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Merlin

Merlin
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Real name Merlinus, Marzhin, Merzhin

Merlin (en gallois Myrddin, en breton Merzhin), communément appelé Merlin l'Enchanteur, est un personnage légendaire, prophète magicien doué de métamorphose, commandant aux éléments naturels et aux animaux dans la littérature médiévale. Sa légende provient à l'origine de la mythologie celtique galloise, et s'inspire certainement d'un druide divin, mêlé à un ou plusieurs personnages historiques. Son image première est assez sombre. Les plus anciens textes concernant Myrddin Wyllt, Lailoken et Suibhne le présentent en « homme des bois » torturé et atteint de folie, mais doué d'un immense savoir, acquis au contact de la nature et par l'observation des astres. Après son introduction dans la légende arthurienne grâce à Geoffroy de Monmouth et Robert de Boron, Merlin devient l'un des personnages les plus importants dans l'imaginaire et la littérature du Moyen Âge.

Dans le cycle arthurien, dont il est désormais indissociable, Merlin naît d'une mère humaine et d'un père diabolique. Bâtisseur de Stonehenge, il emploie ses sortilèges pour permettre la naissance du Roi Arthur et son accession au pouvoir, grâce à l'épreuve de l'épée Excalibur et à la formation de la Table ronde. Conseiller du roi et de ses chevaliers, il prédit le cours des batailles, influe sur leur déroulement et entraîne la quête du Graal. Homme sauvage proche du monde animal, Merlin se retire régulièrement en forêt pour y rencontrer son scribe et confident Blaise. Son histoire connaît différentes fins selon les auteurs, la plus connue étant celle où il tombe éperdument amoureux de la fée Viviane, à laquelle il enseigne ses secrets de magicien. Elle finit par l'enfermer à jamais dans une grotte ou une prison d'air, en usant de l'un de ses propres sortilèges.

Merlin est mentionné très régulièrement dans la littérature depuis le Moyen Âge, qui a construit son image par inspiration successive entre différents auteurs. Archétype du sorcier ou du magicien, son nom est fréquemment associé à la fonction d’« enchanteur », notamment depuis que ce terme a servi de titre à la version française du célèbre dessin animé de Walt Disney dans les années 1960, Merlin l'Enchanteur. Il reste une source d'inspiration pour de nombreux auteurs et artistes, comme Guillaume Apollinaire (L'Enchanteur pourrissant), René Barjavel (L'Enchanteur), Stephen R. Lawhead (Cycle de Pendragon) et T. A. Barron (Merlin). Son mythe est enfin, de nos jours, le sujet de romans, de poèmes, d'opéras, de pièces de théâtres, de bandes dessinées, de films, de téléfilms, de séries télévisées, et de jeux.

Best films

Played by the actors

Ron Moody
Ron Moody
(2 films)
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr
(1 films)
Murvyn Vye
Murvyn Vye
(1 films)
Eric Idle
Eric Idle
(1 films)
See more : Wikipedia

Filmography of Merlin (20 films)

Display filmography as list
Avalon High
Directed by Stuart Gillard
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Themes Children's films
Actors Britt Robertson, Gregg Sulkin, Molly C. Quinn, Joey Pollari, Devon Graye, Steve Valentine
Rating56% 2.8222452.8222452.8222452.8222452.822245
Allie Pennington, the daughter of two medieval literature scholars, transfers to Avalon High and becomes involved in a prophesied re-staging of Arthurian legend. Moving to a new school, Allie meets various new people who she later discovers are the reincarnations of figures from the legendary Camelot. She befriends two boys: Will, a quarterback and most likely the reincarnation of Arthur, and Miles, who has psychic flashes and is most likely the reincarnation of Merlin. There's also a third boy, Marco – Will's evil stepbrother, whom Allie believes is the reincarnation of Mordred and determined to kill Arthur (Will) – which would send the world into another dark age.
Shrek the Third, 1h33
Directed by Chris Miller, Raman Hui
Origin USA
Genres Comedy, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Animation
Themes Films about animals, Pregnancy films, Films about magic and magicians, Films about sexuality, Films about cats, Films about dragons, Children's films, Mise en scène d'un mammifère
Actors Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese
Rating61% 3.0525353.0525353.0525353.0525353.052535
Prince Charming vows that he will become King of Far, Far Away and avenge the death of his mother, the Fairy Godmother. Meanwhile, King Harold is dying and his ogre son-in-law Shrek and daughter Princess Fiona are to succeed him. Shrek, who is having difficulty serving as Regent during the King's medical leave, insists that an ogre as king is a bad idea and that there must be someone else to rule the kingdom. Before dying, Harold tells Shrek of another heir: his nephew, Arthur Pendragon. Prince Charming goes to the Poison Apple tavern and persuades fairy tale villains to fight for their "happily ever after" by appealing to the defeats given in their stories.
The Last Legion, 1h42
Origin France
Genres Drama, War, Thriller, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Themes Films set in Africa, Films about magic and magicians, Sports films, Martial arts films
Actors Colin Firth, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ben Kingsley, Edgar Givry, Aishwarya Rai, Peter Mullan
Rating54% 2.7023152.7023152.7023152.7023152.702315
The film is narrated by Ambrosinus, native to Britain, who knows of a legend concerning the sword of Julius Caesar, which was hidden away from evil men. It begins shortly before the coronation of Romulus Augustulus as Emperor in 475.
King Arthur, 2h6
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Origin USA
Genres Drama, War, Action, Adventure, Historical, Peplum
Themes Films set in Africa, Films about magic and magicians
Actors Clive Owen, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd, Mads Mikkelsen, Joel Edgerton, Ray Winstone
Rating62% 3.1498653.1498653.1498653.1498653.149865
Arthur (Clive Owen) is portrayed as a Roman cavalry officer, also known as Artorius Castus, the son of a Roman father and a Celtic mother, who commands a unit of Sarmatian auxiliary cavalry in Britain at the close of the Roman occupation in 467 A.D. Arthur is loyal to Rome and a devout Catholic, but follows the teachings of Pelagianism, which many consider heretical. He and his men guard Hadrian's Wall against the Woads, a group of native Britons who are rebels against Roman rule, led by the mysterious Merlin (Stephen Dillane).
The Mists of Avalon (TV miniseries), 3h3
Directed by Uli Edel
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Fantasy, Action
Themes Films about magic and magicians
Actors Anjelica Huston, Julianna Margulies, Joan Allen, Samantha Mathis, Klara Issova, Edward Atterton
Rating73% 3.681513.681513.681513.681513.68151
Part I: Igraine and Uther The film begins with a battered, dirty, and injured Morgaine riding in a small boat through a misty river. Most of the film is a reflection through her eyes, with Morgaine as narrator.
Quest for Camelot, 1h26
Directed by Frederik Du Chau, Frederik Du Chau
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Fantasy, Adventure, Musical, Animation, Romance
Themes Feminist films, Films about magic and magicians, Medical-themed films, Films about music and musicians, Films about dragons, Musical films, Films about disabilities, La cécité, Children's films
Actors Jessalyn Gilsig, Cary Elwes, Gary Oldman, Eric Idle, Don Rickles, Jane Seymour
Rating62% 3.1121753.1121753.1121753.1121753.112175
Kayley dreams of becoming a knight like her father Lionel, who journeys to Camelot to meet with King Arthur as a knight of the Round Table. While there, one of the greedier knights, Baron Ruber attempts to usurp Arthur and in the fray, Lionel is killed while Ruber escapes. Ten years later, a griffin attacks the kingdom, stealing Excalibur. Merlin's falcon, Ayden forces the griffin to release Excalibur and it falls into the dark forest. Word is soon sent of the missing sword, falling on the ears of Kayley. Still aspiring to become a knight, she vows to find Excalibur, but her mother Juliana forbids it. Ruber pays them a visit and forces Juliana to agree to give him and his men safe passage into Camelot as part of a plan to take control. Kayley escapes and enters the forest, losing Ruber's men and encountering Garrett; a blind hermit who is assisted by Ayden. He decides to go after the sword, but Kayley insists on following him to his chagrin, as he works better on his own.
