#15515

Mentioned in 4 episodes

History of the Kings of Britain

Book • 2012

Geoffrey of Monmouth

Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Historia Regum Britanniae' ('History of the Kings of Britain') is a 12th-century work that significantly shaped the Arthurian legend.

While largely fictional, it provided a detailed backstory for Arthur, including his parentage, the introduction of Guinevere, and the establishment of Tintagel as his kingdom.

Monmouth's invention of Avalon as Arthur's final resting place further enriched the mythology.

Despite its historical inaccuracies, the book's influence on the enduring popularity of the Arthurian legend is immense.

It remains a crucial text in understanding the evolution of the story.

Mentioned by

Charlotte Higgins

Elizabeth Heverin

Mentioned in 4 episodes

Mentioned by

Mark Sayers

as a work by Geoffrey of Monmouth that introduced the character of Merlin and a mythic vision of power.

A letter to the discouraged

Mentioned by

John Matthews

, when discussing Geoffrey of Monmouth, who compiled more prophecies.

Prophecies of Merlin

Mentioned as the author of 'History of the Kings of Britain', which invented much of Arthur's backstory and established Tintagel as his seat of power.

Mentioned by

Nick Jubber

as a source of stories about monsters and territorial control.

Monsters of the Medieval World

Mentioned by

Luca Johnson

when discussing well-known Arthurian characters.

PREVIEW: Chronicles #33 | Sir Gawain and The Green Knight with Nathan Hood: Part I

Mentioned by

Paul Robichaud

when explaining the medieval account that links Merlin and Stonehenge.

Paul Robichaud, "Stories of the Stones: Imagining Prehistory in Britain, Ireland and Brittany" (Reaktion, 2026)

Mentioned by the speaker as a history book that brought together all the disparate threads of what it meant to be British.

421 - Deacon Seraphim (Richard) Rohlin - Recovering Our Heritage

Mentioned by

Amy Jeffs

and

Charlotte Higgins

as a source for British myths and legends.

Myth and Legend Reimagined: Charlotte Higgins and Dr Amy Jeffs in conversation

Mentioned by

Paul Robichaud

when explaining the medieval origin myth for Stonehenge involving Merlin and giants.

Paul Robichaud, "Stories of the Stones: Imagining Prehistory in Britain, Ireland and Brittany" (Reaktion, 2026)

Mentioned by

Elizabeth Heverin

, who bought the book on her grandad's recommendation and wrote her dissertation on it.

PREVIEW: Epochs #222 | Geoffrey of Monmouth

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

App store banner

Play store banner