What did einhard think of Charlemagne?
Einhard maintains that Charlemagne was exceedingly fond of all his family, friendly to “foreigners,” lively, athletic (even playful at times), and strong-willed.
Why did notker write about Charlemagne?
Einhard’s main reason for writing this description of Charlemagne’s reign is just to inform people of what he believe to be the reign of the greatest ruler of all time. He seemed proud to have lived at the same time as Charlemagne. He thought Charlemagne made no mistakes in the wars he was involved with.
Who was notker to Charlemagne?
NOTKER BALBULUS
After Charlemagne’s death he was a loyal servant of Louis the Pious, and he died in 840. NOTKER BALBULUS ( The Stammerer) was born near the monastery of St Gall, in Switzerland, around 840, and entered the monastery as a boy. He wrote his account of Charlemagne for the Emperor Charles the Fat between 884 and 887.
What does einhard consider to be Charlemagne’s greatest legacy?
This was a seismic geopolitical shift: Aachen and Paderborn became the ‘new Rome’, and what had once been the barbarian hinterland became the new heart of European politics. This is Charlemagne’s most significant legacy, outliving the collapse of kingdoms and empires and enduring to this day.
How reliable was einhard as Charlemagne’s biographer?
Most biographies of the Middle Ages related only good deeds of their subject, with many embellishments to improve their subject. Einhard’s biography, however, is considered, for the most part, to be a trustworthy account of Charlemagne’s life. It is considered an excellent account of earlier Medieval life.
What was the purpose of the life of Charlemagne?
He embarked on a mission to unite all Germanic peoples into one kingdom, and convert his subjects to Christianity. A skilled military strategist, he spent much of his reign engaged in warfare in order to accomplish his goals. In 800, Pope Leo III (750-816) crowned Charlemagne emperor of the Romans.
How does einhard portray Charlemagne?
Einhard described Charlemagne as an imposing figure, his features creating an appearance that was “masterful and dignified.” (76) When entertaining or attending proper functions he dressed in a manner reflective of his status and his Frankish pride, though typically he wore common clothing.
What is life of Charlemagne by Notker the Stammerer?
LibriVox recording of “Life of Charlemagne” by Notker the Stammerer, read by LibriVox Volunteers. Notker’s work consists of anecdotes relating chiefly to the Emperor Charlemagne and his family. It was written for Charles the Fat, great-grandson of Charlemagne, who visited Saint Gall in 883.
What is the difference between the biographies of Charlemagne and Einhard?
While these two biographies of Charlemagne are classics of medieval literature, they differ in their points of view and focus. In the case of Einhard, he was a prominent member of the Royal court and hence was privy to the personal and official lives of the King.
Who wrote the first version of the life of Charlemagne?
The first version is titled ‘Life of Charles’ (original name Vita Caroli) and is written by Einhard. The second version is titled ‘Of Charlemagne’ (original name De Carolo Magno) and is thought to be authored by Notker the Stammerer, who is referred to in related publications as Monk of Saint Gall.
Is Notker the Stammerer’s biography accurate?
The alternate biography written by Notker the Stammerer (or Monk of Saint Gall) comes across as less academic and more light-hearted. Here, the author takes several literary liberties and seems to sacrifice historical accuracy in order to achieve aesthetic effect. The language is florid and the picture painted of the King larger than life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W55tN7UkBsU
