The Description of Wales
1193
The Description of Wales, written by Giraldus Cambrensis in 1193, is a historical account that details the geography, culture, and social customs of Wales. Motivated by national pride, Gerald aims to counter the neglect of Welsh history by prominent historians and illuminate the significance of its people. The text serves as both a celebration of Welsh identity and a defense of documenting a region often overlooked, providing insights into the landscape and tribes of Wales. This work is notable for its early exploration of Welsh culture and its role in preserving the history of the region.
About The Description of Wales
Chapter Summaries
- First Preface
- Gerald dedicates his work to Archbishop Stephen Langton, defending his choice to write about Wales rather than more prestigious subjects. He argues that describing his native land serves posterity and rescues Welsh achievements from obscurity.
- Second Preface
- Gerald continues his dedication, requesting that Langton ensure the work receives public attention. He defends his literary pursuits against critics who say he neglects worldly advancement for scholarship.
- Book I, Chapter 1
- Gerald describes Wales's dimensions and geography, explaining how the Britons retreated to this defensible region after Saxon conquest. He outlines the three divisions of remaining British peoples.
Key Themes
- Cultural Identity and Heritage
- Gerald explores Welsh distinctiveness through language, customs, genealogy, and traditions. He emphasizes how the Welsh maintain their unique identity despite foreign pressures and influences.
- Conquest and Resistance
- The work examines strategies for both conquering Wales and defending against conquest. Gerald provides military and political advice to both sides, reflecting the complex loyalties of his time.
- Moral Decline and Divine Judgment
- Gerald argues that Welsh sins, particularly sexual immorality, have led to their loss of Britain. He connects moral behavior to political fortune and divine favor.
Characters
- Gerald of Wales (Giraldus Cambrensis)(protagonist)
- The author and narrator, a medieval Welsh cleric and scholar who wrote extensively about Wales and Ireland. He presents himself as both insider and outsider to Welsh culture, being of mixed Norman-Welsh heritage.
- Stephen Langton(minor)
- Archbishop of Canterbury to whom Gerald dedicates this work. Described as distinguished by piety and learning, representing the ecclesiastical authority of the time.
- Roderic the Great (Rhodri Mawr)(major)
- Ancient king of Wales who divided the country into three parts among his sons. A foundational figure in Welsh royal genealogy and political organization.
- Rhys son of Gruffydd(major)
- Contemporary prince of South Wales during Gerald's time. Represents the current Welsh nobility and their political struggles.
- King Henry II(major)
- English king who conducted military campaigns against Wales. Represents Norman-English power and the threat to Welsh independence.
- Gildas(minor)
- Ancient British historian whom Gerald admires and seeks to emulate. Author of works about the destruction of Britain.
