The character of the sage appears across various mythologies as a figure embodying wisdom, enlightenment, or guidance. In Eastern traditions, sages often serve as mentors or enlightened beings, like Confucius in Chinese mythology. Conversely, in Western tales, sages are frequently depicted as old men or wise women who possess profound knowledge, such as Merlin in Arthurian legends. These archetypes reflect a universal admiration for wisdom and the quest for knowledge that transcends cultural boundaries.