Title: The differences between Witches, Wizards, Druids and Warlocks
Tagging: @miyriu @tkmaras
Books used for reference: Merlin Complete Guide, Merlin Annual 2011, Merlin Annual 2013, Valiant, Death of Arthur and Tiny Merlin book called, “Arthur and the Unicorn”
What is the difference between the four magical types? Witches, wizards, druids and warlocks.
Morgana is a witch, so are witches just woman born with magic and Warlocks are men and then Druids are part of the order?
But then what about woman NOT born with magic?
Also since Merlin is one of a kind this doesn’t fully make sense!
Known types of sorcerers:
Druid: Mordred, Iseldir, Cerdan, Aglain, Ruadan, Sefa, Kara and Freya.
Warlock: Alvarr, Merlin, Balinor and Dragonlords in general (Dragonlords are a very special warlock who can control Dragons).
Wizard: Gaius, Tauren, Anhora and Merlin (only referred to as a Wizard one time. More information about that below in the bonus section).
Witch: Morgana, Nimueh and Mary Collins.
My answer: I could be wrong, but it seems to me like the genres go as follows…
- Druids are a group of individuals who often possess magic and yet their group is more of a minority of religious and peaceful outsiders with members of both genders.
- Warlocks are men that are born with magic.
- Witches are woman born with magic.
- Wizards are men who acquire magic through extensive study and practice.
- It seems like other woman with magic (Alice, ect..) might just be referred to as a sorceress and if they use manipulation/seduction they might be coined an enchantress (which is how Uther referred to Morgause).
Important things to note:
There’s also special kinds of both Warlocks and Wizards that have a connection and power associated with certain magic creatures.
- Anhora is a very special kind of wizard (one who protects the unicorns).
- Dragonlords are a very special warlock (who can control Dragons and are their kin).
Interesting things about Witches:
- Despite witches being a type of female sorcerer, who can use magic for good or evil.
It’s interesting to me that the title of witch, seems to be an almost sexist term in itself.
Especially, since Uther’s hatred of magic has caused his citizens to enact ‘witch-hunts’ (which Gwen admits usually cause distrust and target innocent old ladies with cats).
Even the great dragon himself seems to only refer to Morgana as a ‘witch’ in a bitter way and it’s spoken as if being a witch makes her evil (which we know to not be true).
Sorcerers may be witches or wizards, druids or warlocks; they may use magic for good or evil.
A FATE UNKNOWN: Taken from Camelot by her half-sister Morgause, does she know it was Merlin who poisoned her? And if she lives, will she return to Camelot a hero, or with villainy in her heart? Will she live up to the title of witch' bestowed on her by the Great Dragon?
Interesting facts about Merlin:
- According to the books, despite being classified as a Warlock, Merlin is able to do magic of a kind never seen before and he’s specifically noted to be different, than even the rare humans born with magical abilities.
The description specifically mentions humans with telepathy and the ability to see the future. Then says on a different line… “And then there is Merlin ...”
Which makes a lot sense when you consider that Emrys is not only the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, but magic itself and immortal.
BALINOR: “Merlin, you are more than a son of you father. You are son of the earth, the sea, the sky. Magic is the fabric of this world, and you were born of that magic. You are magic itself. You cannot lose what you are.”
Bonus section: Oddly enough, Merlin is referred to as a ‘wizard’ exactly one time (Merlin Annual 2013) and it was on the page referencing Kilgharrah.
Which might have something to do with Kilgharrah’s gift of prophecy and his ability to see that in the future, Merlin is more popularly described as a wizard by the Arthurian legend and mythology.
So in the future, the name ‘Wizard’ might become the more popular title associated with Merlin due to him being portrayed as an old, wise man. While not accurate in the Middle Ages, language and terminology often changes. And a thousand years is a long time.
Very rarely, humans are born with magical abilities. Some have the gift of telepathy - the ability to speak mind to mind. Others can see the future.
And then there is Merlin ...
Before he comes to Camelot, Merlin has never been taught magic and knows no spells - yet he is able to do magic of a kind never seen before.
THE GREAT DRAGON: Kilgharrah is one of Albion's last and greatest links with the old magic.
He can see Merlin's destiny, and when he was imprisoned beneath Camelot he developed a strong relationship with the young wizard.
