# Merlin — The Cosmic Computer character guide

> Merlin in The Cosmic Computer by H. Beam Piper.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** the Devil, Project Merlin, Prophet of Merlin, Merlin the Devil

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

A legendary super-computer rumored to be hidden on Poictesme, believed capable of answering any question and governing worlds.

## Who they are

Merlin is less a machine than a planetary obsession: a rumored super-computer from the Federation's glory days, sought by prospectors, politicians, and cultists alike. Its absence drives the plot—every faction wants it for different reasons, from legal reform to absolute power. As the search intensifies, Merlin becomes a mirror for Poictesme's desperation, and the question shifts from whether it exists to what its discovery would unleash.

## Relationships

### [Conn Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/conn_maxwell)

_friendship_

Conn and Merlin share a deep, loyal friendship with Merlin acting as a wise and protective companion.

### [Kurt Fawzi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/kurt_fawzi)

_friendship_

Kurt and Merlin are close friends and allies, often collaborating with Conn.

### [Wade Lucas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/wade_lucas)

_rivalry_

Merlin and Wade are adversaries, with Merlin opposing Wade's actions and goals.

### [Flora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/flora)

_friendship_

Flora and Merlin share a friendly, supportive relationship, likely as close family friends.

### [Conn Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/conn_maxwell)

_friendship_

Conn and Merlin share a deep, loyal friendship with Merlin acting as a wise and protective companion.

### [Kurt Fawzi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/kurt_fawzi)

_friendship_

Kurt and Merlin are close friends and allies, often collaborating with Conn.

### [Flora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/flora)

_friendship_

Flora and Merlin share a friendly, supportive relationship, likely as close family friends.

### [Wade Lucas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/wade_lucas)

_rivalry_

Merlin and Wade are adversaries, with Merlin opposing Wade's actions and goals.

### [Wade Lucas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/wade_lucas)

_rivalry_

Merlin and Wade are adversaries, with Merlin opposing Wade's actions and goals.

### [Kurt Fawzi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/kurt_fawzi)

_friendship_

Kurt and Merlin are close friends and allies, often collaborating with Conn.

### [Conn Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/conn_maxwell)

_friendship_

Conn and Merlin share a deep, loyal friendship with Merlin acting as a wise and protective companion.

### [Flora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/flora)

_friendship_

Flora and Merlin share a friendly, supportive relationship, likely as close family friends.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters/merlin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cosmic_computer_se/characters