A collection of essays tracing the historical importance and esoteric influence of Merlin and the Grail tradition, from its mythological beginnings right down to its relevance in modern magical practice.

Few figures from myth and legend have impressed the imagination like that of Merlin, Archmage of the land of Logres, whose shadowy, compelling presence plays a key part in the tales of Arthurian legend and the Quest of the Holy Grail. In this lively collection of essays, Gareth Knight traces the historical importance and esoteric influence of Merlin and the Grail tradition from its mythological beginnings right down to modern times. Topics covered include Dion Fortune's grail work at Glastonbury, the Merlin archetype, the "Elizabethan Merlin" John Dee, the blue stones of Preseli (which were used to build Stonehenge), and the connection between Merlin and Tolkien's figure of Gandalf. This new edition of the book is expanded and has three additional articles, including an esoteric analysis of the legend of Sir Gareth which has never been published before.