Adetomiwa Edun, born Babatunde Adetomiwa Stafford Edun on March 14, 1985, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a Nigerian-British actor widely known for his memorable role as Sir Elyan in the BBC series Merlin. His upbringing reflects a rich blend of cultures and education. The son of a Nigerian father, Adebayo Oluwatosin (Wale) Edun, and a half-Ghanaian, half-English mother, he spent his formative years in Lagos before moving to the United Kingdom at the age of 11.
In Britain, Edun attended the renowned Eton College, where he developed a strong love for literature and performance. He later studied Classics at Christ’s College, Cambridge, graduating with first-class honours and receiving the Cambridge University Classical Society Prize for his dissertation on Homer’s Odyssey. He then pursued professional acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, completing his studies in 2008. This rigorous training would lay the foundation for his stage and screen success.
The Making of an Actor
After graduating from RADA, Edun joined the London stage, earning early acclaim for his performance as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in 2008. His classical grounding gave him a unique presence on stage, blending intellect with emotional depth. From theatre, he transitioned seamlessly into television, taking on a number of roles that would ultimately lead him to his breakout performance in Merlin.
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Portraying Sir Elyan in Merlin
Edun’s most recognised television role came with the BBC fantasy drama Merlin, which aired between 2008 and 2012. Joining the cast in Season 3, he portrayed Sir Elyan, the younger brother of Guinevere (Gwen), who later becomes Queen of Camelot through her marriage to King Arthur Pendragon. Through this connection, Elyan becomes Arthur’s brother-in-law, serving as one of the noble Knights of Camelot.
The series re-imagines Elyan not as a medieval nobleman, but as a skilled craftsman who once worked as a blacksmith before returning to Camelot to stand beside Arthur. This creative choice adds realism to the character, depicting him as a man who earns his place among the knights through courage and merit rather than lineage.
Sir Elyan first appears in the episode The Castle of Fyrien, where his sister Gwen is abducted, setting the stage for his reunion with her and his later allegiance to Arthur’s cause. Over the course of the show, he appears in 21 episodes, becoming a trusted ally of Arthur and a steady companion to fellow knights such as Gwaine, Leon, and Percival.
Character Traits and Significance
Throughout Merlin, Elyan stands out for his loyalty, moral conviction, and quiet strength. He rarely seeks the spotlight, yet his actions often reflect the highest ideals of knighthood. His courage during battles, his compassion for Gwen, and his commitment to Camelot’s values make him one of the show’s most grounded and relatable characters.
Edun’s portrayal gives the character an emotional realism that resonated with audiences worldwide. As one of the few knights of African descent in a medieval-inspired fantasy, his presence challenged conventions and symbolised the growing inclusivity of modern British television. His work in Merlin remains a benchmark for representation in fantasy storytelling, showing that courage and honour transcend heritage.
Life Beyond Camelot
After Merlin, Adetomiwa Edun expanded his career across theatre, film, and television. He played Saint Mark in the NBC series A.D. The Bible Continues, appeared in Luther, and took on the lead role in the award-winning short film Trevor. He is also recognised globally for lending his voice and likeness to the character Alex Hunter in EA Sports’ FIFA video-game series, appearing in FIFA 17, 18, and 19 in The Journey story mode.
Edun’s career continues to bridge continents, uniting African storytelling heritage with British performing traditions. His ability to inhabit roles of intellectual depth and emotional sincerity has made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
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Cultural and Artistic Impact
Edun’s portrayal of Sir Elyan carried cultural weight far beyond entertainment. His casting represented a subtle yet powerful redefinition of British fantasy storytelling, where myth and modern identity meet on equal ground. The presence of a Nigerian-born, British-educated actor in the legendary court of Camelot exemplified the inclusivity that contemporary audiences value.
By embodying a knight devoted to loyalty and honour, Edun helped modern viewers see the Arthurian world as one of shared humanity rather than inherited privilege. His Elyan stands as a symbol of unity, courage, and brotherhood, values that remain timeless across cultures.
Author’s Note
Adetomiwa Edun’s journey from Lagos to London and from classical scholar to international actor mirrors the same spirit of determination found in the characters he portrays. His interpretation of Sir Elyan in Merlin demonstrates how traditional legends can evolve to reflect modern values of diversity, integrity, and courage. More than just a character in a fantasy tale, Elyan represents the enduring human ideals of family, loyalty, and selfless service.
Edun’s career reminds audiences that stories are bridges, connecting worlds, cultures, and generations through the universal language of storytelling.
References
Elyan, Merlin Wiki (Fandom)
Sir Elyan, Heroes and Villains Wiki
Christ’s College Cambridge, Alumni Profile of Adetomiwa Edun
