Nationalism and Religious Identity In Geoffrey Of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain
The Norman conquest of 1066 marked the second time in the last seven hundred years that the British people had been subjected to a cultural upheaval. Massive linguistic and cultural alterations in Britain made tracing the history of past inhabitants of the nation difficult. Geoffrey of Monmouth was one particular writer that attempted to fill this void. Monmouth's work The History of the Kings of Britain proposed a glorious past for the British people and was at the time of its creation considered a factual interpretation. This piece however, regardless of its authenticity is interesting in the manner of which it portrays nationalism and religious identity. Monmouth creates a glorious past for the British people in a period where their origins are in question. Monmouth's history, to achieve this outcome uses two central themes: nationalism and religious identity. Through the use of these tools Monmouth creates his history, a glorious representation of Britain's past. All of Monmouth's noble rulers of Britain share two common traits, namely that they are fiercely loyal to the church and that they have nationalistic attitudes. Only leaders with these
Vortigern is an example of this break in the historical lineage and a wrongful ascension to the throne. He steals the throne from the rightful rulers, the family of Constantine. Vortigern is unable to rule well and fails to continue a line of noble rulers because he does contain the attributes of a family of kings of Britain's past. Vortigern Vortigern also shows both of Monmouth's themes of nationalism and religious identity in negative contexts as well. Vortigern, after the arrival of the Saxons is fooled into marrying one of their daughters. The Saxons are heathens, " We worship the gods of our own country, replied Hengist: Saturn, Jove and the others who rule over this world..." (157) Vortigern's union with their daughter according to the British is sacrilegious and he therefore portrays a negative religious identity. Vortigern then turns away from his own people in favour of the Saxons, "... he loved the Saxons above all other folk." (161) Vortigern looses his love of Britain and its people and therefore looses his nationalist qualities. He does not think Britain is greater than all other cultures and therefore is not portrayed as a good leader. Monmouth asserts a proud history of Britain even from its origins. The name Britain comes from Brutus, who founds Britain after leaving the ruins of Troy, "... Brutus, the first King of the Britons..." (51) Monmouth gives Britain noble beginnings, descending from another great empire. Monmouth asserts from the very beginning that the British people started out with the best possible lineage, which is second to none. Arthur then proceeds to battle the Romans and is victorious, "He ordered the body of Lucious to be carried to the senate..." (257) Arthur then proceeds to conquer their land, "... he made ready to set out for Rome..." (257) Mordred betrays Arthur however on the moment of his triumph, "Mordred, in whose care he had left Britain, had placed the crown upon his own head. (257) This symbolizes the tainting of the bloodline and the beginning of the descent to which Britain becomes a conquered people in the time that Monmouth is writing.
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Approximate Word count = 1824
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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