The Prophecies of Merlin with John Matthews

Arthurian scholar John Matthews joins Rebel Spirit Radio to discuss "The Prophecies of Merlin", his new book co-authored with the late Martin Haverkamp, based on a 1498  printing that preserves rare, unfamiliar Merlin material. Matthews explains Merlin’s roots in the 6th-century Welsh figure Myrddin the Wild, Geoffrey of Monmouth’s influential prophecies. and how later “prophecies” were often written after the events to enable political and religious critique, including attacks on church corruption and accusations involving the Antichrist. He highlights new portrayals of a more human, morally complex Merlin, stories involving Morgan le Fay and multiple Ladies of the Lake, post-mortem “Voice of Merlin” episodes, a flying stone tale, demon-parentage traditions, and links to the Grail, Prester John, and India.