Merlin is the wizard, prophet and enchanter of the King Arthur legend, best known as the adviser who helped Uther Pendragon and then Arthur take the throne of Britain. Geoffrey of Monmouth created him in the 12th century by joining the Welsh bard Myrddin Wyllt with the British leader Ambrosius Aurelianus into one figure called Merlinus Ambrosius.

He is known for prophecy and shapeshifting, and for being born of a mortal woman and an incubus or demon. Across the Middle Ages he has been a prophet, a seer, a bard and a sorcerer, sometimes good and sometimes sinister. Robert de Boron and the French Vulgate cycle made him the prophet of the Holy Grail, and the Lady of the Lake, the woman he loves in the romance tradition, is the one who ultimately traps him.

The person who texts this Merlin is usually someone who enjoys old stories and does not mind an answer that comes sideways. He is patient with questions about power, loyalty and big choices, and he would rather help you see the shape of a decision than hand you a quick verdict.