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Merlin retired from public view until King Ambrosius wanted to build a great memorial. Ambrosius sent for the magician, who advised him to obtain the Dance of Giants stones from Ireland.
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Ambrosius' brother, Uther Pendragon, then defeated the Irish. With Merlin's help the huge stones were taken back to England and set up at Stonehenge. With the memorial completed, Merlin saw a blazing star in the shape of a dragon, an omen foretelling Ambrosius' death, the kingship of Uther Pendragon, and a future king — Uther's son — who would prove to be the greatest sovereign Britain would ever have.
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Uther, the High-King of Britain fell in love with the Lady Igraine. She, however, was already married to Gorlois, the Duke of Tintagel.
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The heart-stricken Uther called his council, which advised him to call Gorlois back to court. If he refused to come Uther should lay siege to Cornwall, and that is what occurred. Uther trapped Gorlois in the castle Dimilioc, whereas Igraine was at Tintagel, an impregnable castle. The king finally turned to Merlin for help.
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When Uther fell in love with Gorlois' wife, Igraine, Merlin helped the king, by transforming Uther to resemble Gorlois (duke of Cornwall). He sneeks into Igraine's bed.
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The next morning news arrived that Gorlois had been slain in battle the previous day. Uther confessed to the imposture and married Igraine shortly thereafter.
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King Uther married Igraine and they had a son named Arthur. He was born at Tintagel Castle.
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Tintagel Castle was very dangerous at this time. Saxons often invaded. Because of this, King Uther gave his baby son to his wizard, Merlin, for safety.
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Merlin sent Arthur away to be raised in the countryside by Sir Ector. He grew up with his foster brother, Kay. He never knew who his real parents were.
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It is Merlin who had designed for Arthur's father Uther a great Round Table at which 150 knights could sit.
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Uther's Round Table at which 150 knights could sit. Upon Uther's death, the knights do not know who should take his place.
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Merlin tells them that whoever could draw a mysterious sword out of a stone should be the next king. Many try but all fail.
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Then one day Arthur, who is attending his foster brother Sir Kay, is sent to find a sword to replace his brother's broken one. He comes upon the magical sword Excalibur in the stone and, not knowing the prophecy, drew it out. Thus, he is proclaimed the new king.
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Arthur took Merlin as his adviser, aide, and soothsayer, and the wizard foretold much that would happen to Arthur.
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Jake, Yelling. "KING ARTHUR The History, the Legend, the King." BRITANNIA America's Gateway to the British Isles since 1996. N.p., 6 Aug. 2002. Web. 17 Apr. 2017. Biography.com Editors. "King Arthur Biography.com." The Biography.com website. A&E Television Networks, 3 May 2000. Web. 17 Apr. 2017.
