This blog post explores the historical references to Cornwall in Geoffrey of Monmouth's writings, examining the connection between the Catavaloni tribe and the region of Cornwall, and proposing that the term 'Cornwall' may actually refer to a location in southeast Wales known as Kernel, linked to the Konovi tribe.
In Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae, he describes the pre-Roman era of Britain and mentions historical rulers of the Catavaloni tribe, who were known to govern the area that broadly corresponds to modern-day London. However, an intriguing aspect of his account is the reference to these leaders as the Dukes of Cornwall, a title that raises questions given Cornwall's geographical distance from London. This blog post delves into the possible explanations for this reference and the historical context surrounding it.
Geoffrey of Monmouth's writings have long been a subject of interest for historians and archaeologists alike. The Catavaloni tribe, which he describes, is believed to have ruled over a significant portion of Britain. The mention of Cornwall in this context has led to various interpretations, with some suggesting that Geoffrey may have made a mistake.
Miles Russell, a British archaeologist, posits that the references to Cornwall could be a misinterpretation of the term Catavaloni. He suggests that the word "Catavaloni" may have been corrupted into "Cornwall" or "kernel," the medieval Welsh term for Cornwall. However, this theory lacks substantial linguistic support, as the connection between the two words appears tenuous at best, relying solely on their initial letters.
In my previous work, King Arthur: The Man Who Conquered Europe, I proposed an alternative explanation. I argued that there was a location in southeast Wales known as Kernel, which shares its name with the Welsh word for Cornwall. This area was likely under the rule of the Catavaloni kings. The reasoning behind this conclusion stems from the historical figure Karatus, a prince of the Catavaloni who fled to Wales after the tribe's defeat. He subsequently ruled over the Silurs, suggesting that the Catavaloni may have had influence or control over this region.
Further supporting this theory is the evidence that the Catavaloni were likely ruling over the Dubani tribe, situated between the Silurs and the Catavaloni. Literary sources indicate that the Catavaloni had dominion over the Dubani, which implies that their influence extended into the territory that would later be known as Kernel. This connection raises the possibility that the Silurs were already under the sovereignty of the Catavaloni, allowing Karatus to assume leadership there seamlessly.
Modern maps reveal a location in southeast Wales called Kaid Kernel, meaning the forest of Kernel. This suggests that there was indeed a region by that name, further supporting the idea that Kernel was a significant area during the time of the Catavaloni. My earlier argument proposed that the term "Cornwall" in Geoffrey's writings was a mistranslation of Kernel, reflecting a historical reference to this region in southeast Wales.
As my research has progressed, my conclusions have evolved. I now believe that the Kernel associated with Arthurian legends was indeed in southeast Wales, but it represents a remnant of the Konovi tribe, not the Konovi of Cornwall but rather those located in the Midlands, near northern Herefordshire and Shropshire. Evidence suggests that the Dubani tribe, which bordered the Konovi territory, may have been a branch of the Konovi, further complicating the historical narrative.
In the context of Geoffrey of Monmouth's description of the 1st century BCE, it is essential to recognize that the early medieval migrations had not yet occurred. Therefore, the term Kernel, derived from the Konovi, would not have applied to southeast Wales at that time but rather described the Konovi and their associated tribes. The Dubani tribe, with a territory south of them, had a place called Doroko, indicating a name linked to their identity during Roman times.
In conclusion, the reference to the Dukes of Cornwall in Geoffrey of Monmouth's writings likely stems from a mistranslation or misinterpretation of the term Kernel, which was associated with the territory of the Dubani tribe. This explanation provides a more coherent understanding of the historical context and the relationships between the tribes of ancient Britain. The complexities of these historical narratives continue to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike, prompting further exploration into the legends and realities of Britain's past.
As we ponder these connections, one might wonder about the intersections of mythology and history. For those curious about the potential links between biblical figures and Greek mythology, stay tuned for my next video, where we will explore these fascinating topics further.
