Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Cassibellaunus explained
Julius Caesar, having conquered Gaul, attempts to invade Britain but is repelled by Cassibellaun and his forces.
What happens
Julius Caesar, having conquered Gaul, attempts to invade Britain but is repelled by Cassibellaun and his forces. In single combat, Nennius, Cassibellaun's brother, captures Caesar's sword. The Britons force Caesar to retreat to Gaul, and Shakespeare later alludes to this event in Cymbeline.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Cassibellaun and Nennius display heroism in defending Britain against Caesar's conquest.
Fate and Free Will
Caesar's decision to retreat reflects the interplay of fate and choice in the outcome of the invasion.
Characters to notice
- Julius Caesar
Roman general who invades Britain but is defeated by Cassibellaun.
- Cassibellaunus
British leader who defends Britain against Caesar's invasion.
- Nennius
Brother of Cassibellaun who engages in single combat with Caesar and captures his sword.
Key passages
“About this time it happened (as is found in the Roman histories) that Julius Caesar, having subdued Gaul, came to the shore opposite Britain.”
Around this time, according to Roman histories, Julius Caesar, after conquering Gaul, arrived at the coast facing Britain.
Sets the historical context for Caesar's invasion.
“Here he was met by Cassibellaun with all his forces, and a battle ensued, in which Nennius, the brother of Cassibellaun, engaged in single combat with Caesar.”
Cassibellaun and his army confronted Caesar there, and during the battle, Nennius fought Caesar one-on-one.
Describes the key confrontation and Nennius's role.
“At last, after the greater part of the day was spent, the Britons poured in so fast that Caesar was forced to retire to his camp and fleet.”
Finally, as the day wore on, the Britons attacked in such numbers that Caesar had to withdraw to his camp and ships.
Highlights the British victory and Caesar's retreat.