Merlin: Book II of the Pendragon Cycle (Paperback)

I read with amusement another reader's comment of Lawhead's 'jaded' view of early Christianity. What Lawhead seems to have been looking to capture is the type of Christians (that almost certainly did and still exist), that captured the essential goodness of spirit in literal Christian lore. We are all well aware of the excesses of the Christian Church down the ages, but what Lawhead described is the decency and hope of individual mens' faith; not the monolithic side of organised Christianity.

By the way, I'm an agnostic, so I haven't got an axe to grind either!

The story focuses on a time of great change in early Britain, as independent kingdoms under Roman rule vanish and become united under one High King. The transition from individual local kingdoms to one great kingdom under a great king remarkably parallels a similar transition in the Bible: from the anarchy and chaos of the Judges, to the unified rule under the Kings Saul and David. Merlin's role is much like that of the Biblical Samuel: the figure who ushers in this transition by his prophecies, wisdom and counsel. The parallels don't end there - for like Israel, early Britain is portrayed as a time of prophets (the druids), priests (the Roman Catholics) and kings.

The world of upheaval in which Merlin lives is characterized by trials, tragedy and triumphs. Much like "Taliesin", the reader is treated to a vast array of human emotions described in most vivid details - from utter joy to utmost sorrow - and is subsequently tossed from the pinnacles of happiness to the pits of despair. But Lawhead does not delight in dragging his readers through gory details of bloodshed and death - in fact killing for revenge alone is presented as murder (p.314-5). Bloodshed for the sake of justice and truth has a clear purpose: the way is being paved to the "Kingdom of Summer" ruled by King Arthur where justice, truth and right will be defended and maintained (p.108). One of Arthur's predecessor's (Aurelius) must bear the sword all his days as king before this is achieved (p.318). Astute Bible readers will note here an unmistakeable parallel with the era of King David and King Solomon.

Yet beneath such formalistic parallels with Scriptural narratives, lies a solid Biblical depth. The foundation of any successful kingdom is clearly recognized and acknowledged: faith in the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ (p.113-4). Once again, Lawhead's Christian perspective shines through beautifully. Unlike much Christian fiction, it is not always obvious nor oppressive - but nor is it superficial. The conflict between good and evil, the powers of light and darkness is always sharply defined, and mirrors the conflict between God and Satan. Success is presented as possible only with God's help and His blessing.

But "Merlin" also raised the questions that were evoked by "Taliesin". Why is Christianity is identified with Roman Catholicism, with its focus on holy places and objects, and materialistic view of the mass (p.112)? And does Lawhead have an overly optimistic view of Celtic religion, and does he leave room for Christians to use the occult? His assessment of the occultic and ancient rituals of the pagans does not appear harsh enough, since he appears to view it as a mild form of the truth ("In every age there is some good" p.191), and that the occultic powers can be harnessed by the Christian prophet for good - Merlin being a case in point. This is confirmed by his description of Lughnasadh, as being a time where "the veil between the Otherworld and this worlds-realm grows thin and allows the initiated a glimpse of what was, or will be." (p.397). Whether such a syncretism of paganism and Christianity is possible is highly debatable, unless of course Lawhead is intending to present Britain as a model of the pre-Christian era (the time of judges and kings?) prior to the cessation of prophecy and prior to the completion of the canon of Scripture. But as it is, leaving the door open to a favorable view of occultic activities left me distinctly uncomfortable.

But don't let this decrease your appetite for Merlin. It's a gripping and satisfying tale, one that simultaneously evokes emotions, stimulates imagination, and causes reflection. The first person point of view is utilized superbly to present Merlin as thoroughly real man with flaws and failures as well as strengths and successes. Like "Taliesin", "Merlin" showcases Lawhead's myriad of talents in a delightful mix of romance, adventure, emotion, faith and even poetry. The Christian imagery is subtle and profound, and once again Lawhead has produced a fantasy gem that is greatly superior to most contemporary Christian fiction.