The Harry Potter series has had its fair share of powerful wizards. Not all of them stood on the side of good as the likes of Gellert Grindelwald or Lord Voldemort proved. On the other hand, there were powerful good wizards as well, such as Albus Dumbledore or the alchemist Nicolas Flamel.
None of them has become as iconic as Merlin, though. Considered by many the first wizard ever, Merlin is both a Harry Potter character, albeit one the fans didn't get to see in the series, and the first mythological sorcerer of all time. Despite his fame, there are some things Harry Potter readers, viewers, and gamers might not know about Merlin.
5 He Went To Hogwarts
Unsurprisingly, like most of the living and dead British wizards, Merlin studied at Hogwarts. He was born sometime during the Middle Ages. The fact that he was sorted into the Slytherin house proves yet again that Slytherin doesn't host only those who turn out to be evil wizards and witches. Supposedly, Merlin showed his talent while he already studied at Hogwarts and created several puzzles found beyond the grounds of the castle.
Later on, his portrait made it to Hogwarts and like with other famous faces hanging on its walls, the students and teachers alike could speak to Merlin's portrait. Merlin's rise to power showcases that one of the core traits of Slytherin students - ambition - was well present in him.
4 His Friendship With King Arthur
What's most surprising about the portrayal of Merlin in Harry Potter is how closely it mirrors what the fans might already know about Merlin from British mythology. Both in the old stories and in the series, Merlin's life path remained the same. He joined king Arthur and helped him during his reign. He became a master at enchanting and earned the nickname of the Prince of Enchanters.
Even though Merlin could have easily used his considerable powers for evil, he never succumbed to the Dark Arts and fought against the evil witch Morgana who also happened to be Arthur's half-sister. Merlin not only defied Morgana but was also convinced that wizards should be helping muggles and live peacefully side by side with them. Of course, as Grindelwald's and Voldemort's actions proved much later that wasn't always the case.
3 The Order Of Merlin And The Recipients Of The Award
To further cement his desire to help the muggles and lead the life of a good wizard, Merlin set up the Order of Merlin. Its main task was to promote the rights of muggles and make sure evil wizards wouldn't be using magic against them. The Order of Merlin was the first organization in the world of Harry Potter that took the time to create clear rules about the wizards' behavior toward muggles. Even though the order was later dissolved after Merlin passed away, its name continued to live on thanks to an award that was named after it.
Multiple well-known Harry Potter characters had received the award. It was well deserved in the case of Newt Scamander, Remus Lupin (albeit he received the award after his death, so he couldn't really enjoy it), Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and, of course, Harry, Ron, and Hermione for fighting against Voldemort. However, the award also sometimes went to people who weren't worthy of it, most notably Gilderoy Lockhart and Peter Pettigrew after his presumed death.
2 Merlin's Presence At Hogwarts And In The Wizarding World
Even though the events of the Harry Potter series take place long after Merlin's death, the echoes of his presence and life can be found in the story. For example, wizards in Harry's time liked to use the saying: "Merlin's beard!" Usually in situations when they were surprised by something.
In Hogwarts, Merlin not only has two talking portraits, but also a glass window with his name in the classroom where the History of Magic is being taught. As one of the most famous wizards of all time, Merlin also got his own Chocolate Frog Card (so did the Golden trio). Merlin's popularity continued in the late 1990s as well. In 1998, a reader of the Daily Prophet asked to create a Merlin Remembrance Day.
1 Merlin's Appearances In Other Media
While the Harry Potter series doesn't make Merlin into one of its central or even side characters, it still provides just enough information about him for the fans to be able to compare this portrayal of Merlin with others. Merlin has featured heavily in other movies and TV shows, such as the British show Merlin which centers on his young days and developing friendship with Arthur, or the short-lived, one-season TV series Camelot.
He was a central character in the 1998 TV movie Merlin where he was played by Sam Neill. Merlin also played a smaller part in movies such as The Mists of Avalon (2001) and the now-iconic Excalibur (1981). And while most of these don't portray him as a long-bearded older man as Harry Potter did, what connects all the versions of Merlin is that he stands resolutely on the side of good, just like Harry Potter stated.