Ever caught yourself thinking about the stories that have stitched together our history? Among these is the saga of Brutus of Troy, a name echoing through time. This Trojan hero’s journey from legend to becoming Britain’s mythical founder is not just a tale; it’s an exploration into how stories mold our understanding of history. If you’re a fan of epic tales from the past or simply love getting lost in historical stories, diving into Brutus’s journeys is like opening a treasure chest of captivating storytelling.
Table of Contents:
- The Legend of Brutus of Troy
- Brutus and the Trojan War
- The Exile and Journey of Brutus
- The Conquest of Britain
- Brutus in Medieval British Chronicles
- The Mysterious London Stone
- Conclusion
The Legend of Brutus of Troy
Brutus of Troy, a legendary descendant of the Trojan hero Aeneas, is the eponymous founder of Britain according to medieval British legend.
The myth of Brutus has no historical basis but was invented in the Dark Ages to give Britain a noble origin story tied to the great mythologies of Rome and Greece.
In his book Brutus of Troy, and the Quest for the Ancestry of the British, Anthony Adolph tells the full story of Britain’s mythological founder. The book has been reviewed on Ancient Origins by author and historical researcher Petros Koutoupis.
Brutus and the Trojan War: Brutus of Troy
According to legend, Brutus was a Trojan prince who fought in the Trojan War. He accidentally killed his father while hunting and faced exile as punishment from the Greek king.
Brutus’ mother died in childbirth, adding to the tragedy that shaped his early life and set him on his path of exile and adventure.
The Exile and Journey of Brutus: Brutus of Troy
Brutus discovered exiled Trojans living in Greece and became their leader. He forced the Greek king to release them by capturing his daughter.
The Trojans set sail across the Tyrrhenian Sea. On a deserted island, Brutus had a fateful encounter at an abandoned temple of the goddess Diana, who told him to seek an island in the western ocean inhabited only by giants.
The Conquest of Britain
Brutus and his followers landed on the island of Albion, which he renamed “Britain” after himself. The Trojans defeated the giant inhabitants, including Goemagot who was thrown off a cliff by Corineus in a wrestling match.
Some versions say Brutus also conquered Spain before arriving in Britain. He divided the island among his sons and followers, who became known as the first Britons.
Brutus (Sam Hunter) is victim of accident and favoured by fate; after accidentally killing his father while hunting he faces exile in Greece, where he finds favour with the King’s daughter and liberates Trojans held enslaved. #BrutusOfTroy pic.twitter.com/5J8m6w6C6P
— The Prsd (@ThePrsd) March 29, 2021
Brutus founded the city of Troia Nova, or New Troy, which later became London. The name “Britain” derives from his own name, according to legend.
Brutus in Medieval British Chronicles: Brutus of Troy
The story of Brutus first appears in the Historia Britonum, a 9th-century historical compilation attributed to Nennius. Geoffrey of Monmouth, a 12th century chronicler, greatly expanded the legend in his Historia Regum Britanniae.
In Geoffrey’s account, Brutus is the exiled grandson of Aeneas. His adventures include battles with Greeks, the Gauls, Goths and Britons. He marries the Greek king’s daughter Ignoge and has three sons who rule Britain after him.
The Mysterious London Stone
The London Stone, an ancient block of limestone also known as the Brutus Stone, is linked to the legends of Brutus and the founding of London. The stone’s original purpose is unknown.
According to Victorian era writings, the London Stone was part of an altar dedicated to Diana by Brutus, possibly at the site of St Paul’s Cathedral. The stone was formerly located on Cannon Street but has been moved to the Museum of London.
The enduring legend of Brutus and his association with the London Stone reflect a longstanding desire to trace Britain’s origins back to the heroic world of ancient myth. Through a long “process of myth-making,” as Anthony Adolph writes, the story of Brutus of Troy has become a colorful part of British folklore.
Key Takeaway: Brutus of Troy
Brutus of Troy’s legend, blending myth and adventure, showcases Britain’s desire for a noble origin. His journey from tragedy to founding London embodies the timeless allure of connecting modern identities to ancient heroics.
Conclusion: Brutus of Troy
The tale we’ve traversed together unveils more than just the exploits and trials faced by Brutus of Troy. It highlights how legends can frame our perception, bridging gaps between fact and fiction. Through centuries-old manuscripts to medieval chronicles, we’ve seen this Trojan hero’s legacy persist — shaping cultures and inspiring curiosity across generations.
But remember this – beyond being etched in stone or scripted on parchment pages, what truly keeps such tales alive is their continual retelling. Each recounting breathes new life into them — much like AI today reshapes realms thought static.
So here we are at crossroads where old meets new; as we revisit timeless sagas like that of Brutus with fresh eyes afforded us by modern advancements.
