geoffrey history of the kings of britain

With at times obscure references, the prophecies are reminiscent of the New Testament book of Revelations. Geoffrey interrupts his narrative of kings to share Merlin’s prophecies, which appear as reported speech in Part 6. Between the two reigns, local leader Vortigern seizes power and seeks the help of magicians, bringing Merlin into the narrative. Geoffrey discusses Arthur’s ancestors, including his grandfather Constantine and his father Utherpendragon. The narrative focuses on a shorter length of time in Part 4 as it paves the way for Arthur’s appearance.

The most notable ruler of this period is Maximianus, who becomes a cautionary tale about the danger of pursuing distant territories at the expense of the homeland’s security and stability. Also noted throughout this section is intermarriage between Romans and Britons that further blurs the lines between conqueror and conquered. Geoffrey maintains his focus on succession, cycling through the various kings and their fluctuating relationship with Rome.

It takes Rome two years, three battles, and Briton’s betrayal to subdue Britain. Among the many kings he discusses are brothers Belinus and Brennius who initially battle for the throne but ultimately make peace and combine forces to capture Rome, which becomes a significant detail that further legitimizes Britain’s view of itself as Rome’s equal.īritain’s Roman era is the subject of Part 3. Geoffrey gallops swiftly through approximately 1,000 years of rulers, identifying succession and sharing anecdotes that lend authenticity and interest to the narrative. Part 2 covers the centuries between Britain’s founding and the Romans’ arrival. References to the Britons’ connection to Troy and Rome will recur throughout the text, implying their equal status to their Roman conquerors. Brutus’ genealogy and journey cement him as a figure comparable to ancient epic heroes and an heir to the Trojan legacy that links him to Rome. Brutus is exiled from his home, endures a period of wandering-during which time he liberates Trojans who have been enslaved by the victorious Greeks-and receives a prophecy to travel to an uninhabited island that will become Britain. Part 1 concerns Britain’s founding by the great-grandson of Aeneas, who founded Rome after fleeing the fall of Troy. The book begins with a dedication in which Geoffrey observes the conventions of the time by praising his patrons and expressing hope that his meager skills will be up to the task set before him. Noting that medieval divisions of the text were arbitrary, Thorpe divides the work into nine sections, including a dedication and eight parts titled by topic. This guide refers to the Penguin Classics edition translated by Lewis Thorpe.

Geoffrey history of the kings of britain