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Nennius: Historia Brittonum, 8th century Nennius was an eighth-century historian who is a major source for tales of King Arthur. [see #56 below]. Unlike the much more careful Bede, Nennius was, as one modern historian writes "unrestrainedly inventive" [ Gerhard Herm, The Celts , [London, 1976], p. 275]. Not all of Nennius can be dismissed as he apparently had access to no-longer available 5th century sources, but neither can he be entirely trusted. I. THE PROLOGUE. 1. NENINIUS, the lowly minister and servant of the servants of God, by the grace of God, disciple of St. Elbotus, to all the followers of truth sendeth health. 2. And do not be loath, diligent reader, to winnow my chaff, and lay up the wheat in the storehouse of your memory:: for truth regards not who is the speaker, nor in what manner it is spoken, but that the thing be true;; and she does not despise the jewel which she has rescued from the mud, but she adds it to her former treasures. For I yield to those who are greater and more eloquent than myself, who, kindled with generous ardour, have endeavoured by Roman eloquence to smooth the jarring elements of their tongue, if they have left unshaken any pillar of history which I wished to see remain. This history therefore has been compiled from a wish to benefit my inferiors, not from envy of those who are superior to me, in the 858th year of our Lord's incarnation, and in the 24th year of Mervin, king of the Britons, and I hope that the prayers of my betters will be offered up for me in recompence of my labour. But this is sufficient by way of preface. I shall obediently accomplish the rest to the utmost of my power. | |
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