Nennius
Overview
Nennius, a Welsh monk of the 9th century, is known for his compilation of the Historia Brittonum, a work of history and myth concerning the peoples and kingdoms of the British Isles. Despite the enduring legacy of his work, Nennius remains an enigmatic figure, with little known about his life and motivations. Nevertheless, his work has played a significant role in shaping the understanding of early British history and the legends that underpin it.
Historia Brittonum
The Historia Brittonum, or the History of the Britons, is a complex work, blending history and myth in a way that is difficult to separate. At its core, the book is an attempt to establish the genealogies of various Welsh and British rulers, tracing their lineage back to ancient times and legendary figures such as King Arthur. The work also provides detailed descriptions of the kingdoms and peoples of the British Isles, from the Picts in the north to the Saxons in the south, and includes accounts of notable events such as the arrival of the Saxons and the rise of King Arthur.
a monk sitting and writing at a desk
One of the most interesting aspects of the Historia Brittonum is the way it blends historical fact with mythology. While many of the accounts in the book are clearly fantastical, such as the story of Merlin and the construction of Stonehenge, others are more grounded in reality, describing the migrations and conflicts of various peoples. Nennius seems to have been aware of the importance of myth and legend in shaping the identity of the Britons, and his work reflects this, with the stories of King Arthur and other legendary figures woven into the narrative of early British history.
Challenges
One of the challenges of studying Nennius and the Historia Brittonum is the lack of reliable information about the author himself. It is not clear when or where Nennius was born, and little is known about his life beyond his association with the church. Some historians believe that he may have been associated with the monastery at Bangor, while others suggest he may have been part of the court of King Rhodri Mawr. Whatever his background, it is clear that Nennius was a learned and well-educated figure, with a deep knowledge of classical literature and an interest in preserving the stories and traditions of his people.
Another challenge in studying Nennius is the question of the accuracy of his work. Many of the accounts in the Historia Brittonum are difficult to verify, and some appear to be based on earlier works of myth and legend. Nevertheless, the book is an important source for the study of early British history, providing a detailed account of the kingdoms and peoples of the British Isles and offering insights into the way that myth and legend were used to shape the identity of the Britons.
While the accuracy of Nennius’s accounts may be open to question, his work provides a valuable window into the way that the Britons saw themselves and their history. The blending of history and myth in the book reflects the importance of legend and tradition in shaping the identity of early British peoples, and Nennius’s skill as a storyteller ensures that the book remains an enduring and fascinating work of history and myth.
Further Research & Sources
Nennius. The Historia Brittonum. Edited and translated by David N. Dumville. Woodbridge, Suffolk: Boydell Press, 1985.
The Annals of Wales: A Chronological List of the Rulers of Wales and the Welsh Kings and Princes. Edited and translated by Peter Clement Bartrum. Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1972.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: A Revised Translation. Edited and translated by Dorothy Whitelock, et al. London: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1965.
Dumville, David N. Nennius and the “Historia Brittonum”. Woodbridge: Boydell Press, 1985.
Bromwich, Rachel. The Arthur of the Welsh: The Arthurian Legend in Medieval Welsh Literature. Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1991.
Morris, John. Nennius: A New Translation. London: Phillimore, 1980.
Edwards, Nancy. The Archaeology of Early Medieval Ireland. London: Routledge, 1990.
Hobsbawm, Eric and Terence Ranger, eds. The Invention of Tradition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1983.
Photos:
Statue of Gildas
Romary, CC BY 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license. This photo has not been edited.