Notes on: The Crystal Cave, By Mary Stewart

The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart, the first of a four-book series, follows Myrrden Emrys from childhood to young manhood. The book is set in fifth-century Britain and is told from the point of view of Myrrden, later known as Merlin. He grew up at the court of his grandfather, a local king in Maridunum, in what is now Wales. Merlin was barely tolerated there because he was an illegitimate child and his mother, Niniane, would not name his father. Merlin was feared and disliked by his family and countrymen because he was quiet and strange, and had odd powers. These powers were nurtured by Gal…