In the ancient tale of Gorboduc, a once-unified Britain faces turmoil and betrayal rooted in familial discord. The king, Gorboduc, decides to divide his kingdom between his two sons, Ferrex and Porrex, setting off a chain of events leading to tragedy and chaos. The story unfolds with themes of power struggles, the dangers of division, and the catastrophic consequences of ignoring wise counsel.

Gorboduc's Controversial Decision

Gorboduc, the reigning monarch of Britain, opts to forgo the traditional rule of primogeniture, whereby the entire kingdom would pass to his eldest son upon his death. Instead, he chooses to split the realm between his sons: Ferrex receives the southern territories, while Porrex is granted the lands to the north of the Humber River. His decision, seemingly progressive, is rife with potential conflict as it disrupts the established order.

Advisors' Warning

Upon consulting his advisors, Gorboduc hears a mix of support and caution. Arostus aligns with the king's plan, whereas Philander and Eubulus express grave concerns. They foresee the risks of a divided kingdom: potential discord between the brothers, a public split in allegiance, and the possibility of their land becoming vulnerable to external threats. They emphasize that historical precedents have shown that such divisions often lead to foreign conquest.

Ignoring Wise Counsel

Despite the advisors' warnings, Gorboduc remains resolute, convinced that the benefits of his decision outweigh the risks. He proceeds with his plan, unaware of the seething jealousy within his wife, Queen Videna, who fiercely believes that the entire kingdom should belong to her elder son, Ferrex. This familial tension lays the groundwork for the impending crisis.

Sons Led Astray

As Ferrex and Porrex assume control over their respective domains, they begin to ignore their father's seasoned counselors, succumbing instead to the flattery of sycophants. Ferrex becomes entangled with Hermon, a manipulative advisor who fuels his resentment by asserting that, as the elder son, Ferrex deserves total dominion. Hermon's words prey on Ferrex's insecurities, inciting thoughts of reclaiming his perceived rightful inheritance.

Brewing Conflict

Meanwhile, north of the Humber, Porrex faces similar manipulations. His own sycophant stirs suspicions of Ferrex's alleged war preparations, prompting Porrex to consider a pre-emptive strike. Despite the warnings from his father's advisors, Porrex prepares to confront his brother in battle, leading to a fateful decision that will irrevocably alter the family's destiny.

The Tragic Climax

Tensions reach a boiling point when Porrex, driven by distrust and ambition, invades Ferrex's territory and kills him. Queen Videna, consumed by grief and a desire for vengeance, renounces Porrex as her son and vows to see him punished. After being summoned by Gorboduc, Porrex admits to the murder but defends his actions as self-preservation, claiming that Ferrex intended to poison him. Yet Gorboduc, struggling to navigate these familial betrayals, remains indecisive, allowing tragedy to unfold unchecked.

Revenge and Anarchy

Videna's wrath swiftly turns deadly when she takes Porrex's life in revenge for Ferrex's death. This act of retribution sends shockwaves through the kingdom, inciting public outrage against the royal family. The common people, infuriated by their rulers' actions, rebel and murder both Gorboduc and Videna, plunging the nation into chaos.

Power Vacuum and Noble Disarray

With the royal lineage extinguished, Britain's nobles find themselves leaderless and desperate to quell the uprising. They fear that if they fail to restore order, the weakened state will invite foreign invasion, threatening their lands and lives. Despite recognizing the severity of the crisis, the nobles struggle to unite in the face of a burgeoning rebellion.

The Duke's Ambition

As Britain teeters on the brink of ruin, the ambitious Duke of Albany seizes the moment...