Jordan Fantosme facts for kids

Jordan Fantosme was an important historian and poet who lived a long time ago, around the 1100s. He was an Anglo-Norman, which means he had roots in both England and Normandy (a region in France). Jordan Fantosme was also a cleric, like a church official, and might have been a special advisor for the church in Winchester.

His most famous work is a long poem, or "verse chronicle," written in the Anglo-Norman language. This poem tells the story of a big war that happened in 1173–1174. It was a conflict between King Henry II of England and his own son, Henry the Young King, along with William I of Scotland. Experts today say his writing is "absolutely first class."

Where Did He Come From?

People think Jordan Fantosme might have been Italian, originally named Giordano Fantasma. He may have come to England with a powerful church leader named Henry of Blois. Some parts of his poem hint that he might have been from Scotland, but this could have been added for the performers who would recite his work.

However, it's more likely he was Anglo-Norman. He knew the Anglo-Norman language very well. He even called messengers from William, who also served the Young King, "ours," showing he felt connected to England.

His Famous Chronicle

Jordan Fantosme supported King Henry II. Even so, his work is known for being fair and detailed. It's full of energy and gives a clear picture of the events. In the past, some people criticized his poem because of its unusual rhythm. They thought it was not as good as other French poems.

But more recently, a scholar named R. C. Johnston studied Fantosme's work closely. He concluded that Fantosme's poem actually showed a unique English style of French poetry. This idea suggests that Fantosme might have used some ideas from poems he saw in Poitiers, France, in the 1140s. He probably studied there with a teacher named Gilbert de la Porrée.

Fantosme lived during the time of the war he wrote about. He often said he saw the events himself. Another person who might have given him information was his bishop, Richard of Ilchester. Overall, his chronicle is a very helpful and reliable source for history.

Other Writings and Life Details

Jordan Fantosme might have also written a Latin poem. This poem defended important Christian beliefs about Jesus Christ. In one old document, this poem is called Rithmus Jordanis Fantasmatis, which means "The Rhythm of Jordan Fantosme." It's also known as Prædicatio Goliæ ("Preaching of Golias").

We know a little about his life from old legal papers. A document from 1160 mentions a "Master Jordan Fantasma" in Fareham, near Portsmouth. He was connected to the church in Winchester between about 1150 and 1180. Around the time he wrote his war poem, he was involved in a legal case. He sued a man named John Joichel for opening a school in Winchester without permission. Jordan Fantosme won the case.

Works

You can find English translations of Jordan Fantosme's chronicle:

• Chronicle of the War Between the English and the Scots in 1173 and 1174. This was translated by Francisque Michel in 1840.
• Chronicle of the war between the English and the Scots, AD 1173, 1174 (1856). This version is part of a larger collection by English archivist Joseph Stevenson.
• Jordan Fantosme's Chronicle. This edition, with a translation and notes, was published by R.C. Johnston in 1981.