History, first use, of Wizards?

Origin and usage The word wizard comes from the Middle English word 'wys' meaning 'wise'. In this sense, it first appeared in English in the early 15th century. As a word used to describe a man with magical powers, wizard did not start to be used until around 1550.

1. Who was the first wizard in history?
2. Who was the first wizard in literature?
3. How did wizards come about?

Who was the first wizard in history?

While Noah is correct in that Merlin is probably the first character referred to as a wizard (meaning the use of that specific English term) the concept is far older. The oldest wizard stories that have been preserved and entered into modern records are probably the ones in the Westcar Papyrus.

Who was the first wizard in literature?

The first wizard who appeared in a work of literature was Myrddin, or Merlin Ambrosius, or better known as Merlin from the King Arthur legend. However, before he was known as Merlin, he was an elderly male prophet written about in the 6th Century, according to the bbc.co.uk.

How did wizards come about?

The first wizarding communities were said to have come up in India and the Middle East. More sophisticated communities would come up in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. Most wizards maintained little if no contact with Muggle society and found Muggles strange and unpleasant.