The History of the Kings of Britain

Geoffrey begins with a brief topography of Britain, expounding on its many virtues—abundance of minerals, richness of soil, well-stocked woodlands, abundant springs, rivers, and lakes. He describes the five tribes that inhabit the island: the Norman-French, Britons, Saxons, Picts, and Scots. The Britons came first but were arrogant, so God sent others to humble them.

Geoffrey explains how the Britons came to the island and from where they originated. Fleeing the fall of Troy, Aeneas travels to Italy, where he secures both the kingdom and the Italian princess Lavinia as his wife. After Aeneas’ death, his son Ascanius becomes king. He fathers Silvius, whose child, Brutus, is destined to cause his parents’ death, wander in exile, and finally “rise to the highest honor” (42). Brutus’ mother dies in childbirth. When he is 15, Brutus accidentally kills his father during a hunt with an errant arrow, leading to his expulsion from Italy, after which he wanders through Greece. There, he encounters descendants of Priam’s son Helenus who Greek king Pandrasus is holding captive. Realizing they are of the same Trojan tribe, Brutus stays among them, and his wisdom and bravery gain their trust and admiration. The Trojans beg him to lead them to freedom from the Greeks, and Brutus agrees.

Brutus sends Pandrasus a letter explaining that the Trojans have retreated into the woods rather than “remain under the yoke of your slavery” (43). Brutus urges Pandrasus to feel pity for the Trojans and honor their desire for liberty. Pandrasus instead plans to subdue the Trojans, but Brutus anticipates him and launches a surprise attack. In the ensuing battle, Brutus delights in the death he inflicts. Pandrasus flees, and his brother Antigonus is captured. Brutus garrisons 600 soldiers in the fortress, then returns to the Trojans hidden in the forest. Pandrasus sieges the fortress. Unable to send help, Brutus resolves to slaughter the Greeks with another sneak attack. He threatens one of Antigonus’ comrades into betraying the Greeks. Brutus’ troops enter the Greek camp and mercilessly slaughter the sleeping soldiers. Brutus captures Pandrasus, and the Greeks’ treasure is distributed among the Trojans. They debate what to demand of Pandrasus. Membritius recommends asking for Pandrasus’ daughter, Ignoge, as a bride for Brutus, as well as provisions to sustain the Trojans as they undertake a journey to distant lands. Under threat of death, Pandrasus agrees. Brutus gathers his spoils and sails away with a weeping Ignoge, who Brutus comforts.

They stop on an uninhabited island called Leogetia. There, they find a temple of Diana, where a statue of the goddess answers any questions posed to her. Brutus visits the temple, preparing sacrifices for and pouring libations to Jupiter, Mercury, and Diana. Brutus then asks the statue “which lands you wish us to inhabit” (51). After he falls asleep, he has a vision of Diana instructing him to find an empty island “past the realms of Gaul” that is “ready for your folk” (52). Brutus wakes up unsure whether Diana visited him or whether he dreamt it. Consulting with his comrades, Brutus decides to take the goddess’ advice as true, and they set off to find the island of which she spoke in his dream. Geoffrey describes their winding journey (through Africa, Mauretania, the Pillars of Hercules) and the dangers they successfully confront (pirates, lack of provisions, Sirens). They encounter and form an alliance with Trojan exiles led by Corineus, for whom Cornwall is later named.

At Aquitaine, Brutus’ Trojans fight a fierce battle. Corineus distinguishes himself with his “boldness and courage,” and the Trojans are victorious (54). They burn and loot the cities, carry off treasure, and slaughter “both townsfolk and peasantry,” intending “to exterminate this unhappy race down to the last man” (55). However, the leader of the Aquitanians, Goffar, arrives with reinforcements. Goffar’s troops far outnumber the Trojans and force them to retreat. Corineus and Brutus plan and execute a successful counterattack. Concerned about the dwindling number of his forces, Brutus decides to return to his ships while victory is secure and “to seek out the island which divine prophecy had promised would be his” (57).

Britain was then called Albion and, with the exception of “a few giants,” was uninhabited (57). The attractive landscape and plentiful resources appeal to Brutus and his comrades, and they cultivate the land and build homes. Brutus names the island Britain and his people Britons, after himself so “that his memory should be perpetuated by the derivation of the name” (58). The region’s language is eventually called British “for the same reason” (58). Geoffrey discusses the derivation of other place names, including the capital Troia Nova, and notes that Brutus presented the citizens with a code of laws that would enable them to “live peacefully together” (59). In Italy, Brutus’ uncle and Aeneas’ son Aeneas Silvius reigns.