Merlin of Britain - RLMER
by Br Robert Lentz OFM
Title
Merlin of Britain - RLMER
Artist
Br Robert Lentz OFM
Medium
Painting - 22k Gold & Acrylic
Description
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Merlin is one of the most important mythical figures in the western world. He represents the epitome of those who have harmonized within themselves earth’s energies and the forces within their own souls, thus achieving inner freedom and a higher mode of consciousness. From myths surrounding his childhood come two fighting dragons, one red and the other white. In this icon they repose in balance on either side of Merlin, signifying the inner transformation he achieved in his many years.
Merlin is also a historical figure: a chief Druid who presided over the coronation of Kings. At a time when Celtic Britain was becoming predominantly Christian, he served the pagan court of Gwenddolau, until this king was defeated and killed at the battle of Arderydd. Merlin then fled into the wilderness and eventually took up residence in the middle of the Caledonian Forest in a cave on Hart Fell, north of Hadrian’s Wall. A chalybeate spring ran near his cave. Here he lived safely, far from the Christian kings at Dumbarton and Carlisle, and from the ever-increasing swarm of Saxons who were invading Britain.
Merlin was in fact a shaman, with healing and prophetic skills. Through his power over wild animals, he became identified with the Celtic Horned God -- and for this reason holds a deer skull in this icon. With one foot in both worlds -- the world of animals and the world of kings -- he also manifested the archetype of the trickster.
Because he was such a significant figure in his own time, he has been a mythical force in European based cultures ever since. He is presented in this icon as a guide and guardian for men in their mature years -- a male counterpart of the holy crone. He is naked because he lives as a wild man in the Caledonian Forest, and his nakedness symbolizes the comfort a wise, mature man should have with his body and his sexuality. As trickster and sage he challenges us to move beyond the warrior archetype and to live in harmony with the earth and with one another. As sage and teacher he reminds us of the treasure we too often neglect in our seniors.
Uploaded
March 6th, 2016
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