Annales Cambriae

by Brian Edward Rise

 
The “Annals of Wales.” Latin history from the 10th century which follows the Historia Brittonum in the main body and compiled from previous chronicles, mostly Irish, and alludes to Arthur twice. It takes the form of a table spanning 533 years. Events are written next to some of the dates starting with a “Year One” at 447 CE. The first British entry is at Year 72 (approx. 518 CE). It makes note of, “the battle of Badon, in which Arthur carried the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ for three days and three nights on his shoulders, and the British were victors.”

Mordred

by Brian Edward Rise

 
Traitorous leader of the rebellion that leads to Arthur’s downfall. Originally named Medraut, a legendary and possibly historical Welsh figure who diasgrees with Arthur and does battle with him at Camlann, with fatal results for both. However, the Welsh do not make him plotting or evil. Geoffrey of Monmouth is responsible for the villainous role he assumes in later medieval literature. Possibly revealing an other than Welsh influence, Geoffrey changes the name to Modred, a Cornish or Breton name. Modred is Arthur’s nephew who rules jointly with Guinevere during Arthur’s campaign in Gaul. Modred persuades the Queen into an aldulterous affair and usurps the throne, making peace with the hated Saxons, whom Arthur had destroyed at Badon.Arthur speeds home and engages him by the River Camel in Cornwall. The rebellious usurper is killed and Arthur is borne to Avalon.

Badon

by Brian Edward Rise

 
According to Gildas, the location of Arthur’s climactic battle with the Saxons. This victory at the “siege of Mount Badon” was followed by a period of relative peace. Though Gildas can be interpreted in several ways, the date is generally taken to have been near 500 and archaeology is in general agreement. The Saxon advance was halted for several decades.