During this tour, wizards like Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter books and Gandalf from the books of J.R.R Tolkien and their likeness have been mentioned. The evolution of these characters and who they were inspired by (Merlin) has progressed. In previous literature depictions, the main aspect of these wizardlike characters was based on the magic they possess and in what way they utilize it which was rather superficially. However, with the creation of beloved characters like Gandalf and Albus Dumbledore, wizards have gained a rather humanlike quality than an ethereal one.
Gandalf became a counsellor and teacher to his hobbits, elves, dwarfs and men by limiting his use of powers and magic. He sought to teach his pupils to become independent and to first have faith in themselves and their capabilities before relying on his. This evidences that Gandalf prefers to be seen as humane rather than otherworldly (Riga, 2008). This can be applied to the relationship between Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore. Throughout Harry's life, Dumbledore has chosen to be his counsellor and advisor until he dies and even in the afterlife. Dumbledore chooses to let Harry develop his character by being a father figure supporting him in any way he can and educating him. He prefers to use his humanlike characteristics to enable Harry to grow up self-sufficiently. Dumbledore only makes use of his magic when necessary.
In past literature depictions, wizards were seen as untouchable godlike figures, nowadays the evolution of these Merlinesque figures in literature or media depictions has been positively changed as well as their image. These modern wizards seem to be attainable and tap into their humanlike characteristics rather than their godlike characteristics. Therefore, there has been a shift of values from an unattainable mythical counsellor type of wizard towards a more attainable, wise and guiding characterisation of wizards.