What is the historical origin of Merlin? Did Merlin have a different understanding of the natural world than the rest of us? Why have his legends persisted over all these centuries? Travel with us to the land affectionately known as “Merlin’s Isle.”  T. A. talks with Carolyne Larrington at Oxford University, a professor of medieval European literature and fellow at St. John’s College. We explore how traditional British folk tales attempt to illuminate and answer some of the biggest questions about life. Especially the wonderous tales about the wizard Merlin! Carolyne shares her thoughts about the earliest works of Merlin, and how authors like Geoffrey of Monmouth, Mary Stewart, and T. H. White made these stories live so powerfully. She also gives us a lush description of why, more than 1,000 years after the first Merlin stories, this original wizard is still so alive in our hearts and minds today. Tune in to travel back in time with us to the origins of Merlin. (Fitting, as traveling back in time was one of Merlin’s specialties!)   About Carolyne Larrington: Carolyne Larrington is a professor of medieval European literature and official fellow of St. John's College at the University of Oxford. An expert on old Norse and medieval Arthurian literature, her areas of focus have included emotion and women and how they are portrayed in ancient tales. She is the author of many books, including The Land of the Green Man, A Journey Through the Supernatural Landscape of the British Isles; King Arthur's Enchantresses; and The Norse Myths.  Check out Carolyne’s book The Land of the Green Man, A Journey Through the Supernatural Landscape of the British Isles.   Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host. Follow @tabarronauthor or find us on Facebook for show information. Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson