The premiere of The Pendragon Cycle (January 22, 2026) takes us back to the “Dark Ages” of Britain. Unlike the polished knights of later medieval tales, this series draws from Stephen R. Lawhead’s epic, blending Atlantean myth with early Christian history.
In these first episodes, we see the “Sword of Britain” introduced not as a prize for the strongest, but as a sacred artifact passed from the Princess Charis to Taliesin. It is a symbol of sovereignty anchored in faith, representing a “heavenly mandate” to lead a fractured people.
Saint Galgano sword in the stone
For those who find the “Sword in the Stone” legend captivating, the trail leads from the hills of Britain to the heart of Tuscany. At the Montesiepi Chapel, a real 12th-century sword remains embedded in solid rock—the sword of Saint Galgano Guidotti.
While the stories share the striking image of steel in stone, their spiritual directions are opposites:
- Arthur’s Sword: Drawn out to claim a crown, defend the innocent, and build a righteous kingdom.
- Galgano’s Sword: Thrust in to renounce a life of violence, transforming a killing tool into a makeshift cross for prayer.
Power vs. Peace: A Catholic Paradox
This contrast is profound. In the series, the sword represents the responsibilities of power—the “Defender of the Faith” who must wield authority to protect the light of the Gospel. In San Galgano, the sword represents holy renunciation—the saint who realizes that the ultimate victory is found in laying down one’s arms before God. Both legends suggest that the “living rock” recognizes divine authority. Whether the sword is coming out or going in, it marks a moment where human will yields to the “One True God.”
Did You Know? The "Shining Brow" Connection
The name Taliesin from the series has a famous 20th-century counterpart. Frank Lloyd Wright named his iconic estates “Taliesin” in honor of his Welsh heritage.
Meaning “Shining Brow” in Welsh, the name refers to the legendary 6th-century bard you see in the show. Wright believed that art and architecture should be a “radiant” force that emerges directly from the land—building his homes on the “brow” of hills to ensure they were “of the hill,” not just “on” it.
Photo Credit: AndrewHorne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons