Fact or fiction?????

While reading this chapter, I thought back to the discussion on the differences between ‘history’ and ‘fiction’; I believe Geoffrey’s stories are the exact intersection of said concepts. Supposedly, he had written the History of the Kings of Britain, but much of his writings seem to be more ‘story’ than actual history. For example, how would he know the exact events that transpired at every moment in Arthur’s career, even down to the words said by others? On page 70, Geoffrey even describes Arthur’s fight with Frollo down to each individual actions; “Arthur unsheathed his sword, too, and was hurrying to kill him, when Frollo stood up quickly and, with his lance straight before him, ran at Arthur” (Geoffrey (Loomis?) 70).

            Other aspects that portray his writings as ‘stories’ are the fantastical events, including but not limited to Uther Pendragon turning himself into Gorlois, and Arthur’s battle with a literal giant that ate humans. These events cannot be considered history in my opinion, and many others as well. It is even stated in the beginning of the chapter that “Other historians of his own century and since have dismissed Geoffrey’s claims an imposture” (Loomis 58)

            Overall, it was interesting and entertaining to read, but impossible to believe.