Chronicles (1 of 6): The Historie of England (2 of 8): The Second Booke of the Historie of England
1577
Chronicles (1 of 6): The Historie of England (2 of 8): The Second Booke of the Historie of England
1577
History - Ancient, History - British
''Chronicles (1 of 6): The Historie of England (2 of 8)'' by Raphael Holinshed, first published in 1577, is a comprehensive historical account that traces the early history of England from its legendary origins. The second book details the arrival of Brute, a Trojan prince, who battles King Pandrasus of Greece and native giants, ultimately establishing the city of Troinouant (modern-day London). This work is notable for its blend of myth and history, reflecting the cultural and political landscape of Elizabethan England, and served as a significant source for many of Shakespeare's plays.
About Chronicles (1 of 6): The Historie of England (2 of 8): The Second Booke of the Historie of England
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Introduces Brute as descendant of Aeneas who accidentally kills his father while hunting and is banished. He travels to Greece where he leads enslaved Trojans in rebellion against King Pandrasus, ultimately winning freedom and marriage to Pandrasus's daughter Innogen.
- 2
- Brute consults an oracle that prophesies he will find an island in the west where he will establish a new Troy. He sails westward and encounters Corineus leading another group of Trojan descendants near the Pyrenees.
- 3
- Brute and Corineus join forces and land in Gaul where they fight King Goffarius. After initial victories and defeats, they ultimately triumph and Brute builds the city of Tours before sailing to Britain.
Key Themes
- Divine Providence and Destiny
- The oracle's prophecy guides Brute to Britain, suggesting divine plan in the founding of the nation. The recurring pattern of rulers fulfilling prophetic destinies reinforces the theme of predetermined fate.
- Legitimacy and Succession
- The chronicle repeatedly examines questions of rightful inheritance and legitimate rule. From Brute's division of Britain among his sons to the civil wars following Gorbodug's death, succession crises drive much of the narrative.
- The Corruption of Power
- Many rulers begin virtuously but fall into vice, tyranny, or moral decay. Mempricius descends into sodomy, Leill abandons justice for pleasure, and family bonds dissolve under ambition for power.
Characters
- Brute (Brutus)(protagonist)
- Legendary founder of Britain, descendant of Trojan hero Aeneas. Accidentally kills his father while hunting and is banished, eventually leading Trojans to Britain where he establishes the kingdom.
- Corineus(major)
- Trojan captain of great strength and wisdom who joins Brute's company. Famous for wrestling the giant Gogmagog and receiving Cornwall as his domain.
- Pandrasus(antagonist)
- King of the Greeks who initially opposes Brute and the Trojan remnant. Eventually defeated and forced to make peace, giving his daughter Innogen to Brute in marriage.
- Locrinus(major)
- Eldest son of Brute who inherits the central part of Britain (Loegria). Falls in love with captive Estrild but is forced to marry Guendoloena, leading to conflict and his death.
- Leir(major)
- King of Britain who divides his kingdom based on his daughters' declarations of love. Banished by his elder daughters, he is eventually restored by his youngest daughter Cordeilla.
- Cordeilla(major)
- Youngest daughter of King Leir who speaks truthfully about her love for her father. Marries Aganippus of Gaul and later helps restore her father to the throne.
