The Pendargon Cycle: Why They Should Be on the Big Screen

Everybody has their favorite books and movies, and honestly, a lot of times there is not a good translation between the two. However some recent movies have given hope to those of us who would love to see our favorite books on the big screen. The Pendragon Cycle is a storyline which tells of King Arthur's very beginnings. From fabled Atlantis to rugged Britain parts of history contrived to make a man into a legend. To truly know Arthur, you must know his history.

The Pendragon Cycle: Taliesin

This has to be the ultimate in Arthurian books that is on the market. Stephen Lawhead brilliantly ties the Arthurian legends into lost Atlantis, giving us a glimpse at the King who might have been. Of course, clichéd as it may be, only Peter Jackson could bring this to life as it should be. The cycle is broken up amongst really three books, although others were added later.

The first of the cycle is Taliesin. This book is told from two perspectives, one of the Celts of Britain, and the other from the ending days of Atlantis. During the time period that Rome is pulling back from the outer territories, Britain is learning to be alone again, while facing the northern barbarians, and the sea faring marauders. The British people must learn once again to fend for themselves. Elphin become the king his people need, learning to lead men at the feet of the last roman legionaries.

On the isle of Atlantis, prophets and doomsayers are predicating the end of the world, but the lives of the kings and the treachery and open war are overshadowing it. Only young Charis, daughter of King Avallach is making any preparations to leave.

The people of Atlantis flee their dying country, making landfall on Lyonesse. From there King Belyn remains, while King Avallach goes north to build his palace on the Isle of Apples, or Ynys Avallach, now known as Glastonbury Tor. Once settled they realize as a race they are dying. During this time, King Elphin leads his people, the Cymry south from their homelands, where the fierce Picti have overrun Hadrons wall. They meet with and join with the Fisher King. Charis falls in love with Taliesin and once married, they have a child, Mryydin Emrys, more commonly known as Merlin.

This movie will eventually set the casting for the other movies, as some of the characters age differently. So for this movie, here goes with the casting. The main and supporting characters from Atlantis age differently, so they will have the ability to play the same people in consecutive movies.

King Avallach: Sean Connery-Who else to play the aged wise king then one of the greatest actors of our time.

King Belyn: Bernard Hill-Having played a brooding King Thaodin in LotR, Bernard is perfect for the brooding brother of Avallach.

King Elphin: Eric Bana-He showed in Troy his ability to play rugged royalty, here is his chance to shine

Charis: Scarlett Johansson-Described as a matchless beauty, the kind to put pretenders to shame, Scarlett can pick up the feisty, regal lady of the lake perfectly

Taliesin: Neil Patrick Harris-Chief Bard of Britain until his death, Taliesin held his head high and faced down every challenge.

Hafgan: Patrick Stewart-Wise yet cranky druid, Patrick Stewart's Shakespearean background will make it so.

Blaise: John Rhys-Davies- Apprentice to Hafgan the druid, Blaise mentored young merlin.

Morgian: Liv Tyler- Beauty so cold, it stops the beating of the heart in the chest. Liv Tyler can pull off beautiful and deadly like no other.

Dafyd: Mark Hamill- The holy wise cleric, Mark Hamills voice versatility and acting will knock this out of the park.

The Pendragon Cycle: Merlin

The second book follows the life and learnings of he who was to be the chief bard of Britain, known through the ages as Merlin the wizard. Lawhead brilliantly spins the concept of Merlins druidic training as he struggles to emulate his father, Taliesin the Bard. During this time he also struggles with the teachings of "the holy Jesu" as taught by a monk named Dayfd.

Merlin faces many trials, times of madness, times of death, all while learning what is needed to learn so as to mentor the greatest king the world has ever known. During his travels he befriends Pelleas, a warrior and steward. He also learns of those who are his enemy, primarily Morgian(Morgan le Fay) and the druidic order. He advises Vortigen, self proclaimed high king of Britain, and advises Aurelies and Uther during their times of kingship, and hides the baby Arthur from the power hungry kings after the death of Uther. The book ends by Merlin talking the sword of Maximus and embedding it point down in a stone, declaring only the true king can withdraw it.

