Merlin was born in Ealdor, a small outline village of King Cenred's kingdom. His mother is Hunith and his father was Balinor, a Dragonlord. Gaius helped Balinor escape from Uther's persecution of magic and hid him with Hunith. The two fell in love, but Uther discovered Balinor's hiding place and sent knights to arrest him. Balinor was forced to flee and leave Hunith behind. Whether she knew before or after his departure, Hunith discovered she was pregnant and later gave birth to Merlin. Merlin wouldn't see his father until many years later. Merlin was born with magic. According to The Great Dragon, Merlin's birth has been prophesied by many cultures. For example, the Druids refer to him as "Emrys" (meaning "immortal") and it is the name Mordred calls him by (The Beginning of the End). The Dragon states that it's Merlin's destiny to protect Arthur Pendragon and aid him in uniting the kingdoms of Albion and return magic to the land.
