Susanne writes: For UK- based Ringers worth catching on BBC iPlayer, Merlin – The legend – “A look at the mythical roots in art and literature of Merlin – magician, hero and historical mystery. Merlin is the archetypal wizard, Welsh and Celtic in origin but with connections across the water in Cornwall and middle Europe, and, of course, the Arthurian legends. Clearly, Merlin is the distant relative of Dumbledore and all those weird and wonderful wizards in literature.”

Two excellent segments by Alan Lee – one on drawing Merlin and a second, longer one on Merlin as an inspiration for Gandalf including a “tour” of the prop Gandalf staff with which he was presented at the end of LOTR filming. Otherwise a great programme overall with a mixture of history, literature and contemorary firm – highly recommended. www.bbc.co.uk

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