The Crystal Cave Study Guide

The Crystal Cave

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.

You'll need to sign up to view the entire study guide.

Sign Up Now, It's FREE
Source: Wikipedia, released under the Creative Commons Attributions/Share-Alike License
Filter Your Search Results: