Historia regum britanniae

Definition

The 'historia regum britanniae' is a Latin work attributed to Geoffrey of Monmouth, composed in the 12th century, that chronicles the history of British kings, blending history and legend. This narrative served as a foundational text for the development of the Arthurian legends and significantly influenced the romance genre by intertwining historical elements with fictional storytelling, thus shaping the way future narratives would depict heroism and chivalry in medieval literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Historia Regum Britanniae' claims to present a history of Britain from its mythical origins to the 7th century, establishing a narrative framework for later works.
2. Geoffrey's work introduced many key characters associated with Arthurian lore, such as Merlin and Arthur himself, elevating them from obscure local legends to central figures in medieval storytelling.
3. The text was written in Latin but was soon translated into various languages, spreading its influence across Europe and igniting interest in Arthurian tales.
4. Geoffrey's blend of history and mythology set a precedent for future writers in the romance genre, encouraging a mix of fact and fiction that became characteristic of medieval narratives.
5. The 'Historia Regum Britanniae' helped shape national identity in England by presenting a continuous narrative of British kingship, intertwining national pride with legendary pasts.

Review Questions

• How did 'Historia Regum Britanniae' influence the development of the romance genre?
  • 'Historia Regum Britanniae' influenced the romance genre by merging historical narratives with legendary tales, creating a template for storytelling that included heroism, adventure, and courtly love. This blending allowed authors to explore themes of identity, morality, and society through fictionalized accounts. Geoffrey’s work inspired later writers to adopt similar narrative styles, further enriching the romance genre with complex characters and imaginative plots.
• What role did Geoffrey of Monmouth play in the evolution of Arthurian literature through his work?
  • Geoffrey of Monmouth played a crucial role in the evolution of Arthurian literature by introducing key characters and events that became foundational to Arthurian legend. His portrayal of King Arthur as a noble leader surrounded by legendary figures like Merlin established a rich tapestry for future retellings. This transformation from localized folklore to grand narratives helped solidify the place of Arthurian tales within medieval literature, setting a standard for chivalric ideals that resonated through subsequent works.
• Evaluate the impact of 'Historia Regum Britanniae' on national identity formation in medieval England.
  • 'Historia Regum Britanniae' had a profound impact on national identity formation in medieval England by weaving together historical kingship with mythical origins. By presenting a continuous narrative that glorified Britain's past leaders, Geoffrey's work fostered a sense of unity and pride among its readers. This sense of identity became essential for medieval society as it aligned itself with legendary figures like King Arthur, reinforcing the idea of a shared cultural heritage that transcended regional differences within England.

Related terms

Geoffrey of Monmouth: A cleric and historian from the 12th century, credited with writing 'Historia Regum Britanniae' and popularizing the tales of King Arthur and other legendary figures.

Arthurian Legend: A body of stories and medieval romances centered around King Arthur, his knights, and their adventures, which are rooted in folklore and historical tradition.

Chivalric Romance: A genre of literature that idealizes knights, courtly love, and noble deeds, often featuring fantastical elements and moral lessons.