599: "The Rise of the Merlin" and the Arthurian tradition

The boys drink and review Blackbeard's Breakfast, a robust porter, then discuss a new series about Merlin. The Daily Wire has entered the fantasy arena with *The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin* — but to understand what they’re trying to do, you have to go back much further than Camelot.In this episode we trace the evolution of the Arthurian legend from its earliest Welsh roots to modern reinterpretations. The story didn’t start as knights and chivalry — it started with a war leader and a mad prophet in the woods. From there, it became a national myth under Geoffrey of Monmouth, a romantic tragedy in the French courts, and finally a moral and symbolic drama in writers like Alfred Lord Tennyson, C. S. Lewis, and Stephen R. Lawhead.Along the way, the core tension of the story takes shape:* Arthur represents order, law, and civilization.* Merlin represents mystery, prophecy, and the unseen world.* Lancelot and Guinevere introduce desire — the human element that breaks even the best systems.* Mordred brings the final blow: the collapse that comes from within.We explore how these layers built up over centuries — and how modern versions, including the Daily Wire’s, are really attempts to answer an old question:Can a civilization hold together without something sacred at its core?We’ll also talk about:* Why Arthur is almost strangely free of personal desire* Why Merlin is often the one who falls first* How the love triangle turns myth into tragedy* Why modern culture can’t seem to agree on what this story means anymore* And whether *Rise of the Merlin* is trying to recover something we’ve lost — or just retell the story with a different agendaIf you think this is just a fantasy story about swords and magic, you’re missing it.This is a story about order, mystery, desire — and why every kingdom eventually breaks.Grab a beer and join us.📬 Send us your thoughts: [email protected] 🌐 More episodes: pigweedandcrowhill.com👍 Like, subscribe, and tell a friend