A Knight in Camelot, 1h30
Directed by Roger Young
Origin USA
Genres Science fiction, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure
Themes Films about magic and magicians
Actors Robert Addie, Amanda Donohoe, Michael York, Simon Fenton, Ian William Richardson, Whoopi Goldberg
Rating48% 2.422132.422132.422132.422132.42213
Scientist Vivien Morgan is zapped back to the medieval age and time of King Arthur and Camelot, when her scientific machine malfunctions. She is sent back along with many objects from her desk, including her laptop and boom box. As she is sentenced to be burned at the stake, she discovers among the laptop-data, that there will be a solar eclipse in short time. With her "magical powers" she makes the sun re-appear and is being knighted by King Arthur as Sir Boss and becomes a member of the Knights of the Round Table. She soon begins constructing devices that will not be present for many centuries, she saves the king, defeats Sir Sagramore and saves the day countless times before being zapped back to the present.
A Kid in King Arthur's Court, 1h29
Origin USA
Genres Science fiction, Fantastic, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure
Themes Time travel films, Children's films
Actors Thomas Ian Nicholas, Joss Ackland, Art Malik, Paloma Baeza, Kate Winslet, Daniel Craig
Rating47% 2.3530552.3530552.3530552.3530552.353055
Calvin Fuller is a nerdy young boy living in the Los Angeles suburb of Reseda. The gangly, unsure youth is first seen at a baseball game, standing at bat for his team, the Knights, ready for yet another strike out. Suddenly an earthquake hits; as the others run for safety, the ground opens up under Calvin's shoes and he falls through the chasm. Eventually he lands on the head of a 6th-century black knight. Upon hearing of his miraculous appearance, the elderly King Arthur, seeing him as the savior whose appearance Merlin has predicted, dubs the boy Calvin of Reseda and invites him to dine with the court.
Excalibur
Excalibur (1981)
, 2h20
Directed by John Boorman
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Science fiction, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Themes Films about families, Films about magic and magicians, Films about sexuality
Actors Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Cherie Lunghi, Nicol Williamson, Paul Geoffrey
Rating72% 3.647423.647423.647423.647423.64742
The sorcerer Merlin retrieves Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake for Uther Pendragon, who secures a brief alliance with Gorlois, the Duke of Cornwall. Uther's lust for Cornwall's wife Igrayne soon ruins the truce, and Merlin agrees to help Uther to seduce Igrayne on the condition that he gives Merlin whatever results from his lust. Merlin transforms Uther into Cornwall's likeness with the Charm of Making. Cornwall's daughter Morgana senses her father's mortal injury during his assault on Uther's camp and, while Igrayne is fooled by the disguise and Uther impregnates her, Morgana sees through it, watching Uther as Cornwall dies in battle. Nine months later, Merlin takes Uther's son Arthur. Uther pursues but is mortally wounded by Gorlois' knights. Uther thrusts Excalibur into a stone, and Merlin proclaims, "He who draws the sword from the stone, he shall be king.
Unidentified Flying Oddball
Directed by Russ Mayberry
Origin USA
Genres Science fiction, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Comic science fiction
Themes Films about magic and magicians, Time travel films, Comedy science fiction films, Children's films, Robot films
Actors Dennis Dugan, Ron Moody, Kenneth More, John Le Mesurier, Rodney Bewes, Jim Dale
Rating52% 2.6062652.6062652.6062652.6062652.606265
La NASA décide de mettre en place un voyage spatial habité qui dispose de la vitesse de la lumière. Le nom de la navette ainsi que du projet dénommé "Stardust". Le voyage est à destination de l'étoile la plus proche de nous connu sous le nom d'Alpha du Centaure mais le ministre de la défense refuse ce projet car la durée du voyage dure 4 ans 1/2 pour y aller et autant pour y revenirainsi que 20 ans pour explorer le système de la dite étoile donc trop long pour des humains. Le ministre impose un ultimatum de mettre autre chose que des humains dans cette navette. Le professeur Zimmerman (chef du projet) téléphone à un jeune savant dénommé Tom Trimble pour construire un humanoïde (un robot de forme humaine) qui pourra effectuer le dit voyage, il devra parler et fonctionner. Tom Trimble construit l'humanoïde auquel il donne son propre visage et le nomme "Hermès", en référence au dieu grec des transports. Hermès a sa propre intelligence artificielle et apprends rapidement les connaissances dispensées par son créateur. Il a des réflexes humains et réagit comme un humain; ainsi il pourra expliquer les effets du vol durant ces 9 ans de voyage aller-retour. Hermès est présenté au ministre qui