The Legion (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Odoacer initially planned to execute the young emperor to consolidate his power, but Ambrosinus convinced him that keeping Romulus alive would be more politically advantageous. A dead martyr would inspire rebellion, while a living, exiled emperor would pose no real threat and would make Odoacer appear merciful to the Roman people.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Ambrosinus demonstrates his wisdom and persuasion skills when advising the emperor.

• odoacer
• romulus
• exile
• execution
• ambrosinus
• politics

The sword, crafted by a Chalybian blacksmith during Caesar's invasion of Britain, bears an inscription claiming it belongs to 'he who is destined to rule.' Romulus interprets this as confirmation of his right to rule, fueling his ambition. The prophecy ultimately proves true in an unexpected way when Romulus becomes Pendragon, a legendary British ruler.

Foreshadowing: The discovery of the villa and statue occurs right after Romulus loses his empire, setting up his journey to reclaim destiny.

• caesar
• sword
• prophecy
• chalybian
• tiberius
• villa
• capri

Years after the final battle, Romulus is raised by Aurelius and marries Igraine. Under Aurelius's guidance, he grows into a wise ruler known as Pendragon. The film reveals that the young boy Merlin is addressing is actually Romulus and Igraine's son, making Pendragon part of the Arthurian legend lineage.

Foreshadowing: The prophecy about 'he who is destined to rule' gains meaning when Romulus abandons imperial ambition and becomes a different kind of leader.

• romulus
• pendragon
• merlin
• igraine
• aurelius
• arthurian

The Eastern Empire had made a secret deal with Odoacer. Despite promising safe passage to Constantinople, they revealed their treachery when Romulus's group reached the seaport. This betrayal forces Ambrosinus to change plans and seek refuge in Britain instead.

Foreshadowing: The Eastern Empire's willingness to negotiate initially seems hopeful, making the betrayal more impactful.

• eastern empire
• constantinople
• odoacer
• betrayal
• treason

Ambrosinus is revealed to be Merlin. Years after the battle at Hadrian's Wall, he returns as the legendary wizard, guiding the next generation and telling the story of Romulus's transformation into Pendragon. His role as tutor to young emperors simply continued under a different name.

Foreshadowing: Ambrosinus's mysterious background as a Druid and his knowledge of ancient prophecies hint at a larger, more mythical destiny.

• ambrosinus
• merlin
• druid
• wizard
• legend

The Ninth Legion, believed to have been disbanded when Rome withdrew from Britain, answers Aurelius's call to arms. They arrive at the critical moment when Vortgyn and Wulfila's forces are overwhelming Romulus's defenders, turning the tide of battle and securing victory.

Foreshadowing: The earlier encounter with the former legion general mentions remnants of Roman forces in Britain, setting up this reinforcement.

• ninth legion
• britain
• hadrians wall
• reinforcement
• battle

After witnessing the deaths and destruction caused by the sword's power, Romulus chooses to reject it. He drives the sword into a stone, symbolizing his rejection of the old Roman imperial ambition and his acceptance of a different destiny as Pendragon, a ruler for the people rather than an emperor chasing legendary weapons.

Foreshadowing: Throughout the journey, the sword attracts enemies like Vortgyn and Wulfila, demonstrating its destructive nature.

• romulus
• sword
• excalibur
• battle
• abdication
• pendragon

Wulfila engages Aurelius in a fierce duel during the battle at Hadrian's Wall. Romulus, wielding Caesar's sword, confronts and kills Wulfila, fulfilling his role as a warrior and protector of his new people. This marks the end of the Gothic threat pursuing them throughout their journey.

Foreshadowing: Wulfila's greed for the sword and his relentless pursuit from Capri through Britain creates the primary antagonist tension.

• wulfila
• goth
• romulus
• aurelius
• death
• battle

After the Eastern Empire betrays them, Ambrosinus remembers that Roman legions were once stationed in Britain. He believes remnants of loyal Roman forces might still exist there, providing a safe haven far from Odoacer's reach. His historical knowledge as a Druid and tutor makes him aware of Britain's strategic isolation.

Foreshadowing: Ambrosinus's role as guardian of Caesar's legendary sword connects to his knowledge of Roman military history.

• britain
• ambrosinus
• refuge
• hadrians wall
• roman legion

Vortgyn, a tyrannical warlord who previously dominated the British village, learns about Caesar's sword and the prophecy from Wulfila. The promise of obtaining the legendary weapon motivates him to ally with the Goths and attack the village to force the surrender of Romulus and his companions.

Foreshadowing: Ambrosinus recognizes Vortgyn as an adversary from his past, establishing the personal stakes of their conflict.

• vortgyn
• wulfila
• goths
• alliance
• sword
• prophecy

During their time hiding in the British village, Romulus forms a bond with Igraine, the spirited young girl who becomes his friend and companion. Years later, after Romulus becomes Pendragon, Igraine becomes his queen, establishing the lineage that leads to the legendary King Arthur.

Foreshadowing: Igraine's introduction early in their Britain storyline plants the seeds for their future relationship.

• romulus
• igraine
• pendragon
• queen
• marriage