The History of the Kings of Britain

After Utherpendragon’s death, the Saxons began inviting Germans to Britain in hopes of “exterminat[ing] the Britons” (182). British leaders recommend Utherpendragon’s son Arthur be crowned king. Though only 15 years old, Arthur’s grace, courage, goodness, and generosity have endeared him to the people. After being crowned, Arthur leads an army against the Saxons and defeats them. Germany sends reinforcements, and Arthur retreats with his troops to London to seek counsel from his advisors. The Britons decide to send for help from King Hoel of Brittany, a son of Arthur’s sister. Hoel sends 15 thousand warriors to Arthur’s aid. Arthur’s troops again defeat the Saxons. They petition to be “permitted to return to Germany with nothing but their boats” and promise to pay tribute to Arthur (184). Arthur and his counsel consent, and the Saxons sail away. However, they return to Britain and again ravage the countryside, The Saxons take the upper hand in the ensuing battle, but Arthur ultimately inspires his men to defeat the Saxons.

Arthur next uses siege tactics to defeat the Scots and Picts. To help the besieged, Irish king Gilmaurius lands in Britain with “a huge horde of pagans” (188). Arthur massacres them, and the survivors are forced to flee, leaving Arthur free to destroy the Picts and Scots.