approuve le projet. Le jour du départ de la fusée transportant la navette, Hermès refuse de partir car il a peur de pas revenir alors Tom Trimble est envoyé à bord pour le raisonner, mais un éclair frappe la tour de décollage et fait partir accidentellement la navette avec Hermès et Tom encore à bord. Hermès est mis hors circuit sous le coup de la force du décollage et laisse seul aux commandes Tom Trimble. Trimble ne peut revenir sur Terre et il est obligé de faire le voyage. Trimble décide d'essayer de réparer Hermès mais pendant ce temps la navette déclenche la vitesse lumière. Trimble s'aperçoit que la navette tourne autour de la Terre puis atterrit. Il atterrit en Grande-Bretagne et il sort en scaphandre. Une jeune fille le prend pour un monstre et Trimble décide de la suivre à Camelot. Trimble s'aperçoit en chemin qu'il se retrouve dans l'Angleterre du VI siècle après J.C. au temps du roi Arthur.
Son of Dracula, 1h30
Directed by Freddie Francis
Origin USA
Genres Comedy, Horror, Musical
Themes Films about animals, Films about magic and magicians, Films about music and musicians, Wolves in film, Dracula films, Frankenstein films, Werewolves in film, Vampires in film, Musical films, Comedy horror films, Mise en scène d'un mammifère
Actors Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, Freddie Jones, Suzanna Leigh, Dennis Price, David Bailie
Rating42% 2.128632.128632.128632.128632.12863
After the killing of his father (Count Dracula, the King of the Netherworld), by a mysterious assassin, Count Downe (Harry Nilsson) is summoned from his travels abroad by family advisor Merlin (Ringo Starr) in order to prepare him to take over the throne. Baron Frankenstein (Freddie Jones) is also on hand to help in any way he can. Problem is, Downe wants no part of this responsibility, and instead wishes to become human and mortal − especially after meeting a girl named Amber (Suzanna Leigh), with whom he falls in love. He approaches old family nemesis Dr Van Helsing (Dennis Price), who agrees to enable the Count's transformation, much to the dismay of the residents of the Netherworld.
Camelot
Camelot (1967)
, 2h59
Directed by Joshua Logan
Origin USA
Genres Comedy-drama, Musical theatre, Romantic comedy, Adventure, Musical, Romance
Themes Films about music and musicians, Musical films, Political films, Films based on plays, Films based on musicals, Films about royalty
Actors Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, David Hemmings, Lionel Jeffries, Laurence Naismith
Rating64% 3.2481653.2481653.2481653.2481653.248165
In the opening scene, King Arthur (Richard Harris) is preparing for a great battle against his friend, Sir Lancelot (Franco Nero), a battle he does not wish to fight but has been forced into. Arthur reflects on the sad circumstances which have led him to this situation, and asks his childhood mentor, Merlyn, for advice. Merlyn appears to him and tells Arthur to think back.
7 Faces of Dr. Lao, 1h40
Directed by George Pal
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Science fiction, Thriller, Fantasy, Action, Western
Themes Circus films
Actors Tony Randall, Barbara Eden, John Ericson, Arthur O'Connell, Noah Beery, Jr, Lee Patrick
Rating70% 3.5468253.5468253.5468253.5468253.546825
It is the dawn of the 20th century, and an elderly Chinese man rides a jackass into Abalone, Arizona, his only visible possession a fishbowl occupied by an innocuous-looking fish. This magical visitor, Dr. Lao (Tony Randall), visits Edward Cunningham's (John Ericson) newspaper and places a large ad for his traveling circus, which will play in Abalone for two nights only.
The Sword in the Stone, 1h19
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman
Origin USA
Genres Fantasy, Musical, Animation
Themes Films about animals, Films about magic and magicians, Films about dogs, Films about dragons, Witches in film, Musical films, Political films, Steampunk films, Buddy films, Children's films, Mise en scène d'un mammifère, Films about royalty
Actors Karl Swenson, Junius Matthews, Rickie Sorensen, Sebastian Cabot, Norman Alden, Martha Wentworth
Rating71% 3.553253.553253.553253.553253.55325
After the King of England, Uther Pendragon, dies, leaving no heir to the throne, a sword appears inside an anvil in London. The sword bears an inscription proclaiming that whoever removes it will be the new king. No one can remove the sword, which is eventually forgotten, leaving England in the Dark Ages.
Siege of the Saxons, 1h25
Directed by Nathan Juran
Origin United-kingdom
Genres Adventure
Actors Janette Scott, Ronald Lewis, Ronald Howard, John Laurie, Jerome Willis, Charles Lloyd-Pack
Rating48% 2.419732.419732.419732.419732.41973
King Arthur learns one of his knights is plotting to take over and marry his daughter. Soon the soldiers of double-dealing Edmund of Cornwall slay King Arthur. However his daughter Katherine escapes with the help of outlaw Robert Marshall. Claiming she is dead Edmund makes ready to usurp the throne in league with Saxon invaders. Katherine and Robert go to find the great wizard Merlin to help them save Camelot and England. He announces that whichever Knight wishes to marry the princess must first remove King Arthur's sword from the scabbard and prove his right to the throne.