Notes on: The Crystal Cave, By Mary Stewart

The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart, the first of a four-book series, follows Myrrden Emrys from childhood to young manhood. The book is set in fifth-century Britain and is told from the point of view of Myrrden, later known as Merlin. He grew up at the court of his grandfather, a local king in Maridunum, in what is now Wales. Merlin was barely tolerated there because he was an illegitimate child and his mother, Niniane, …

…basic arts of magic, to make fire out of nothing. The Crystal Cave is presented in the point of view of first person. Merlin tells the story in "I's", and he does not know everything that is happening, which otherwise the point of view would be third person omniscient. The importance of family and enduring friendship is a constant theme of this book. Another theme of this book is the concept of "the hero's journey".