[Kitanna]

I find it rather upsetting Merlin placed so low. Behind Harry Potter? What is that all about? I can understand Merlin following Dumbledore, but Harry Potter?

As far as the stereotype for wizards go I believe Merlin and Gandalf embody it. Both come from a time and place filled with elves and dragons and guiding kings to the throne. And though Harry Potter has dragons and such, it takes place in the present. Sort of destroying the whole magic of a land so far away, knowing that Harry came from our world and often returns. But the real point is without the legendary wizarding efforts of Merlin the whole stereotype would not exist and Gandalf, Dumbledore, and Potter would never have a chance. The Wizard from Oz might, but only because he was just some guy from Kansas who had no idea how to pilot a balloon.