What are we supposed to believe?

We talked about what we think is history versus legends in an earlier discussion. While reading Arthur's part in the History of the Kings of Britain, what does Geoffrey of Monmouth intend to be history, and what does he intend to be more of a "legend". Does he want readers to believe every word he writes?

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.

War and Battles

After completing today’s reading, I believe it connects to the larger theme of war and battle. For hundreds and thousands of years, we as humans have gone to battle due to indifference's between two different groups whether they be culturally divided, a country that is divided, or disagreements. “What great honors each of you will possess if as faithful soldiers you obey my will and my orders! For once we have beaten them we will aim straight for Rome and will capture the city we have aimed for and will take possession of what we have captured” (Loomis, pg. 81). According to Arthur in Geoffrey of Monmouth, battle was over land and who was the ruler of that land.

I believe rulers back then were similar to how our president is today, they aim for defeat of the enemy in hopes to gain control. Fortunately, today, we do not seek war for the reasons they did back then. America today has goals of controlling specific land outside of the US and to keep treaties and compromises between other rulers. Around 800 BC, war and battle were much more popular, in hopes of ruling as much land as wanted or needed. The goal for army’s back then were to defeat the enemy and take their land.

Don't Bother Hoel

The Office, Season 7 Episode 1: "Nepotism"

"At length a consensus was reached, and envoys were sent to Brittany to King Hoel...Hoel was the son of Arthur's sister...Arthur received him with due honor and they embraced again and again." 

(pg. 68)

"Postponing the campaign, he had launched against the Scots and the Picts, he sped to relieve the siege of Bath, though troubled by the greatest of anxieties, since he was leaving in the city of Alcud his nephew Hoel, who was seriously ill." 

(pg. 68).