King Vortigern sought to build a mighty fortress at Dinas Emrys, but every night, the walls collapsed into the earth. His sorcerers claimed only the blood of a fatherless child could steady the foundations. They found young Merlin, a boy of mysterious birth, but rather than trembling, Merlin challenged the king’s wise men. He revealed that a subterranean lake lay beneath the mountain, housing two sleeping dragons. Upon digging, a red dragon and a white dragon emerged and began a ferocious battle. The white dragon initially dominated, but the red dragon eventually rallied and drove its foe away. Merlin prophesied that the red dragon represented the Britons and the white represented the invading Saxons, foretelling a hard-fought victory for the kingdom and establishing his reputation as the world's greatest seer.
True wisdom sees beyond the surface, and courage allows one to speak the truth to power, even when life is at stake.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Merlin and the Dragons?
The story teaches that appearances can be deceiving and that truth and prophecy carry more weight than brute force. It emphasizes that a shaky foundation, whether literal or metaphorical, cannot be fixed with superficial sacrifices.
What do the red and white dragons symbolize?
In Arthurian lore, the red dragon represents the native Britons (and specifically Wales), while the white dragon represents the invading Saxons. Their battle serves as a prophecy for the future of the island.
Who was King Vortigern?
Vortigern was a 5th-century warlord and king of the Britons who, according to legend, struggled to defend his lands against invaders. His failure to build the tower at Dinas Emrys led to his encounter with the young Merlin.
Why did the tower at Dinas Emrys keep falling?
The tower collapsed because it was built over a hidden underground lake. The movement of the two dragons fighting within the cavern beneath the earth caused the ground to shift and the masonry to crumble.
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Good night.
