Part Five: The Prophecies of Merlin Summary and Analysis

Geoffrey interrupts his narrative in order to write down the prophecies of Merlin at the request of the bishop Alexander.

The two dragons emerge from their slumber and engage each other in battle. One is white and one is red. The white one forces the red one back toward the pool before the red one asserts itself. Vortigern orders Merlin to speak what the dragons mean. Merlin falls into a trance and begins to speak.

The red dragon represents Britain which is nearing its end. The white dragon represents the Saxons who Vortigern has allowed to overrun the island. Britain will soon see its rivers run with blood and the mountains leveled. The Boar of Cornwall will bring relief from the invaders and become so great that his deeds will be...