The Pendragon Cycle facts for kids

The Pendragon Cycle is a series of historical fantasy books. They are based on the famous stories of King Arthur and were written by Stephen R. Lawhead.

The series was first planned to have four books. However, the first publisher decided to stop after three books. This meant the story of Arthur ended suddenly, and many parts of the story were left untold. A few years later, Lawhead found a new publisher. They decided to finish the series, adding two more books. The last book, Avalon, is seen as a related story rather than a direct part of the main cycle. It helps complete the idea of King Arthur returning. In November 2022, DailyWire+ bought the rights to make the series into a film or TV show.

About the Pendragon Cycle

The books are fictional stories that take place a long, long time ago, around the 400s and 500s AD. They try to show the King Arthur legends in a way that feels real. The author, Stephen Lawhead, used old Welsh tales like the Mabinogion and other writings by people like Geoffrey of Monmouth and Taliesin to create his stories. He weaves many different legends together to make the Arthurian world.

Most of the books are told by one of the characters, so you see the story through their eyes. For example, the wizard Merlin tells parts of the story in Merlin and Pendragon. Other books are told by characters like Pelleas, Bedivere, Aneirin, and Galahad.

What are the books about?

The series explores the adventures of legendary figures like King Arthur and Merlin. It mixes real history with magic and fantasy. The stories often involve battles, quests, and the building of a new kingdom.

Where do the stories happen?

The books use many places from ancient Britain, but they give them older names. For example, London is called Londinium or Caer Lundein. England is called Albion or Lloegres. Famous places like Camelot (Caer Melyn) and Avalon (Avallon or Ynys Avallach) are also important. The stories take you across Great Britain, including places that are now Wales (Cymry) and Scotland (Celyddon).

Who are the characters?

You'll meet many characters from the King Arthur legends in these books. Some are based on real historical figures, while others are purely from myths.

• King Arthur (also called Artos or Artorius) is the main hero.
• Merlin (Myrddin) is the powerful wizard.
• Guinevere (Gwenhwyvar) is Arthur's queen.
• Lancelot (Llwch Llenlleawg) is one of Arthur's best knights.
• Galahad (Gwalchavad) is a pure knight who goes on a special quest.
• Morgan le Fay (Morgian) is a powerful sorceress.
• You'll also meet knights like Bedivere (Bedwyr), Kay (Cai), and Gawain (Gwalcmai).

The Books in the Series

There are six books in The Pendragon Cycle:

• Taliesin (1987)
• Merlin (1988)
• Arthur (1989)
• Pendragon (1994)
• Grail (1997)
• Avalon (1999)

Here's a quick look at what each book is about:

Taliesin: The Beginning

This book tells two stories at once. One is about the fall of a magical island called Atlantis. The other is about Princess Charis and her family traveling to Britain. It also shows how Taliesin becomes a druid and a bard (a poet and storyteller). Charis and Taliesin eventually meet and marry. Their son, Myrddin (who becomes Merlin), is born just before a sad event caused by Charis's jealous half-sister, Morgian.

Merlin: The Wizard's Journey

This story is told by Myrddin himself. It describes his childhood, learning from both druids and Christian priests. He is captured and learns special magic from the Hill Folk. He even becomes a king for a short time. Merlin also experiences a sad love story and spends many years living alone in the woods before he finds his true purpose.

Arthur: Building a Kingdom

This book is told by three different characters: Pelleas, Bedwyr, and Aneirin. It's about Arthur and Myrddin trying to create a peaceful and perfect "Kingdom of Summer." Arthur becomes a leader after pulling a sword from a stone. But first, he must fight off invaders and unite the different peoples of Britain. Only then can he be accepted as the High King.

Pendragon: Facing New Dangers

Myrddin narrates this book. It tells of an invasion of Ireland and Britain by a powerful army led by a fierce leader known as the Black Boar. A terrible sickness then spreads across Britain. This threatens Arthur's new Kingdom of Summer, which is still very fragile.

Grail: The Quest for a Sacred Item

This story is mostly told by Gwalchavad, with short parts by Morgian at the start of each chapter. Arthur builds a special place to keep the Holy Grail, a sacred item. A beautiful and mysterious woman named Morgaws joins his court. When trouble and betrayal follow, Arthur's brave warriors must travel through a dangerous land to find the holy relic.

Avalon: Arthur Returns

In this book, the story jumps to modern times. King Edward the Ninth has died, and the British monarchy is in trouble. In Scotland, a mysterious messenger named Mr. Embries (who is actually Merlin) tells a young captain named James Arthur Stuart that he is next in line to the throne. James learns he is not an ordinary person but Arthur, reborn. The path to saving England is full of danger, and powerful enemies are waiting. Arthur is not the only one who has returned from old legends, and Merlin's magic is not the only ancient power still around.

Coming to the Screen

In November 2022, The Daily Wire announced that they plan to make a film or TV show based on The Pendragon Cycle series.