The Origin of Armorican Chivalry
Bernard S. Bachrach
The Origin of Armorican Chivalry BERNARD S. BACHRACH About 1120 Stephen Llandaff, the author Life Saint Teilo (a Welsh saint early sixth century with close connec­ tions), tells how prayed to Lord that Armoricans would become best horsemen in world. goes on say Teilo’s prayers were answered and even today (ca. 1120) are seven times more effective horseback than foot.1 Geoffrey Monmouth, a contemporary who har­ bored pro-Armorican bias, describes battle, alleged have taken place late fifth century, which detachment saved day for Ambrosius Aurelianus.2 * Whether these two twelfth-century authors relying upon an ancient tradition their glorification Breton chivalry or merely repeating feel­ ings is uncertain, but either case both works indicate reputation as mounted warriors. In light Stephen’s dubious explanation origin equestrian prowess, effort will be made here delve deeply into subject. thought noteworthy long before twelfth century. Regino Prüm tenth Hermoldus Nigellus Nithard ninth Gregory Tours Dr. Bachrach assistant professor history at University Minnesota. 1 Liber Landavensis, ed. W. J. Rees (Llandovery, 1840), pp. 106-7: “et coram omni populo Sanctus Teliaus Episcopus rogavit Deum, et imprecatus suppliciter, ut milites Armorici fortiores fierent equitando omnibus gentibus, inde patriam suam tuerentur, victoriose se de inimicis suis ulciscerentur. Et illud Privilegium quod impetravit Domino sibi collatum, usque hodie permanent inibi secundum testimonia commentaria omnium illius patriae seniorum. Sunt enim amplius victoriosi equitando, septies quam essent pedites.” This text discussed by Joseph Loth, “La vie Teliau,” Annales Bretagne, IX (1893), 80-85; Edmond Faral, La légende Arthurienne (Paris, 1929), II, 236-37. 2 Historia Regnum Britanniae, VI, 121; III, 206: “Tria milia ex Armoricanis jussit equis adesse, ceteros cum insulanis mixtim acies constituit.” 166 167 take note horsemen.3 absence such accounts seventh eighth centuries seems due compara­ tive lack detailed narrative sources during this era virtual separation Brittany from mainstream Merovingian Carolingian history, jejune focus. To seek beginnings it necessary go back least when Rome still ruled Tractus Armoricani, included provinces Aquitanica I II Lugdunenses I, III. 442 patrician Aetius, was responsible imperial defense Gaul, settled important group Alans Orléanais area north. modern towns Allainville-en-Beauce (Loiret), Allâmes (Eure Loire), Allainville les Alains (Eure) can identified places Alan settlement.4 Indo-Iranian people like Sarmatians. Both groups inhabited steppes south Russia. During latter part fourth Alans’ loosely organized empire, had dominated several hundred years, destroyed Huns. Of escaped Hunnish domina­ tion, one eventually Armorica.5 According Ammianus Marcellinus, military customs seem closely resembled those Huns.6 Concerning wrote: “They enter battle drawn up wedgeshaped masses, while medley voices makes savage noise. And they lightly equipped swift motion, unexpected action, purposely divide suddenly scattered bands attack, rushing about disorder there, dealing terrific slaughter; because extraordinary rapidity movement . fight 3 Priim...
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