Do we like them?

Do we like Merlin?

A character from Arthurian legend (Historia Regum Britanniae and later romances) (c. 1136 onward)

Our score: 8 out of 10. Yes, we'd back him. He's wise, loyal to Arthur and works for a united Britain. He's also meddlesome and keeps his own counsel, so he can be hard to trust.

Merlin is the enchanter and prophet of Arthurian legend. Britannica links him to the Welsh figure Myrddin. In the medieval tellings he is a wise man with uncanny foresight who serves Britain's kings and becomes Arthur's tutor and counsellor.

His story takes hold with Geoffrey of Monmouth and grows in later romances. Robert de Borron's version gives him a Christian purpose, as a prophet tied to the Holy Grail. His portrayal shifts with each telling, from a wild seer to a wise mentor.

We score him well because his guidance is nearly always aimed at a stable, just kingdom, and Arthur's rise depends on him. He loses points for his secrecy, his habit of steering people like pieces on a board, and for tricks that cause real trouble for others.