Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Brennus and Belinus explained
The sons of Molmutius, Brennus and Belinus, quarrel after their father's death.
What happens
The sons of Molmutius, Brennus and Belinus, quarrel after their father's death. Brennus is driven out of Britain and finds refuge in Gaul, where he marries the daughter of the king of the Allobroges and becomes co-ruler. Geoffrey of Monmouth later identifies this Brennus with the Gallic leader who sacked Rome.
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Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Jealousy and Revenge
The quarrel between Brennus and Belinus over succession leads to exile and later conquest.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“They quarrelled, and Brennus was driven out of the island, and took refuge in Gaul, where he met with such favor from the king of the Allobroges that he gave him his daughter in marriage, and made him his partner on the throne.”
After a dispute, Brennus was exiled from Britain and fled to Gaul, where the king of the Allobroges welcomed him, offered him his daughter's hand, and elevated him to co-ruler.
Describes Brennus's exile and rise to power in Gaul.
“Brennus is the name which the Roman historians give to the famous leader of the Gauls who took Rome in the time of Camillus.”
Roman historians refer to the Gallic chieftain who captured Rome during Camillus's era as Brennus.
Identifies the historical Brennus with the Gallic sack of Rome.
