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PinkMonkey Literature Notes on . . . The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart 1970 MonkeyNotes Study Guide by Diane Clapsaddle MRS. HINTON HONORS ENGLISH 10 MONTEVALLO HIGH SCHOOL KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS SETTING The novel is set around 450 A.D., one of the darkest periods of Britain’s history. It begins in Wales in the town of Maridunum, but branches out into various areas of Britain and Less Britain (Brittany) in what is now France. Some of the towns and cities where Merlin travels include: York, Kaerconan, Doward, Bremia, London, and Winchester in Britain and Tintagel and Dimiliac in Cornwall as well as Lanascol and Kerrac in Less Britain. Some of the action also takes place in Ireland at Killare. CHARACTER LIST Major Characters Merlin -The main character and narrator of the novel, he is the young boy who has the Sight and grows into his power as an enchanter. He is the one who is led by the god (later God) to bring the about the birth of Arthur. Ambrosius - Merlin’s father, he becomes the High King of Britain after defeating Vortigern and the Saxons and restoring peace to the land Niniane - Merlin’s mother, she has a forbidden affair with Ambrosius from which comes Merlin. She never reveals the name of Merlin’s father. She, too, has the Sight, but fears her power and turns instead to Christianity and the nunnery for her strength. Uther - Ambrosius’ brother and Arthur’s father, he becomes High King at Ambrosius’ death. Merlin uses him to bring about the birth of Arthur, but thinks of him only as a regent who follows and precedes great kings. He is not a great king himself. Gorlois - The Duke of Cornwall, he is ultimately loyal to Ambrosius and fights with him to unite all Britain. He is betrayed by both Merlin and Uther when Merlin makes it possible for Uther to sleep with Gorlois’ wife Ygraine and conceive Arthur. Ygraine - The Duchess of Cornwall, she gives into her lust for Uther and agrees to Merlin’s plan to bring them together. She