Annales Cambriae facts for kids
The Annales Cambriae (which means Annals of Wales in Latin) is a collection of old Latin records. These records were put together in St David's in Wales. The oldest version we have is from the 12th century, but it's thought to be a copy of an even older text from the mid-10th century. Later versions were made in the 13th century. Even though it's called the Annals of Wales, this collection doesn't just talk about events in Wales. It also includes events from Ireland, Cornwall, England, and Scotland. Sometimes, it even mentions things happening further away! However, the main focus, especially in the later parts, is on Wales.
King Arthur and Merlin in the Annals
The Annales Cambriae mentions King Arthur and Mordred, and also a battle linked to Merlin. In the past, some people thought these mentions proved that Arthur and Merlin were real. However, most experts today don't believe this. The parts about Arthur might have been added later, around the year 970. This was long after the early stories about Arthur had already started.
Arthur and Mordred's Entries
The oldest version of the Annales, called Text A, has two important entries about Arthur and Mordred:
- Year 72 (around AD 516): This entry talks about the Battle of Badon. It says that Arthur carried the cross of Jesus on his shoulders for three days and nights. The Britons won this battle.
- Year 93 (around AD 537): This entry describes the Strife of Camlann. It says that Arthur and Medraut (Mordred) died in this battle. There was much death in Britain and Ireland.
The idea of Arthur carrying a cross at the Battle of Badon is similar to a story in another old text by Nennius. In Nennius's story, Arthur carried an image of the Virgin Mary "on his shoulders" during a battle. However, the old Welsh words for "shoulder" (*scuid) and "shield" (*scuit) were very similar. This could have caused confusion. Later, Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote that Arthur carried a shield with the Virgin Mary's image on it.
Merlin's Entry
The oldest text (Text A) doesn't directly mention Merlin (whose old Welsh name was Myrddin). But it does mention the Battle of Arfderydd, which is connected to Merlin in other old Welsh stories:
- Year 129 (around AD 573): This entry simply states the Battle of Armterid happened.
Later versions of the Annales, called Text B and Text C, are a bit different. They leave out the second half of the year 93 entry about Arthur and Mordred. In Text B, the entry for year 129 continues: "between the sons of Elifer and Guendoleu son of Keidau in which battle Guendoleu fell and Merlin went mad."
Both Text B and Text C were influenced by Geoffrey of Monmouth's famous book, Historia Regum Britanniae. This is why they use the Latin name Merlinus for Merlin, which Geoffrey first used. The older Welsh name would have been Merdin.
See also
