THE SCENE: The foolish King Vortigern throws the stability of his Kingdom away just to secure the physical affections of the alluring pagan maiden Renwein.
THE TEXT: Vortigern was tipsy from the mixture of drinks which he had consumed. Satan entered his heart, so that the fell in love with Renwein and asked her father to give her to him. I say that Satan entered his heart because, despite the fact that he was a Christian, he was determined to make love with this pagan woman. Hengist, who was a very clever man, immediately noticed the unbalance nature of the King’s personality. He consulted his brother Horsa and the other senior men who were around him as to what he should do about the King’s request. They agreed unanimously that the girl should be handed over to the King and that in exchange for her they should demand the province of Kent.
No time was wasted. Renwein was given to Vortigern and the provinces of Kent to Hengist: this last without the knowledge of Earl Gorangonus who ruled over the territory. The King was married to the pagan woman that very night and she pleased him beyond all measure. By this action, he immediately incurred the enmity of his leaders and, indeed, of his own sons – for he was already the father of three boys, whose names were Vortimer, Katigern and Paschent.
– Geoffrey of Monmouth, The History of the Kings of Britain, 12th Century AD
