Is Merlin in The Crystal Cave a free agent or merely a tool of the gods? You've studied literature long enough to know that there's no simple answer here. Merlin's clearly an ambitious dude from the get-go: he seeks knowledge from Galapas and gathers information where he can. He even strikes back when he's sure that Camlach wants to kill him, and he hitches a ride with kidnappers in search of a better life.
But there's another side to Merlin's character. He's aware of his supernatural powers and of the presence of "the god" in his life. It hardly matters that he can't even identify the god; Merlin understands that a higher power is guiding his life for a purpose—a really big purpose—and he chooses to go with it.
So there you have it: it looks like Merlin may be a free man and a tool of the gods. Some guys have all the luck.
Questions About Fate and Free Will
- What is Merlin's purpose in life, according to Stewart's version of the legend?
- In what ways is Merlin in control of his destiny? In what circumstances does Fate take the wheel?
- How much does being "moral" or "right" play into the idea of fate in this work? Does the will of "the god" always favor the just?
- How does Merlin's role as an agent of Fate shape his character?
Chew on This
Merlin's role as a servant of the gods places him above the authority of earthly powers.
Fate does not always favor the just; sometimes, the good characters must be sacrificed for the "plan" to work.