A recently released video interview is offering a final glimpse into the life and philosophy of Raymond 'Merlin' Rutter, the much-loved Glastonbury street wizard who passed away last week.

Captured by local videographer Gabriel Avalon, the interview sees Merlin reflecting on his journey to becoming one of the town's most recognisable figures, his love for meeting people, and the joy he found in bringing magic to everyday life.

The footage, recorded in Glastonbury Abbey, has taken on new significance following his passing, giving friends, locals, and visitors the chance to hear Merlin share his own story—in his own words.

A familiar sight in the town, Merlin was often found outside Glastonbury Abbey, dressed in his wizard's robes, offering rune readings and greeting visitors from all over the world. His presence became a defining part of the high street, and his passing has left many in the community reflecting on the joy and character he brought to the town.

A close friend, who had known him for several years, shared his memories of Merlin, describing him as a huge character, always there when you needed him, and one of life's genuinely kind people.

"People came from all over the country and even the world to meet him. He had this amazing ability to connect with people, to make them feel like they were part of something special. He was more than just a character—he was a friend to so many," he said.

Merlin's journey to becoming one of Glastonbury's most recognisable figures began almost by accident. In an interview, he recalled how a chance moment at a medieval fair at Glastonbury Abbey sparked the start of his transformation into the town's wizard.

"I came here for the medieval fair, and at one point I had to clean the fridge. Somebody took a photograph of me and said, 'It's Merlin cleaning the fridge!' That was the start of everything," he said.

Later that day, he had an encounter with a man dressed as King Arthur, who told him, "You made our day today by dressing up as a wizard." That moment planted the seed for what would become Merlin's daily presence on the high street.

"I thought, you know, I ought to do readings for people. I had a shop for 20-odd years in Bridgnorth called Solstice, and I'd done runic readings for people before, so I thought I'd start again," he said. "People told me it was the best reading they'd ever had, and I was just doing it on the street!"

Merlin soon became a Glastonbury institution. His readings, his warm welcome, and his unmistakable robes made him one of the most recognisable faces in town. Visitors from as far as Newcastle upon Tyne would make the journey to Somerset just to meet him.

"I had two women come all the way from Newcastle, and they said, 'Everybody in our village is talking about you in the pub, so we had to come and see for ourselves.'"

Merlin had a quick wit and a sharp sense of humour that endeared him to many. He once recalled a wedding party passing through town, and, unable to resist, he offered the groom some advice:

"Hey, you know, the first 50 years are the worst. Get over them!" he joked. "You get less than that for murder, and you're out on remand!"

Beyond his presence in Glastonbury, Merlin had lived an adventurous life. He spent time in Spain, where he delighted local children as the only wizard in the village.

"The kids thought it was wild. I was the only Englishman in the village, the only hippie in the village, and the only guy dressed as a bloody wizard in the village!" he said.

For Merlin, his role in Glastonbury was never about money or fame—it was about bringing joy to people's lives.

"Every day to me is a wonderful day. I don't know how I do that, but I do," he said.

His absence will be deeply felt by those who had the chance to meet him, and his memory will live on in the many stories, photographs, and fond recollections shared by those whose lives he touched.

Merlin, as he was known to so many, leaves behind a legacy of joy, wisdom, and magic that will not be forgotten.