| Esplumoir Merlin | |
|---|---|
| Matter of Britain location | |
 The sorceress Viviane bewitches Merlin in a 1903 illustration byHoward Pyle. | |
| Genre | Chivalric romance |
| In-universe information | |
| Other name(s) | esplumöer[1] |
| Type | rocky peak, castle, hut, or prison |
| Characters | Merlin,Viviane,Gauvain |
Theesplumoir Merlin is a place mentioned in theArthurian legend in relation with the magicianMerlin. It notably appears in theDidotPerceval [fr] uncertainly attributed toRobert de Boron, and is also mentioned inRaoul de Houdenc'sMeraugis de Portlesguez. Its nature is uncertain, but it probably relates to a metamorphosis into a bird. It is presented as a hut, a tower or a high rock and is sometimes likened to theHotié de Viviane, a megalithic site inBrittany.[2]
Etymologically, anesplumoir would be "a cage where a songbird is locked away at the time of moulting: a dark and warm place where the bird sings in its own feathers".[3] However, the meaning of the wordesplumoir as used in the romances remains unknown. It could be a word fromOld French whose meaning has been lost through manuscript transmission.[4]
Some scholars theorize that the name is derived from the Latin*ex-plumare to evoke the sense that Merlin is removing a bird disguise.[1]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 themerlin, a European falcon (although there is no etymological relation between the two).[5]
Theesplumoir is thought to be the place where Merlin, who is fond of transforming himself into a bird, would resume his human form.[4] According to the DidotPerceval it is a cabin or a small house that Merlin built himself near the home ofPerceval, guardian of theGrail, to prophesy.[6] It is also imagined as a high tower or a rock, in other texts. InMéraugis de Portlesguez, theesplumöer merlin is described as being atop a high cliff having no doors, windows or stairs and is inhabited by twelve prophetic maidens.[7] In this version, Gauvain is the one imprisoned in the esplumoir.[8]
This place is mentioned by the poetJacques Roubaud as being hot and dark, located at the top of"la roche grifaigne". Merlin, in the form of a bird, sings of the future there. Jacques Roubaud also explains the shadow that Perceval sees pass several times above him, accompanied by the voice of Merlin, by supposing the metamorphosis of the magician into a bird.[3]
Geoffrey of Monmouth, inVita Merlini, also describes a dwelling, built byGanieda, that has seventy doors and seventy windows that allow Merlin to view the stars and make prophecies.[9]