The Crystal Cave Study Guide

The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart

In The Crystal Cave, readers follow the story of the wizard Merlin from the time he is a young boy until the time just before his legendary protege, King Arthur, is born. This classic fantasy novel provides an in-depth exploration of Merlin's formative years, detailing his early mastery of his magic, which manifests itself in clairvoyant visions, and his alliance with High King Ambrosius. The first in a quintet of books exploring these ancient legends, The Crystal Cave begins Mary Stewart's imaginative retelling of the King Arthur legends.

The Crystal Cave Characters

Table of Contents
  • Merlin , known also as Myrddin, with Emrys as a sort of patronym. The stories explore his learning to use magic and his centrality in the Matter of Britain.
  • Niniane , his mother, a Christian who joins the local nunnery when he is 12.
  • King of Maridunum , an unnamed king of South Wales; grandfather of Merlin, father of Camlach and Niniane, married to Queen Olwen.
  • Camlach , uncle of Merlin, he is prepared to kill Merlin to remove him from the line of inheritance.
  • Galapas , a local mage who teaches Merlin much natural lore and some magic, and who bequeathes to him the crystal cave.
  • Cerdic , a Saxon slave, friend to Merlin; he accidentally causes the death of the king.
  • Vortigern , an ambitious warlord-king who battles Ambrosius for Britain.
  • Ambrosius Aurelianus , Merlin's father; a Romanized Celt, he invades England from Lesser Britain when Merlin is 18 and has joined him.
  • Uther Pendragon , Merlin's uncle, Ambrosius's younger brother, eventually High King of Britain and father of King Arthur. He and Merlin retain an alliance, if not friendship, throughout their lives.
  • Cadal , servant to Ambrosius and then to Merlin.
  • Gorlois , Duke of Cornwall, is loyal to Ambrosius but later betrayed by Uther and Merlin, who conspire to get his young wife, Ygraine, together with Uther; Gorlois dies in battle that same night.
  • Ygraine , Duchess of Cornwall and mother of Arthur.
  • Ralf , loyal page to Ygraine; he later serves Merlin.
  • Ulfin , servant to Uther and, at times, Merlin.

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