Merlinus Ambrosius
Merlin’s name means “prince of light.” And yet he is continually referred to as “prince of darkness.” It’s a fun sort of irony, that. Unless, of course, it is happening to you.
Genetics Schmenetics
The story of Arthur—and not just the one presented in Stewart’s books—cast a dark light on the power of genetics, which is fairly unusual for stories about royal lineage. Arthur may not quite be perfect except in relation to this parentage. That two such profoundly self-centered individuals as Uther and Ygraine could be produce a man of vision like Arthur really goes against the fundamental concept of aristocracy. Breeding will tell, the saying goes, but it usually not meant as ironically as in this case.
Lowly Prince Merlin
He is not merely the Prince of Darkness, he started out as a real prince. But he very quickly fell on hard times. And, ironically, when he finds himself at his lowest point he also finds himself looking his most princely:
“It was the first time that I remember feeling as if I looked like a prince, and I found it strange that this should happen at the moment when you would have thought I had reached the bottom of my fortunes.”
Merlin the Mathematician
For some people, the name Merlin automatically conjures up the addenda: either magician or sorcerer. The great irony for those familiar with Merlin in this fashion is that his legendary powers of sorcery are absent in this telling. Like Flash Gordon, Merlin is just a man with a man’s courage. Of course, it has been said that magic is really just another term for science which hasn’t been explained, so keep that in mind. But Merlin the Scientist? It does not have quite the same ring to it.
The Death of Gorlois
Out of context, it loses some of its impact, but within the context of the narrative, the presentation of the demise of Gorlois is conveyed with a strange sort of comic irony. The ironic dimension lies in the repetition of news in a way that is peculiarly devoid of emotion:
“…the Duke took the chance before the King got here, and we attacked the King's camp tonight, out of Dimilioc. But they were ready. Gorlois was killed in the first sally.”
"It all went as we had planned. But Gorlois attacked out of Dimilioc and got himself killed.”
“But in the meantime fighting had broken out at Dimilioc, and Gorlois, venturing out to give battle, was killed.”
