Archimedes

In the spirit of March Madness, here on the blog this month we will be holding the first official Familiar Madness Tournament. 16 of the all-time great familiars from literature, film, and television will face off in a single elimination tourney to decide who is the greatest of them all.

3. Archimedes - the owl familiar of Merlin, the wizard, in T.H. White’s “The Sword in the Stone.”



It is fitting an owl was chosen by Merlin as it is viewed as a wise and noble creature. Archimedes often acted grouchy and was generally disagreeable with Merlin's plans. However, he always came through when needed. He even protected and guided Arthur when Merlin was absent.



Always a curmudgeonly companion, Archimedes offers Merlin intelligent, philosophical arguments, helping the great magician see the world differently. In the kingdom of Camelot, Archimedes soars the sky, seeing the world from his birdly vantage point, untethered by the boundaries confining humans.

So far, we have introduced you to the familiars of Harry Potter, Gandalf, and Merlin. Who do you think is the coolest wizard to be the animal companion of?

Tomorrow: Monkey see, monkey do.