Two Lives of Charlemagne
Two Lives of Charlemagne contains two different accounts of the life and times of the legendary Frankish King. Einhard’s Life of Charlemagne, written as a close friend and advisor, gives an intimate look at the private, military and religious life of one of the greatest medieval rulers of the time. In contrast, Notker’s Charlemagne, written decades later, is more a collection of fables than historical fact. Notker’s work contains some historical information but is mainly comprised short stories about the great and heroic deeds of the noble Charlemagne. However, Notker’s anecdotes enable the reader to understand why Charlemagne becomes such a legendary literary figure. Two Lives of Charlemagne provides a balance of the historical and the legendary Charlemagne. The two biographies also give an overview of the life of a powerful king and the nobility that surround him. ... Evidence contained in Two Lives of Charlemagne creates the opinion that the use of marriage for political gain causes conflict between those who are involved within the union. ... Two people brought together for the purpose of political stability or the increase of wealth and stature can also be broken apart for the same reasons. ... Charlemagne’s first marriage was arranged for political security. After his campaign against the Longobards, Charlemagne’s mother encouraged him to marry the daughter of Desiderius, King of the Longobards. ... 162) Charlemagne married Desiderius’s daughter. ... “He bound his neighbours to him by oath, shut himself up within the walls of Pavia and prepared to do battle with the invincible Charlemagne. ... The broken vows not only offended those family members of the bride but it caused a gathering of those that had held resentment towards Charlemagne. Charlemagne’s break from his marriage contract to Desiderius’s daughter caused an assembly of all those who felt they had grievances against Charlemagne.