Merlin Mystery Solution: Part 12

Go to the Merlin Mystery Solution Index.

This is Part 12 of my solution to The Merlin Mystery by Jonathan Gunson and Marten Coombe.

Previously, the full list of 75 solution objects were found and put in their correct order. These objects actually represent a set of instructions for casting The Alchemist’s Spell.

Gunson’s justification for using objects to symbolically represent the spell was to make the puzzle independent of language.

Interpreting the Objects

The table below contains a relatively plain English description of the intended meanings of the 75 objects. I have added extra linking words and explanations where necessary.

I cannot easily explain how the correct interpretation of the objects is reached. I have merely set out the answer, as confirmed in the official solution, as coherently as I can.

The “spell” is made up of objects 1 to 56, which set out an arrangement of pieces of wood, runes and candles under a full moon.

The “method of casting” starts at object 57 where various words (names of the runes) are spoken, the candles snuffed out and the name of a final symbol is spoken.

This final symbol is made up of two parts. The first part is a circle, the second part an Algiz rune, which looks like a 3-pronged Y. The rune is turned upside down. This combined symbol looks like the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament logo, now commonly known as the “peace” symbol.

To completely solve the puzzle, the spell and the method of casting were supposed to be drawn on a single piece of paper. My attempt at doing this is in the next and final part of the solution.