History of the Kings of Britain 15 - The Battle of Saussy

Part 15 of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain includes the huge battle between Arthur and the west against the Roman republic and the east. After much bravery shown and many courageous knights slain, Arthur gains the upper hand and Lucius Hiberius is dealt a mortal blow from an unknown hand. Great speeches from both sides are recorded, showing the sort of taunts and insults that were common parlance back then.

Arthur is prevented from continuing his march on Rome to defeat the emperor Leo though, when he hears that his nephew Mordred had stolen both his kingdom and his wife back in Britain. This arch traitor had also called the Saxons, Picts and Irish back while Arthur was gone. The troops loyal to the rightful king head back to Britain to make war against Mordred, who keeps fleeing from the battlefield like a girl every time he is beaten. Instead of burying his dead the traitor would just fly and leave their bodies there for Arthur to deal with. Eventually Mordred is slain and we leave the tale with Arthur tending his wounds on the isle of Avalon.



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