So I use the little spare time I have at the moment to do some research regarding various aspects of my work of fiction.
And I have always been interested in the title of arch-mage.
Now, what I've found out is that Merlin, as well, is a title -- and not a name -- originating from the Middle English and means eagle. Supposedly it's a title like Lion.
My question is, would it be odd if it was used as a title alongside arch-mage?
IIRC, Merlin's original name was "Myrdin" or something along those lines but the author of the popular King Arthur story changed it to Merlin because the original name sounded too close to the French word for shit.
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"End when I find myn Hertland, efter Irfet end Woo,
In Dale af Paper, worin Ink Nymphen dans’n,
I’ll endly have somthing stour ta gib ta myn Fremdin.
O Vers’ af de Musen, dwan’t ferlet me noo!"
Myrddin Wyllt is not the magician figure of Arthurian legend.
Some would argue that Merlin was a name inspired by Myraddin while others -- like Marion Zimmer Bradley -- would argue that it's a title, based off of the Middle English word for eagle.
Like all decisions in personal writing, you'll have to choose which you like the best, or maybe mix a bunch of origin stories up that make sense to you.
That much is obvious. Though in general you want to integrate familiar elements and concepts to avoid alienating your readers. But at the same time you don't want to "borrow" too much, because you want it to have its own identity.
Regardless I've come up with another name for the title that sounds better in my mind.
KMC Community Forums
Mar 13th, 2012 05:22 AM
