Myrddin Wyllt - Definition and Overview

Myrddin Wyllt is the wild man of the woods mentioned in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Vita Merlini. In that book he is called Merlin. Myrddin Wyllt was a historical person living in sixth century Britain.

He was probably born somewhere around the year 540 C.E. He is said to have had a twin sister called Gwendydd. Myrddin Wyllt should not be confused with Myrddin Emrys commonly called Merlin, the advisor of Ambrosius Aurelianus and Arthur Pendragon.

Myrddin Wyllt is said to have gone mad after a certain battle in 573 C.E. He fled into the forest and lived with the animals. He there is said to found his gift of prophecy.