The Complex Story of Merrill in Dragon Age and Her Journey
In Dragon Age II, players meet a variety of companions, each with their own unique story, but few are as intriguing as Merrill. A Dalish elf with a kind heart and a fascination with forbidden magic, she stands out for her innocence, curiosity, and deep internal conflicts.
As her journey unfolds, she grapples with ancient traditions, blood magic, and her place in a world that often rejects her. Whether you see her as a tragic figure or a determined idealist, Merrill in Dragon Age leaves a lasting impression on players. Let’s dive into her role, relationships, and impact on the story.
Who is Merrill in Dragon Age?
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Merrill is a companion character in Dragon Age II and a former First of the Dalish Sabrae Clan. As an elven mage, she is known for her kindhearted nature, social awkwardness, and deep fascination with ancient magic. Her character stands out due to her contrast between innocence and the darker elements of her story, making her one of the most complex and divisive companions in the game.
Merrill was first introduced in Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening as a minor character during the Dalish Elf origin story. She appears as the apprentice of the clan’s Keeper, Marethari, and helps the protagonist navigate their trial with the ancient demon inside the ruins. However, it is in Dragon Age II that she takes on a much larger role as a recruitable companion and a key figure in the game’s narrative.
In Dragon Age II, she has left her clan and moved to Kirkwall, settling in the alienage among the city elves. She is deeply invested in restoring an ancient Eluvian (an elven mirror), believing it holds lost knowledge of her people’s past. However, her use of blood magic and association with a demon to achieve this goal causes major conflict between her and those around her, making her one of the game’s most controversial characters.
Merrill’s Role in Dragon Age II
Merrill plays a significant role in Dragon Age II, both as a companion to Hawke and as a character deeply entangled in the themes of tradition, magic, and defiance. Her storyline revolves around her exile from the Dalish, her quest to restore an ancient Eluvian (elven mirror), and her struggles with blood magic—all of which put her at odds with various factions and individuals in the game.
Merrill’s Introduction and Recruitment
Merrill is first encountered in Act 1, when Hawke and their party visit the Dalish camp in the Sundermount region. She is introduced as a former First (apprentice) of Keeper Marethari, though her status within the clan has changed due to her controversial views on magic. Despite her connection to the Dalish, she has been exiled from her people because of her willingness to use blood magic and consort with demons to restore a lost piece of elven history—the Eluvian.
Hawke can recruit Merrill as a companion after helping her safely reach Kirkwall. She then settles in the city’s alienage, where she struggles to adapt to life outside the clan. As the game progresses, Merrill remains deeply devoted to her mission, despite growing resistance from those around her.
The Eluvian and Merrill’s Quest for Knowledge
The centerpiece of Merrill’s personal arc is her obsession with restoring an ancient Eluvian, an elven mirror with immense historical and magical significance. The Eluvians were once used by the elves to travel across great distances and communicate, but most were shattered or corrupted after the fall of the ancient elven civilization. Merrill believes that by repairing this mirror, she can reclaim lost knowledge and restore part of her people’s forgotten past.
However, this goal is not without great risk. The Eluvians are known to be dangerous, linked to the demonic realm of the Fade, and many in Thedas—including Keeper Marethari—fear that tampering with them could invite disaster. To restore the mirror, Merrill turns to blood magic, a forbidden practice often associated with demons and corruption. Her use of blood magic and willingness to work with a demon put her in direct conflict with those who believe she is endangering herself and others.
Conflict with the Dalish and Keeper Marethari
Merrill’s strained relationship with her former Dalish clan is one of the most tragic aspects of her story. Despite her exile, she still considers the Dalish her family and holds onto the hope that they will one day understand her intentions. However, her former mentor, Keeper Marethari, views her as a danger to the clan and insists that the Eluvian is cursed.
Over the course of the game, the tension between Merrill and the Dalish escalates. If Hawke supports Merrill’s efforts, it culminates in a tragic confrontation in Act 3 when Keeper Marethari willingly allows herself to be possessed by a demon in an attempt to stop Merrill from continuing her work. This leads to an emotional and devastating battle, as Merrill is forced to fight and kill the woman she once revered as a mother figure.
After Marethari’s death, the Dalish clan turns on Merrill, blaming her for the tragedy. She is permanently exiled, a moment that deeply wounds her and reinforces her belief that she will never be understood by her people.
Merrill’s Personality and Relationships
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Merrill’s Personality – Innocence and Defiance
Merrill is a mix of kindhearted innocence and stubborn determination. While socially awkward and often humorous, she is fiercely committed to her mission to restore the Eluvian, believing that blood magic is a tool rather than an evil force. Her idealism clashes with the fear and rejection of those around her, making her a tragic yet compelling figure.
Merrill’s Relationship with Hawke
Hawke’s treatment of Merrill shapes her confidence and outlook:
- Supporting her strengthens her belief in her mission.
- Discouraging her leads her to question her choices.
- Opposing her isolates her, possibly turning her against Hawke.
A romance with Merrill reveals her vulnerability and devotion, offering one of the game’s most heartfelt relationships.
Merrill’s Relationships with Other Companions
Her views on blood magic and elven history spark conflict and alliances:
- Varric & Isabela – Friendly, protective, and often lighthearted.
- Aveline, Fenris & Sebastian – Harsh critics who see her as reckless.
- Anders – Disapproves but is somewhat sympathetic.
The Emotional Impact of Merrill’s Relationships
Merrill’s journey revolves around acceptance and rejection, forcing players to decide whether to support, guide, or abandon her—making her one of Dragon Age II’s most emotionally engaging characters.
Featured Image Source: thegamer.com
