Second War of the Two Brothers
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The Second War of the Two Brothers was a legendary war in Britain following the death of Dunvallo Molmutius as accounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. It was fought between the two sons of Dunvallo, Belinus and Brennius, in an effort to win the crown of the Britons. Many battles were fought between the two brothers until a time came when their friends intervened and a compromise was decided upon. Belinus became the King of the Britons with Brennius as king of the north. This agreement lasted for five years.
Peace ended when Brennius went to Norway and married the king's daughter without consulting Belinus. Belinus invaded the north and garrisoned the city with his men in Brennius's absence. Brennius, on his return from Norway with a large fleet of Norwegian ships, was attacked by Danes led by their king who sought Brennius's wife. They battled and the ships were dispersed throughout the sea. The Danish king, having captured Brennius's wife, landed in Northumbria before Brennius, although he did not know where he was. Belinus seized them and awaited the return of his brother. Brennius landed in Albany and demanded the return of all his lands and his wife. If not, he swore he would kill Belinus if they ever met in battle.
Belinus called to arms all of Britain against Brennius and the two armies met in the forests of Calaterium. The battle was fought ruthlessly and Belinus defeated the army of Brennius. The Norwegians fled to their ships and deserted Brennius, but he managed to get onto a ship and escaped to Gaul where he and his companions hid for some time. Over fifteen thousand men died that day and less than one thousand left unwounded.
Belinus became king over all the Britons and held no contest to the throne. He emphasized the Molmutine Laws of his father and ruled justly. Brennius, in Gaul, married the daughter of the Duke of the Allobroges and became duke when his father-in-law died. He made treaties with all the other Gallic kingdoms and was permitted to march through them without being harassed.
Eventually, Brennius invaded Britain behind a massive Gallic army and met Belinus on the battlefield once again. Their mother, however, convinced Brennius to make peace, and the two brothers ruled their two realms in harmony with each other.
| Preceded by: Dunvallo Molmutius |
Mythical British Kings | Succeeded by: Belinus |
