Long before King Arthur sat upon the throne, the usurper King Vortigern attempted to build a mighty fortress at Dinas Emrys. However, every night, the walls collapsed into the earth. His advisors claimed only the blood of a fatherless child could steady the foundations. That child was Merlin. Brought before the king, the young boy laughed at the advisors' ignorance. He commanded the king to dig beneath the tower, where they discovered a hidden underground pool. Within the waters lay two sleeping dragons—one white and one red. As they were awakened, the dragons began a ferocious battle. The white dragon initially dominated, but the red dragon eventually rallied and drove his rival away. Merlin explained that the dragons represented the warring nations: the red for the Britons and the white for the Saxons. He prophesied that though the Britons were currently oppressed, a great leader—the Boar of Cornwall—would eventually rise to unite the land. This was the first glimpse of the destiny of King Arthur.
True power and stability come from understanding the hidden truths of the world rather than relying on superficial strength or cruelty.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Merlin's Prophecy?
The moral is that wisdom and the search for truth are more powerful than brute force. It teaches that one must address the root of a problem rather than just its symptoms.
Who was King Vortigern in the story?
Vortigern was a 5th-century king of the Britons who invited the Saxons to the island, leading to conflict. In the legend, he is depicted as a desperate ruler trying to secure his power through failing fortifications.
What do the red and white dragons symbolize?
The red dragon represents the native Britons (and eventually Wales), while the white dragon symbolizes the invading Saxons. Their battle represents the struggle for control of the British Isles.
Why did the tower at Dinas Emrys keep falling?
The tower collapsed because it was built over a subterranean lake where two dragons were trapped. Their constant fighting disturbed the earth, preventing any structure from standing on the surface.
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Good night.
