Archimedes is the tritagonist of Disney's 1963 animated feature film, The Sword in the Stone and the Supporting character of Disney's 1964 animated feature film, The MazPots. He is Merlin's pet owl who has the ability to speak like a human.
Little of Archimedes' past is known. At some point, he became the pet owl of Merlin and gained the ability to speak. Like his owner, he has also had dealings with Madam Mim in the past, as he evidently fears her.
Personality[]
Archimedes is known for being somewhat grouchy and sarcastic, especially in the morning. Though he is loyal to Merlin, he is not afraid to point out the Wizard's shortcomings and often does. He is, however, very well educated, and possesses a great deal of practical knowledge.
Inspiration[]
Archimedes is based on Merlin's talking owl, from the book The Sword in the Stone, which the film was based on. Like the movie, the book version of Archimedes can talk and teaches Wart to fly.
Archimedes first appears with Merlin in their forest cottage. He scoffs at Merlin's idea that someone will join them for tea. Later, when a young boy named Wart does appear, he snidely reminds Merlin about his limits, when Merlin states that he can see everything in the future, as Merlin had no clue who the person was that would be joining them.
Archimedes accompanies Merlin as they travel to Sir Ector's castle, where Wart lives. Merlin introduces Archimedes as a "highly educated owl," which sends Sir Ector into hysterics, much to the offense of Archimedes. The next day, Archimedes protests that Merlin should return to the woods, as Sir Ector has placed the two of them in a crumbling tower, referred to as the "guest room." It rains that night, and Archimedes is soaked due to the numerous leaks in the tower. After Merlin sees Sir Pellinore come with news, Archimedes is sent to investigate (after Merlin threatens to turn him into a human). In the dining room, Archimedes overhears the men speak of an upcoming tournament, where the winner would become king of England.
The next morning, Archimedes is forced to remind a forgetful Merlin of where they are. The two then watch as Wart helps Kay practice his jousting. When Merlin scoffs at the idea that jousting is a science, Archimedes points out that Wart likes the sport just as much as the rest do. Merlin then reveals his plan to use magic to help Wart learn the value of an education.
Archimedes later accompanies Merlin as the wizard gives Wart a lesson. Merlin forgets the spell he intended to cast and awakens a sleeping Archimedes for the spell. Archimedes is shown to be very cranky early in the morning and finds a nice tree to sleep in, while Merlin and Wart swim through the moat as fish. Archimedes suddenly woke up from the scream, as he is soon saw Wart being chased by a giant pike and quickly flew to the rescue. After Wart and Merlin are human again, Merlin slyly notes that Archimedes cared a lot about Wart's safety. This leads Archimedes to excuse himself on the basis that young perch is his favorite dish, and that he intended to eat Wart.
Later, when Merlin and Wart have transformed themselves into squirrels for another lesson, Wart is being chased by a lovestruck female squirrel. Archimedes' sleep is once again disturbed by Wart landing on top of him, to which the owl shoos Wart away, not knowing who he is.
Archimedes is next seen after Wart is fired as Kay's squire. Merlin begins Wart's education in earnest by talking about very complicated theories. Archimedes sees that Wart is getting confused and forcibly takes over Wart's education. Archimedes is shown to be much more practical than Merlin. He first tasks Wart with reading a mountain of books, but when he discovers that Wart can't read or write, Archimedes teaches him. During a break, Merlin demonstrates a model airplane. Archimedes believes that it won't work, and becomes hysterical when the plane crashes, due to it being caught in Merlin's beard.
When Merlin turns Wart into a sparrow, so that Wart can fly as he dreamed, Merlin begins to explain the concept of flight using Archimedes' wings as a model. Archimedes quickly stops this and decides to teach Wart to fly himself, as he himself is a bird. He teaches Wart to fly by making him do it. Everything is going well when a hawk appears and tries to eat Wart. Archimedes attempts to delay the hawk, and Wart is able to dive into a chimney to escape. When Archimedes sees that Wart is now in the hands of Madam Mim, Archimedes flies off to warn Merlin. Archimedes next appears as the Wizard's Duel is about to start, and he explains the premise to Wart. Alongside Wart, he watches the duel and occasionally yells out advice to Merlin.
At Christmas, Wart is made Kay's squire, to which Archimedes kindly congratulates him, but Merlin is furious with Wart for not pushing himself to achieve better things and goes to Bermuda (not before it cut to a scene where Archimedes thought that Merlin's words went too far). When Wart asks Archimedes if Merlin ever comes back, the owl only answers, "Who knows? Who knows anything?" Archimedes stays with Wart, accompanying him to London to the tournament. He goes with Wart as he attempts to find a sword for Kay. When Wart attempts to retrieve Excalibur, Archimedes warns him against pulling it. Later, he witnesses Wart being officially recognized as the rightful king Arthur and shows a mixture of happiness and disbelief.
After the coronation, Arthur feels unprepared for the duties of a king. Archimedes tries to help him run away, but they are unsuccessful as the castle is surrounded by cheering subjects. Merlin magically reappears to guide Arthur again, and Archimedes presumably chose to stay with them.
Archimedes is a wise old owl who is the leader of the animals in the forest. He is always calm and collected, but he is also very brave and always willing to fight for what he believes in.
When the animals are captured by Mr. Tumsie and put in his animal jail, Archimedes is the first to panic. He knows that if they are not rescued soon, they will be made into pies. He starts to cry and begs the other animals not to give up hope.
The other animals are inspired by Archimedes's courage and determination. They refuse to give up and they continue to fight for their freedom. Eventually, they are rescued by the Mazpots and they are all reunited in the forest.
At the end of the film, Archimedes witnesses the Mazpots being officially recognized as the rightful heroes by all the animals around the world. He is overjoyed and he can't believe that they have finally been given the recognition they deserve. He is so happy that he starts to cry tears of joy.
Archimedes is a true hero. He is a symbol of hope and courage for all animals. He is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
While Merlin appears in the popular video game series Kingdom Hearts, Archimedes is absent. However, his birdcage is seen outside Merlin's home in the original Kingdom Hearts.
Archimedes also appears in the promotional comic book The Sceptre and the Kingdom.
Archimedes was named after the Greek mathematician, physicist, philosopher, engineer, inventor, and astronomer, Archimedes of Syracuse.
In Italy Archimedes is called Anacleto, because Archimede is already the Italian name of Gyro Geeraloose
Archimedes's coughing noises were soon recycled sound effects for Roquefort from The Aristocats.
In first Polish version of the movie, he was female and his name was changed to Minerwa. This name change is named after the Roman goddess Minerva, the Roman equivalent of Athena, a goddess often depicted with an owl to symbolize wisdom.
In Alan Moore's graphic novel Watchmen, Archimedes was referred as an influence for the hero Daniel Dreiberg, who was inspired after seeing him to become the super-hero "Nite Owl".
Karl Swenson, the voice of Merlin in the same film, was initially cast as Archimedes, but the filmmakers decided to cast Swenson as Merlin. Therefore, Junius Matthews was cast as Archimedes instead.
The Sword in the Stone • Higitus Figitus • That's What Makes the World Go Round • Most Befuddling Thing • Mad Madame Mim • Blue Oak Tree • The Magic Key
See also
Merlin's Cottage • Madam Mim's Cottage • Sword in the Stone
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Season One: "Just One of the Princes" • "The Big Sleepover" • "Let the Good Times Troll" • "Cedric's Apprentice" • "A Royal Mess" • "The Shy Princess" • "Blue Ribbon Bunny" • "The Princess Test" • "Baileywick's Day Off" • "Tri-Kingdom Picnic" • "The Little Witch" • "Two to Tangu" • "Finding Clover" • "The Amulet of Avalor" • "The Buttercups" • "Make Way for Miss Nettle" • "The Amulet and the Anthem " • "Tea for Too Many" • "Princess Butterfly" • "Great Aunt-Venture" • "The Baker King" • "The Floating Palace" • "Holiday in Enchancia" • "Four's a Crowd"
Season Two: "Two Princesses and a Baby" • "The Enchanted Feast" • "The Flying Crown" • "Mom's the Word" • "The Silent Knight" • "Enchanted Science Fair" • "King for a Day" • "When You Wish Upon a Well" • "Gizmo Gwen" • "Sofia the Second" • "Mystic Meadows" • "Princesses to the Rescue!" • "Ghostly Gala" • "The Emerald Key" • "Scrambled Pets" • "The Princess Stays in the Picture" • "Baileywhoops" • "The Curse of Princess Ivy" • "Winter's Gift" • "The Leafsong Festival" • "Substitute Cedric" • "Clover Time" • "In a Tizzy" • "A Tale of Two Teams" • "The Littlest Princess" • "Buttercup Amber" • "Carol of the Arrow" • "Sidekick Clio" Season Three: "Cool Hand Fluke" • "Minimus is Missing" • "Cedric Be Good" • "Princess Adventure Club" • "Minding the Manor" • "The Secret Library" • "New Genie on the Block" • "The Fliegel Has Landed" • "The Princess Ballet" • "All the Sprite Moves" • "Sofia in Elvenmoor" • "Stormy Lani" • "Lord of the Rink" • "The Secret Library: Olaf and the Tale of Miss Nettle" • "Gone with the Wand" • "Bad Little Dragon" • "Bunny Swap" • "Her Royal Spyness" • "Best in Air Show" • "Dads