There are many myths and legends surrounding Merlin, even within the Harry Potter universe. BBC's Merlin features a young, talented and endearing sorcerer who seeks guidance from the knowledgable Gaius while fulfilling his destiny to save Arthur and bring about Albion.
Harry Potter is The Chosen One. The one who was chosen by Voldemort himself to fulfill the prophecy of his defeat. So, who is the greater wizard? Whose magic was more powerful? Who was greater supported in times of hardship? What was the content of their character when graced with such a burden?
Harry: He Was Nurtured By Many
Harry was nurtured, despite the death of his parents and the abuse during his time with the Dursleys. He was loved and cared for by many. He had a mother's love in the form of Molly Weasley, who treated him as her own son. He was protected and seen as an equal by Arthur Weasley. He was loved fiercely and supported by his godfather, Sirius Black. He was taught by Remus Lupin, his school educator and his parents' friend.
He was loved too much by Dumbledore, who cared for him too deeply, something Dumbledore failed to avoid. All of these figures contributed to his growth and understanding of what needed to be done.
Merlin: He Survived A Magicless Kingdom
Merlin didn't have the freedom of living in a Wizarding World. Using magic in Camelot was a death sentence. Yet Merlin needed to use his magic against magical adversaries who wished Arthur harm and sought the fall of Camelot.
Merlin kept his magic a secret - he even hid it from his best friend Arthur. He didn't want to give Arthur the burden of making a decision concerning his magic in a place where magic was forbidden.
Harry: He Had A Magical Education
Harry was sent a letter from Hogwarts at the age of 11 - an invitation to attend a magical school for a magical education, a School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was able to train his abilities, learn from learned professors, practice potions and satiate his thirst for knowledge.
Although Harry might not have appreciated the homework load, he appreciated the environment, that is, when he wasn't the target of Voldemort during the school year. He gained knowledge which he put into action. He could go to a school and live in a world that allowed magic.
Merlin: He Is Crucial In Order For Things To Change
Merlin and Arthur are two sides of the same coin. Without Merlin, Arthur cannot succeed in bringing peace to Camelot. Although Arthur dies in the end, stabbed with a blade forged in a Dragon's breath, Merlin continues to live and he continues to wait for Arthur's return.
Arthur is said to return when Albion's need is greatest. Merlin has dedicated himself to his destiny - to the union of magic and to the future he knows will come. He is alone, broken-hearted, and defeated in spirit, with nothing but his will and his belief carrying him onward.
Harry: He Is The True Master Of Death
Harry came to possess the Invisibility Cloak from Dumbledore, as his father left it in Dumbeldore's possession before he died. Harry was given the Resurrection Stone, another Deathly Hallow, inside the Snitch left to him in Dumbledore's will. The Elder Wand ended up in Harry's hands after he took Draco's wand, which was the wand that had disarmed Dumbledore before he died.
He is told: "You are the true master of death because the true master does not seek to run away from Death. He accepts that he must die, and understands that there are far, far worse things in the living world than dying."
Merlin: He's A Dragonlord
Merlin is the last Dragonlord. He inherited the ability to communicate and tame Dragons from his father. It is a spiritual and kindred connection.
The innate, hidden power only comes to fruition when the father of the son passes. Merlin has the ability to bring a new Dragon into the land by bestowing a name to the egg. He has access to a Dragon's fire and to swords forged in Dragon's breath.
Harry: He Has The Golden Trio
Harry, Ron, and Hermione share the burden of defeating Voldemort together. They are Harry's support, his family, and his fellow Chosen Ones - they chose him. Hermione is the brightest witch of her age and her knowledge, intelligence, and practicality are the reasons Harry survives most of the time they are together.
Ron's family, experience living in the Wizarding World, humor, and courage made him an irreplaceable member of the trio. The three of them simply do not work with one of them missing.
Merlin: He Is Magic Itself
"Merlin, you are more than a son of your father. You are the son of the earth, the sea, the sky. Magic is the fabric of this world, and you were born of that magic. You are magic itself." Merlin doesn't need a wand to cast a spell.
When Gaius first meets Merlin, Merlin saves him from a serious fall. But Merlin doesn't use an incantation - his eyes glow and his will is met - what he requires comes to pass through his magic. He feels the magic in the atmosphere and in the land around him, and he is one with it.
Harry: He Defeats Voldemort
Voldemort was feared in the Wizarding World. His name never uttered, instead, it was "He Who Must Not Be Named." Harry prevented Voldemort's plan to take the Philosopher's Stone. He defeated the diary form of Tom Riddle, who was really a Horcrux, though Harry didn't know it at the time.
He escaped the graveyard alive and spread the word of Voldemort's return. He stood by himself, despite the Ministry's attempts to quiet him and make him appear unhinged. He destroyed Horcruxes and greeted death, returning once again to vanquish Voldemort.
Merlin: He Is "The Greatest Sorcerer To Ever Walk The Earth"
Merlin had many adversaries during his time in Camelot and every day brought a new threat to Arthur and the future Albion. Merlin is known by many as Emrys - "the greatest sorcerer to ever walk to earth."
He withstood it all and he endured the pain of many close friends' deaths. He sacrificed himself countless times, he put his destiny before himself and he tried to show that magic should be used for good.