For the casting of this movie, special people are needed. There is only a few "main" roles as Merlin outlives most of them.

Merlin Teen: Taylor Lautner- Young Merlin is wild and impetuous, wolf boy Lautner will see this through

Merlin Adult: Robert Downey Jr- Must have the ability to show wisdom, power, and regality. Higly intelligent and sophisticated.

Charis: Scarlett Johansson-Although this movie takes place later, Charis being of Atlantian blood, or as the Britains called them "fair Folk" she does not age noticably. From being one of the main people in the first book, in this book she slides to a guiding role.

Pelleas: Colin Farrell- Merlins young steward, a matchless warrior of the "Fair Folk"

King Avallach: Sean Connery-Unchanged King of the Fair Folk.

Dafyd: Mark Hamill-Much older in this book. Hamills ability for voice acting will come in handy.

Blaise: John Rhys-Davies-Older and wiser, only in the first half, before the madness takes over Merlin.

Hafgan: Patrick Stewart- Minor role, disbands the druid order.

Aurelius: Brad Pitt- Aurelius has a small yet important part. Who better to take a big role in a small part? Roman influence is seen heavily in Aurelius, Brad Pitt can pull this off very well.

Uther: Nicholas Cage As seen in ghost rider and other recent films, Cage can pull off crazy, sane and powerful

Morgian: Liv Tyler-Rarely seen in this book, yet her influence is felt heavily.

The Pendragon Cycle: Arthur

The final book of the initial trilogy of course deals with Arthur. It details his claiming of the sword, raising a warband to bring the other kings in line to honor his kingship, and defeating the barbarian hordes, Guided by the Chief Bard of Britain, Mryddin Emrys, flanked by Cai and Bedwry, his closest companions, Arthur brings the whole of Britain under his control. During the cleansing of the barbarians, we meet King Fergus, who sends his beautiful daughter Gwenhyvar to Arthur, along with his champion, Llenlleawg. This is a point which differes from typical Arthurian legends, in that there is no adultery. The champion is willing to give his life to save his queen or king, and nothing more between them happens. Arthur and Gwenhwyvar form a bond and strength more fitting to a warrior queen then a fair maiden in distress.

During his rule, the round table is formed, a rotunda to honor those who gave their lives in service to king and country, hence building the basis for the legendary round table. This is an Arhtur not seen often by history. No gleaming knights, no legendary castle walls, imply a king in leather and chain mail armor. The depth and honor of the british celts is shown as they defend their homes from Irish, Saescans, and Picti.

This particular book ends with Merlin sailing away to Avalon to heal Arthur after he is poisoned by a blade in battle.

Arthur: Daniel Craig-Cool, collected, powerful. Anybody else possible to play this role now days?

Merlin: Robert Downey Jr-Secure in his power and authority as Chief Bard Merlin strives to bring peace to the world through Arthur.

Bedwyr:Adrian Paul- We know he can act and handle a sword. The faithful older friend to Arther.

Cai: Christian Bale- Fiercely loyal, almost fanatical at times, this fits Bale to a tee.

Gwenhwyvar: Eva Mendes- Fiery, feisty and yet regal, the queen to Arthur

Llenlleawg: Johnny Depp- A loyal slightly crazy Irishman. Depp can play any role.

Morgian: Liv Tyler-Seen in parts, unchanged in appearance except even more beautiful then before

Charis: Scarlett Johansson-Unchanged, her one moment is the giving of the sword to Arthur. A sword forged in the heart of Atlantis, engraved with the words, Take me up, and Cast me aside.

Avallach: Sean Connery-Unchanged in appearance, but a very image of a holy man.

Turning books into movies is a task, mostly because fans of the books all have seperate points they feel are more important, more needed then others. The Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books shown that while they can be successfully done, they do need an expert hand to guide them.