and Daughters Day" • "The Tale of the Noble Knight" • "The Bamboo Kite" • "Beauty is the Beast" • "Cauldronation Day" • "Camp Wilderwood" • "Royal Vacation" • "Hexley Hall" • "The Princess Prodigy" • "One for the Books" Season Four: "Day of the Sorcerers" • "The Secret Library: Tale of the Eternal Torch" • "The Crown of Blossoms" • "Pin the Blame on the Genie" • "The Mystic Isles" • "The Mystic Isles: The Princess and the Protector" • "The Royal Dragon" • "The Mystic Isles: The Mare of the Mist" • "Through the Looking Back Glass" • "Princess Jade" • "Ivy's True Colors" • "Too Cute to Spook" • "Pirated Away" • "The Mystic Isles: The Falcon's Eye" • "The Mystic Isles: The Great Pretender" • "The Mystic Isles: A Very Mystic Wassalia" • "The Birthday Wish" • "In Cedric We Trust" • "The Mystic Isles: A Hero for the Hoodwinks" • "The Mystic Isles: Undercover Fairies" • "A Royal Wedding" • "The Royal School Fair" • "The Lost Pyramid" • "Return to Merroway Cove" • "The Elf Situation" • "Forever Royal"
Songs
Theme Song • I'm Not Ready to Be a Princess • Royal Prep • A Little Bit of Food • True Sisters • Rise and Shine • Princess Things • Anything • Perfect Slumber Party • Make Some Noise • Cedric the Great • Goldenwing Circus • All You Need • Blue Ribbon Bunny • I Belong • (You Can Always) Count On Baileywick • Picnic of the Year • Good Little Witch • The Ride of Your Lives • Bring My Best Friend Back • I'll Get My/That Amulet • The Buttercups • Make Way for Miss Nettle • Enchancia Anthem • Make It Right • Bigger Is Better • Who's That? • A Recipe for Adventure • The Simple Life • Merroway Cove • The Love We Share • Wassalia • Peace and Joy • Royal Fun • Sisters and Brothers • Two by Two • All You Desire • Huzzah! Huzzah! • Me and My Mom • Tilly, Oh Tilly • Friendship Is The Formula • Be Your Own King • Make Your Wishes Well • Believe in Your Dream • Keeping Promises No Matter What • Mystic Meadows • Stronger Than You Know • Ghostly Gala • A Princess True • In Your Paws • Know It All • Helping Hand • A Kingdom of My Own • Smoke, Wings and Fire • Dare to Risk it All • From the Heart • I Feel So Free • Never Forget the Sorcerer's Secret • Hoppin' Out With You • Make Our Dreams Come True • Play With Us • It's a Small New World • Improvise • Any Deed For Those In Need • My First Flight • Wings of a Dream • Moment to Shine • Wendell's Way • A Better Me • When It Comes To Making Friends • It's Up To You • Save The Day • Genie Rules • This Fliegel Has Landed • Gotta Reach a Higher Height • I Like You So Much • Elvenmoor • Happy Thoughts • Take A Leap • My Finest Flower • Magic Like Merlin • You're the Cutest Thing • Living It Up • Be an Expert Expert • I'm A New Horse Now • Dads and Daughters Song • A Knight Such As I • This Panda Just Wants to Dance • More to Adore • The Broomstick Dance • The Summer Camp Blues • What A Vacation • The Great Unknown • The Spirit of Avalor • My Time • Our Wizards Are the Best • The Magic in the Music • Live It to Learn It • My Evil Dreams • This Island Belongs To Us • The Right Wrong Thing To Do • Give The Kid One More Chance • The Magic of the Mystic Isles • Our Royal Plan • My Power Will Be Crystal Clear • That's Not Who I Am • Tough Enough • All Fired Up • Pick Me • Magic Touch • The Dunwiddie Ditty • This Feeling I'm Feeling In Me • Super Spooky Night • Never Lost Again • Listen Up • Learn This Rhyme • That's What Wassalia's For • Gonna Be Great • I Am On Your Side • The Boldest, Bravest Bunny of All Time • The Fairy Way • Meant To Be • What You're Gonna Do • Come To Your Senses With Me • When I Start to Make Some Waves • You've Gotta Have Fun • A Big Day • Get Wicked • For One and All • On Your/My Own • Ever Ever After • Be Who You Wanna Be
Locations
Enchancia • Royal Preparatory Academy • Tangu • Merroway Cove • Wei-Ling • Mystic Meadows • Wildwing Valley • Secret Library • Elvenmoor • Hakalo • Freezenburg • Enchanted Animal Park • Avalor • Dragon Hold • Maru • Hexley Hall • Misty Palisades • Mystic Isles • EverRealm
Objects
Amulet of Avalor • Aunt Tilly's Carpet Bag • Enchanted Mirror • Floating Palace • Trident • Mermaid Comb of Merroway Cove • Enchanted Swing Set • Wishing Well • Emerald Key • Pin of Klutzenheimer • Flying Crown • Family Wand • Dazzleball • Snowdrops • Dragonclaw Wand • Kazeem's Lamp • Behind the Walls • Shuriki's Wand • Eternal Torch • Forever Fountain • Crown of the Gnomes • Enchantlet • Looking Back Glass • Wicked Nine
See Also
Elena of Avalor • Buttercups • Spells and Magic • Jaquins • Merpeople • Chanul • Hoodwinks