THE MERLIN STORY

According to Welsh writings, the story of Merlin is a story of wisdom, ... experience, ... and magic consisting of a mix of history and legend. The real "Merlin" was born Myrddin and is said to have lived during the sixth century AD in the region between southern Scotland and northern England that is generally accepted as the land that would become known as Camelot.

The orphan Myrddin was raised by the druid priestess, Mymn, who would later change his name to Merlin. The legend claims that he grew to be a bard and sorcerer. History states that he was a trusted advisor to a number of English kings, and after many successions through bitterly fought wars, peace would come to the region under the legendary rule of Arthur of the house of Pendragon. He was said to have been Merlin's ward and hand-picked successor to the throne of England.

Merlin became one of the earliest and most influential characters in Celtic history to convert to Christianity ... openly defying the old ways of the druids and encouraging King Arthur to embrace the values found in the teachings of Christ and to seek out the most famous icon of the faith ...the Holy Grail. Guided by Merlin, Arthur sent three knights of the famous Round Table ... Gawain, Galahad and Percival ... to retrieve the Grail from the Holy Land and return it to Camelot. Legend tells of its having been retrieved and hidden in the "Castle of the Mist" in Scotland ... guarded there by Percival and later, his successors ... the Knights Templar. England would eventually become a Christian nation and staunch defender of the faith throughout Europe. The death of Merlin was reported to have taken place in 573 AD at the Battle of Arderydd.

Our organization chose to use the character Merlin as our figurehead because of his universally accepted role as "a wise and trusted advisor". His decision to shed the pagan ways of the old druid religion and embrace Judeo-Christian values as his formula for success is especially poignant in light of the many recent revelations in the financial industry. It is in the memory of Merlin, the man and the legend, that we strive to bring Values, Integrity and Independence to finance ...using time honored principles of wisdom, experience and trust. Therein lies the magic!