E 326K // Literature of the Middle Ages in Translation: Mysteries of the Grail

History of the Kings of Britain

Geoffrey of Monmouth (Galfridus Monemutensis), born in Wales around 1100, composed this legendary history of Britain around 1136. His history begins with founding of Britain by the Trojan Brutus (grandson of Aeneas). In this act of translatio imperii, Geoffrey unites the legendary empires of Troy and Rome with that of Britain, which provides Britain with a magnificent origin story and also sets Britain up to be the new center of culture and empire. 

Geoffrey's text was read as straightforward history well into the Renaissance.

Helpful genealogical tree of British kings that coincides (for the most part) with Geoffrey of Monmouth's. 

Wikipedia entry on list of legendary British kings.

Map of William of Normandy's territories.

Summary of Books We Didn't Read

Book One – Story of Brutus (Aeneas grandson) Troy, Rome, Britain
            -Britain called Albion (was an island of giants) – defeats giants, names capital Troia Nova
 
Book Two
         -Brutus’ three sons
                        Locrinus: Loegria (Logres)
                        Kamber: Kambria (Wales)
                        Albanactus: Albany (Scotland)
            -Traces story of Locrinus (here we get Lear story)
 
Book Three
         -Belinus + Brennius (civil war and then sack Rome together)
         -Belinus returns to Britian; his son renames Troia Nova Kaetluel (after himself)
                        -Kaetluel, over time, becomes London
 
Book Four
        - Julius Caesar looks to submit Britain to Rome
                        -He is refused and defeated, but comes back upon an invidtation
        -Line of British kings proceeds under Roman rule, including Lucius, first Christian king of
          Britain
        -Romans leave; Britons attacked by Picts, Scots, and Danes
 
Book Five/Six
         -Vortigern becomes king; asks Saxons (Hengist + Hensa) to come help
          -We learn that Saxons are always treacherous 

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Book Twelve
          -Saxons return and finally end the line of British kings (due to the degeneration of the Britons, who have now become Welsh)