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

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” (236) At Monmouth’s time this land, which is known as the Middle East currently was under assault by European armies in an attempt to reclaim the holy land. Monmouth attempts to show the British people that they do in fact have an identity and that it is possibly the most glorious in the world.

Monmouth creates a history of Britain, which may not be historically accurate, but certainly achieves its purpose. ” (157) Vortigern’s union with their daughter according to the British is sacrilegious and he therefore portrays a negative religious identity. ” (161) Vortigern looses his love of Britain and its people and therefore looses his nationalist qualities. Therefore their defeat of the Romans, their former oppressors would make them the greatest nation in existence. This is a reoccurring theme in the history until Monmouth’s climatic king, Arthur. traits are viewed in a positive light by the history. The history also glorifies Britain as that of an early crusading nation. ” (222) Arthur succeeds in this adventure and eventually is demanded to give tribute to the Romans, “ You have had the presumption to disobey this mighty empire by holding back the tribute of Britain…” (231) Arthur being intensely nationalistic however refuses to pay tribute to the Romans and decides to battle them, “We shall be defending our liberty…” (233) This battle is the ultimate challenge for the British. Vortigern then turns away from his own people in favour of the Saxons, “… he loved the Saxons above all other folk.

Arthur is born the son of Utherpendragon and is the character that makes the final justification of Britain’s glorious history.

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. The crusade was!

viewed positively by the Catholic Church and adds much prestige in the history to the British religious identity. (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.

Approximate Word count = 1824
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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