Power? Seek it wherever you can.
At least that's what Merlin and Ambrosius think in The Crystal Cave.
But what to do with it once you've found it? That's a different question altogether. Merlin learns that seeking power doesn't necessarily mean that he'll wield it for himself. Having power means being in the service of something greater or bigger than himself. It means putting himself in the service of "the god," whoever or whatever that is.
This is why characters like Uther don't succeed as much as they would like in the power department. Uther believes that his High Kingness is enough in terms of lifetime achievements. If you ask him, he's literally the best, and all the rest should follow. But Merlin knows the truth: neither he nor Uther has power in and of himself. Both are only tools to be used for the greater good of Britain.
That's a heavy blow to the ego. Sorry, Uther.
Questions About Power
- What is the nature of power, according to Merlin? What about from Ambrosius' or Uther's point of view? From Ygraine's?
- How does having power change the main characters of this work?
- In what way is Merlin's power or authority different from that of the kings in this book?
- How does the desire or drive for power destroy or injure characters in this work? Does it ever truly promote anyone?
Chew on This
Although Uther is High King of Britain and a powerful soldier, he has no real power in and of himself.
Merlin seeks power his whole life, but he never learns to make it serve him.