Story Summary
Discover how the young prophet Merlin revealed the secret of the red and white dragons to King Vortigern in the legendary tale Merlin and Vortigern's Tower.
King Vortigern, a usurper fleeing from his enemies, sought to build a mighty fortress on the hill of Dinas Emrys. However, every night, the stone walls his masons labored over would crumble into the earth. His advisors, desperate and fearful, claimed that only the blood of a fatherless child sprinkled on the foundations would stop the collapse. The King’s men found a young boy named Merlin, born of a mortal woman and a spirit, to be sacrificed. But the boy did not tremble. Instead, he challenged the King's sorcerers, revealing that the tower fell because of a subterranean lake hidden beneath the hill. He commanded the King to dig, revealing two sleeping dragons—one red and one white. As the earth was opened, the dragons awoke and began a fierce battle. The white dragon initially dominated, but the red dragon eventually triumphed. Merlin prophesied that the red dragon represented the people of Britain and the white represented the invading Saxons, foretelling a future where the British would reclaim their land. Spared from death, Merlin became the King's greatest advisor, and the tower stood firm.
The Moral
True wisdom and insight are more powerful than superstition, and a foundation built on hidden lies will never stand.
“Beneath your foundation lies the reason for your failure; look to the earth, not the stars.”
Fun Fact
The red dragon revealed by Merlin in this legend eventually became the official symbol on the national flag of Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Vortigern's tower keep falling?
The tower collapsed because it was built over a hidden underground lake where two dragons were trapped, causing the ground to remain unstable.
Who is the fatherless boy in the legend?
The fatherless boy is Merlin, also known as Myrddin or Ambrosius, who was said to have been sired by a supernatural spirit rather than a mortal man.
What do the red and white dragons symbolize?
In Merlin's prophecy, the red dragon represents the native Britons, while the white dragon represents the invading Saxon forces.
Where is the real-life location of the tower?
The legend is set at Dinas Emrys, an Iron Age hillfort located near Beddgelert in Gwynedd, Wales, which remains a popular archaeological site.
How did Merlin save himself from sacrifice?
Merlin saved his life by demonstrating superior knowledge, proving that the tower's failure was caused by the dragons rather than a lack of blood sacrifice.
Who was King Vortigern in British history?
Vortigern was a 5th-century warlord and King of the Britons who traditionally invited the Saxons to Britain as mercenaries, eventually leading to conflict.
