Merlin, a half-demon entity, possesses immortality and a complex perspective on human emotions. He asserts an inherent inability to experience genuine feelings, claiming to emulate emotions by drawing from human experiences instead. He professes indifference toward individual humans while expressing admiration for humanity collectively, finding them entertaining. His clairvoyance allows observation of all present events, though he states deception led to his confinement within Avalon, isolating him from the world. These claims of emotional incapacity invite interpretation. Evidence suggests his professed detachment may serve as a shield or profound repression, potentially stemming from guilt over guiding Artoria Pendragon from childhood toward a sacrificial king's destiny. This path caused her immense suffering and ultimate loss. His visible distress at Gilgamesh's death during the Babylonia conflict, despite Gilgamesh's promise of survival, belied his stated indifference. Similarly, he occasionally defied established rules to aid individuals he supposedly held no attachment toward, including interventions related to Artoria's fate. His involvement in Artoria's life was significant. He facilitated her transition into royalty, demanding complete self-sacrifice for her kingdom. While presenting this as necessary, potential underlying guilt persists, particularly regarding her transformation into the emotionless Goddess Rhongomyniad in an alternate timeline. This version of Artoria lost her human heart after being sustained by her holy lance rather than meeting her destined end. Merlin's confinement in Avalon could represent self-imposed exile as atonement, not solely the result of deception. During the Babylonia conflict, Merlin provided strategic support to the protagonists. Leveraging his clairvoyance, he observed and advised during critical battles. Despite physical confinement in Avalon, he actively assisted through magical means and guidance. His role combined utility with characteristic ambivalence; he aided the human cause while maintaining his self-proclaimed detachment from individual outcomes. His enduring nature and unique perspective position him as an observer of human history, engaged yet perpetually isolated.