The History of the Kings of Britain

The Saxons and Mordred’s two sons attempt to overthrow Constantine but fail. Constantine pursues them, killing one at a church altar “where he was taking refuge” and the second at the altar of a monastery (224). Constantine dies four years later, “struck down by the vengeance of God,” and is buried at Stonehenge beside Utherpendragon (224). His nephew Aurelius Conanus succeeds him. Though brave, he delights in civil war and dies “in the third year of his reign” (224). The Saxons rise against Vortiporius, Constantine’s successor, but he defeats them.

Malgo reigns next, followed by Keredic, “a fomentor of civil discord” (225). As Britain is devastated by civil war, the Saxons send for Gormund, the King of the Africans who had conquered Ireland. The Saxons and Gormund form a treaty and attack Keredic. Gormund makes a treaty with Isembard, the King of the Franks’ nephew, promising Isembard that he will help him “wrest the kingdom of Gaul from his uncle” as long as he renounces his Christian faith. Gormund chases Keredic into Wales and ravages the people, landscape, and churches. Geoffrey breaks off the narrative to address the “foolish people” who are only happy “when [they] are fighting one another” (226).