The Classic Merlin Trilogy

3 primary works Complete

The Crystal Cave

by Mary Stewart

Published 1 January 1974

Fifth century Britain is a country in chaos and division after the Roman withdrawal. This is Merlin's world - the illegitimate son of a South Wales princess - he is aware of the gift of "the sight". The other books in this trilogy include "The Hollow Hills" and "The Last Enchantment".

The Hollow Hills

by Mary Stewart

Published 1 January 1973

The countryside of England and Wales in the Dark Ages forms an almost tangible background to this wonderfully and powerfully realised picture of an ancestral hero coming to manhood. The Hollow Hills is the brilliant portrayal of the young Arthur from his birth to accession to the throne of Britain. And behind and around him is the strong, yet vulnerable figure of Merlin who sees and knows so much but is powerless to prevent the strife and violence of his turbulent times.

The Hollow Hills was first published in 1973 and tells the story of Merlin's guardianship of Arthur. He leads Arthur to the sword that tests his claim to power and the crown.

The Last Enchantment

by Mary Stewart

Published 1 June 1979

With the great sword Caliburn in his hand and Merlin the enchanter at his side, Arthur comes out of hiding to claim the crown he was born to wear. Merlin, Arthur's protector, sees the glories and horrors that await the new king . . . and to save him Merlin musters all his power to weave one last enchantment. He is showing signs of age and he gradually realises he is losing his powers of prophecy and clairvoyance to a younger generation. But he is able to accept this because he knows that they will be at the service of his beloved monarch whose fabled victories, marriage and the building of Camelot shine through these pages.