.Avengers Annual #10
Powers and abilities
Merlin is empowered by the manipulation of the forces of magic. He has the ability to manipulate the forces of magic for a variety of effects including concussive bolts of mystical energy, protective shields of mystical energy, transmutation of matter, mesmerism, thought-casting, illusion-casting, astral projection, and many others. As Merlin grew elderly his physical frailty limited his stamina when manipulating great amounts of magical energy.
Merlin has a genius intellect and is extensively self-taught in mystical lore.
Other Merlins
Other beings have also claimed the name Merlin, besides the Merlin of Arthurian legend.
Criminal Merlin
This being was apparently 10,000 years old, and apparently was a savage that came to possess some portion of the same Bloodgem that Ulysses Bloodstone would later possess, which gave him immortality and eternal youth. He later came to Britain during the time of Camelot, and impersonated the real Merlin while he was away. The Eternal Sersi exposed the impostor, and the real Merlin placed him in suspended animation.
The false Merlin was revived in modern times, and fought Thor. He later took the name WarlockX-Men #30, and fought the X-Men, and later fought the Beast, Hulk, and Iceman under the name Maha YogiX-Men #47. During his encounter with the Hulk, his fragment of the Bloodgem was destroyed and he rapidly aged into helplessness.
He claimed to be a mutantTemplate:Fact and had the ability to control the minds of others, create illusions, project force bolts, levitate objects, teleport himself, create force fields and alter his own appearance.
Dire Wraith
Another being posing as Merlin was sent by Immortus to fight the Avengers. This being was revealed to be a shape-changing Dire Wraith with absolutely no connection to the real Merlin.
Merlyn
The being Merlyn also claims to be the real Merlin.
Peter Hunter
Peter Hunter, the British costumed champion known as Albion, a member of the Knights of Pendragon, is alleged to be the current reincarnation of Merlin.