Gone Medieval Prophecies of Merlin
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Sep 23, 2025 Join renowned Arthurian scholar John Matthews, an expert in myth and the Grail tradition, as he unveils the freshly translated Prophecies of Merlin. Discover Merlin's darker origins and his entrapment by the Lady of the Lake. Matthews delves into how prophetic texts served political purposes and reveals a more human side of Merlin. The conversation also explores the connections between Merlin, Prester John, and the intriguing relics that captured medieval imaginations, painting a vivid picture of this mystical era.
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Merlin Entrapped By The Lady
- The episode retells a version where Merlin falls for the Lady of the Lake and teaches her magic for 15 months before she traps him in a stone tomb.
- She seals him alive in revenge for his earlier seduction, yet his spirit continues to prophesy to visitors.
Evolution From Oral Poem To Printed Bestseller
- The Prophecies of Merlin grew from early oral and poetic traditions into printed bestseller collections by the 15th century.
- John Matthews and Martin Haverkamp found a 1498 Paris printed version that preserved unusual Arthurian material.
Chance Discovery Sparks Translation
- Martin Haverkamp discovered the 1498 Paris edition by chance in a Paris shop and then contacted John Matthews to translate it.
- Their collaboration produced the first modern English translation of this forgotten text.
