The Order of Merlin is given to witches and wizards who have achieved great things in their lifetime. There are three levels to the award: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. The Order of Merlin is awarded by the Wizengamot (WR), an organisation that predates the Ministry of Magic and nowadays functions as a combination of court and parliament. The Order comprises a handsome golden medal on a green ribbon [First Class], purple ribbon [Second Class] or white ribbon [Third Class]."