The book The Once and Future King, by T. White, has been read and enjoyed by many people for generations. It's made us laugh and cry equally, as we follow the lives of the characters through medieval Camelot. We are anxious for Lancelot, and the painful decisions he has to make concerning his struggle between God, his king, and his true love. We laugh at Merlyn's antics, and read Arthur's adventures as animals eagerly, living through his mistakes and successes. However, throughout the whole book, Merlyn is the character that influenced others the most. From the first moment we met him at the well, to the last time Arthur reminisces about his past in the tent on the battlefield, Merlyn guides Arthur with his wisdom. He, more then any other character, shapes Arthur to become a great king. As well as influencing Arthur and other characters in the book, Merlyn also has made an impact on other author's and their literature, namely the character of Dumbledore in Harry Potter. The parallels between them show Merlyn's impact on the creation of the character Dumbledore. Finally, He has also guided readers such as myself, allowing us to learn more about war and the reasons for it. The wizard Merlyn in the book, The Once and Future King has had a profound effect on other authors, as well as individuals reading the novel, and the individuals in the novel themselves. .
Throughout the novel, the main influence in Arthur's life is Merlyn. As his teacher, he guides Arthur through the beginning of his life as king of Camelot. Although Arthur looks up to others as he grows more intelligent and aware, Merlyn remains his role model. From the beginning of the novel to the end, we see a definite change in the way Arthur thinks, mainly about war and its purpose, due to Merlyn's teachings. At the beginning of the novel, Arthur thinks war is exciting and glamorous. He wishes to be a knight like Kay because he see's it as a thrilling occupation.
