User:Emflazie/Esplumoir Merlin

The esplumoir, esplumöer, or esplumoir merlin is a location named in Arthurian legend in relation to the sorcerer Merlin. The exact nature of the esplumoir is unclear; some theories posit that it is a hollowed-out hill, rocky outcropping, hut, or even a literal birdcage. It is variably the location from which Merlin makes his prophecies, transforms from bird to human, or is imprisoned by otherworldly forces. It is notably mentioned in Didot Perceval, in which Merlin constructs the esplumoir and, upon entering it, is never seen again.

Etymology
Some scholars theorize that the name is derived from the Latin *ex-plumare to evoke the sense that Merlin is removing a bird disguise. Robert de Boron may have been drawing a comparison between the esplumoir and a falcon’s mew, as he would likely have associated Merlin’s name with that of the merlin, a European falcon (although there is no etymological relation between the two).

Literature
In Didot Perceval, Merlin went to Perceval and constructed a dwelling outside his castle where he would be separate from the world. Before entering, he tells Perceval that he will live inside and make prophecies until the end of the world. Afterwards, he is never seen again.

In contrast, in Meraugis de Portlesguez, Meraugis encounters an insurmountable peak called the esplumöer Merlin. In this version, Gauvain is the one imprisoned in the esplumoir. Comparisons between the esplumöer Merlin, inhabited by twelve prophetic maidens, and the Castle of Maidens, also produce the image of the esplumoir as a tower on a hill.(cite)

Geoffrey of Monmouth, in Vita Merlini, also describes a dwelling, built by Ganieda, that has seventy doors and seventy windows that allow Merlin to view the stars and make prophecies.