Merlin is perhaps the most famous magician in all the legends.

It was Merlin who gave baby Arthur to Sir Ector to raise. It was Merlin who put the sword in the stone, knowing that only Arthur could pull out the sword. It was Merlin who warned King Arthur not to marry Guenivere.

For many years, Merlin guided Arthur and helped him make wise decisions as the king. It was only when Merlin was dead that Arthur made some poor decisions which eventually resulted in the King's death.