History of the Britons (eBook)

Nennius (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
41 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654731776-0 (EAN)

Infos

In "History of the Britons," Nennius weaves a rich tapestry of myth, history, and national identity, presenting a narrative of the British Isles from their legendary origins to the post-Roman period. The text is characterized by its integration of folklore and historical analysis, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs of British heroes such as Arthur. Written in the 9th century, this seminal work stands at the intersection of history and hagiography, reflecting the complexities of its time while also seeking to solidify a sense of national unity among the disparate kingdoms of Britain. Nennius, a Welsh monk, authored this pivotal text during a time when Britain was grappling with invasions and political fragmentation. His work demonstrates not only his deep engagement with earlier historical records, such as Bede's writings, but also reveals his aspirations to promote a cohesive British identity amidst the chaos of Viking incursions. Nennius's emphasis on Arthurian legends has indelibly influenced subsequent medieval literature, illustrating the blending of history and myth in shaping cultural memory. For readers intrigued by the formation of British identity and its storied past, Nennius's "History of the Britons" is an essential exploration. This foundational text not only enriches our understanding of early medieval Britain but also invites contemporary reflections on nationalism and historical narrative. It is a profound read for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike.

Autor

Nennius is a somewhat enigmatic figure in the annals of British historiography, believed to have lived and written in the early 9th century. His best-known work, the 'Historia Brittonum' or 'History of the Britons', has been an invaluable source for scholars studying the early Middle Ages in Britain, although his identity and even the authorship of the text have been subjects of debate. 'History of the Britons' is attributed to Nennius as the compiler of an array of historical and legendary materials of Britain, weaving together oral histories, genealogies, and narratives including the exploits of King Arthur and the arrival of the Saxons. The text, while not entirely reliable as an historical account, has provided a foundation for understanding Britain's post-Roman period and the development of Welsh national identity. Nennius's style is characterized by an attempt to reconcile various, often conflicting, sources to preserve what he deemed essential knowledge for his contemporaries and successors. The work's influence extended beyond historiography into literature and culture, cementing figures such as Arthur into the pantheon of British lore. Given the sparse historical records of his time, the particulars of Nennius's own life remain largely obscured, with his legacy predominantly tethered to his contributions to the literary and historical portrait of a nation in flux.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 15.9.2022
• Übersetzer: John Allen Giles
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Kunst / Musik / Theater ► Malerei / Plastik
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Regional- / Landesgeschichte
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Vor- und Frühgeschichte / Antike
• Schlagworte: 9th century historiography • Ancient Britain literature • Ancient British Legends • Arthurian legend • Arthurian legends study • Arthurian source material • british history books • British Settlement Mythology • Britons historical account • Celtic Britain history • Classical Texts • cultural heritage preservation • Culture • early British chronicles • Early Medieval History • Europe • foundational historical accounts • Greco-Roman influence • Historical manuscript analysis • Historical text analysis • Historiography • History • History of Europe • Indigenous Peoples Narrative • Languages • Latin Historical Accounts • Medieval British history • Medieval historical works • medieval history texts • Monastic Writing Style • monastic writing styles • Nature • Nennius historical author • Nennius historical perspective • Translations • tribal invasions chronicle • Trojan Mythology Influence • Welsh folklore integration • Welsh Monk Authorship • Works originally in Latin