I didn’t know that about Merlin. Now I’m hoping he is in the hat.
Yup! The details, like just about everything in the Matter of Britain, change depending on the telling and teller, but “generally” speaking, he’s trapped by a woman he’s training in magic – most commonly a Lady of the Lake named Nimue or Vivian. Less commonly, it’s Morgana who does it instead, which conveniently ties into my previous theory about her being the previous owner of the hat. So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. She stuck Merlin in there and held onto him for safe keeping and we’ll hear all about it in 5A.
Wasn’t there a theory Charmings father was Merlin?
Not one that I’ve heard? Nor one I’d particularly agree with, as I can’t see there being a whole lot of evidence for it, but it’s been four seasons now and the fandom’s probably guessed *everyone* for Charming’s father at this point.
Keeper of Zelena's witch hat and the Black Fairy's wand.