The Pendragon's Hall

Why do legends seize such a hold on our imagination? Why do the tales of King Arthur still move people today, irregardless of his place in history? The Pendragon has recently been rereading some of his favorite Arthurian literature: "The Pendragon's Cycle" by Stephen R. Lawhead. It is impossible for anyone not made of stone to read the final chapters of Book 3 (Arthur) with the victory of the barbarians and the passing of the High King without weeping, or at least wanting to weep. But why? Why should such a remote, historical happening pull on us so much today. Geoffrey Ashe offers a possible reason: "Arthur's kingdom embodies the notion of a far-away, golden age. This does not imply an impossible prosperity and contentment. It does imply a time when individuals who deserved admiration were at the center of things; a time of greatness, even if it was the greatness of a minority; a time of hope, even if it was a tenuous hope....Arthur's legend began as a memory of a resitutor; of civilization endangered and beset; and of Britons headed by their King staging a brave, temporarily successful revivial." I think Ashe is absolutely right. Lawhead echoes this in Arthur, when he puts these words into the mouth of the historian Gildas: "Once there was a time, all but forgotten, when the world knew what it was like to be ruled by a righteous lord, when one man of faith held all realms in his strong hand, when the High King of Heaven blessed His High King on earth. Britain was exalted then." The fact remains: Despite all philosophers' insistence to the contrary, people in their heart of hearts are not very democratic. Rather, they want an elite of people who are respected because they deserve respect. John Adams may actually have been closer to the mark of what people want than the noted people's man (and aristocrat) Thomas Jefferson. Adams believed that elitism was inevitable but hoped to make the elites people worthy of admiration and respect. Jefferson wanted all distinctions removed and everyone to be peasant farmers. As charming as the idea of everyone owning a couple acres may sound. people actually want to have leaders worthy of respect. It's not so much that people resent those who have power and riches and authority as much as they dislike it when the people who have these things are not worthy of their respect. Hence, the great attraction of legends of King Arthur or even of Robin Hood, where the men revered deserve the admiration they receive. It's enough to make one dissatisfied with everything in current life; but if you begin to look, I think you will find that there are still Arthurs today--men and women worthy of admiration who take a stand to protect civilization

Which makes this Pendragon wonder: What if, instead of the legendary prophecy that Arthur would return, it referred to the idea of the Guardian or Pendragon? Brian Jacques writes on his hero's tombstone: "Redwall, in her hour of need will bring forth one to follow me." What if Arthur were the same idea? When Britain is in danger, a new Pendragon, following Arthur would arise to save his people. A quick scan of British history reveals several likely candidates: Alfred the Great, Richard the Lionheart, Owen Glandower, Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill. Is it possible? Who knows?