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Rationalizing the Irrational: Merlin and His Prophecies in the Modern Historical Novel
- Arthuriana
- Scriptorium Press
- Volume 10, Number 1, Spring 2000
- pp. 116-126
- 10.1353/art.2000.0009
- Article
- Additional Information
Merlin's magical powers are usually rationalized in modern historical fiction. His visions of the future, however, remain prophetic, even when they are aided by his own inspired guesswork and intervention in events. That Merlin's prophecies should so stubbornly resist the conventions of the genre suggests they have become a core element in Arthurian tradition.