Part Four: The House of Constantine Summary and Analysis

Guithelinus, the Archbishop of London, is sent to Aldroenus in Armorica to seek aide from the transplanted Britons living there. Aldroenus is not interested in ruling Britain because of its ruinous state, but offers to send his brother Constantine with two thousand soldiers to aide the Britons. Under the skillful leadership of Constantine, the Britons manage to repel the enemy. Constantine is established as king and given a noble-born wife who bears him three sons: Constans, Aurelius Ambrosius, Utherpendragon. Constans is given over to the Archbishop to be raised in the monastic order. Aurelius and Utherpendragon are fostered by Guithelinus. Constantine is killed by a traitorous Pict serving in his kingdom. An argument breaks out over whether Aurelius or Utherpendragon should be made king after their father. While the disagreement rages...