Who was Merlin

Merlin is the Wizard charged with Wart's education. He has already lived in the future and so always knows what will happen. Merlin is extremely powerful but uses this power to do good. His influence on Wart is strong and firm yet kindly and benevolent. His guidance instilled in Wart a respect for others and a determination to bring more civility to the nation. Merlin's influence is visible in Wart as he assumes the role of King Arthur. Merlin knows what he wants Wart to learn and experience and for that reason will turn him into other creatures so that he is able to see things from alternate perspectives that he can then use in his own life.