The Pendragon Cycle is a historical fantasy series by American writer Stephen R. Lawhead. Comprising seven books published from 1987 to 1999, including a prequel from 2025, the saga reimagines the Arthurian legend, blending myth and magic with historical elements of post-Roman Britain. It focuses on the charmed lives of Taliesin, Merlin, and Arthur, exploring themes of good vs. evil, overcoming leadership challenges, and a sense of destiny pondered by the characters as they navigate a world of chaos, curses, and war. 

Recently the Daily Wire dropped the first two episodes of its ambitious adaptation. Part Braveheart and part Lord of the Rings, it is quite well done for the budget it had. The cinematography is exquisite, the costumes are spectacular, and the music is beautiful. Even the acting is quite good, which is no small accomplishment since it’s not easy for a conservative media company to book top-tier names from the Hollywood “liberati.” Still, the cast members they were able to land are all solid so far. The green screen and CGI are adequate, though not always compelling. Some sequences are better than others, but the pacing and storytelling techniques more than make up for such hiccups.

Daily Wire co-founder Jeremy Boreing created, produced, and directed the project. He is to be commended for including historic references to the expansion and influence of the Christian faith throughout the realm during this period, a worldwide movement displacing much of the Druidism and Celtic spirituality that existed beforehand. Too many productions of the Arthurian legend leave that key component out of the story.

If traditionalists want to influence the culture, they need to create good art, not just conservative commentary. And this is good art. I’m looking forward to episode 3, which is due out next week.