# Cassibellaunus explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/cassibellaunus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters