Few works of literature have proven to be as enduring and pervasive as those that have their roots in emergence of Christianity. The Gospel of Matthew and Einhard’s Life of Charlemagne alike both focus on the lives of romanticized leaders integral to the establishment and lasting impact of the religion. Although the depictions of Jesus of Nazareth and Charlemagne have much in common, their roles within their respective societies were very different. Through analysis of these historical characters preserved in prose, it is evident that their alikeness and dissimilarities can be attributed to the ultimate goal of the author in crafting the piece. The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four synoptic gospels, bridges the gap between the Old and New
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Matthew’s Gospel illustrates Jesus as a benevolent leader that was both compassionate and resilient. He is portrayed as an almost magical and superior being, and soon after his birth is dubbed “king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). It seems as though every aspect of the child is enchanted. He suddenly “appeared” before John the Baptist to be baptized in the Jordan – soon afterward, “the heavens opened” and the voice of God descended, proclaiming that Jesus is his “Son, the Beloved”, making it clear that this boy was no ordinary one (Matthew 3:17). Even in his younger years, Jesus is characterized as awe-inspiring. Subsequently, he entered the desert and remained there without food or water and resisting satanic temptation, and emerged uninjured and victorious forty days later. Thereafter, the thus declared Son of God drew crowds of people wherever he traveled, who were eager to hear all he had to say. To quench their seemingly insatiable appetite for his wisdom, Jesus gave a speech on a mountain, better known as his Sermon on a Mount. In this address to his disciples, Jesus affirmed the omnipresent importance of humility, acceptance, and the importance of treating your neighbor as you would want to be yourself. Additionally, …show more content…
Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was King of the Franks, King of the Lombards, and Holy Roman Emperor. He was arguably one of the most capable and accomplished military rulers of his time, the details of which have been recorded for future generations by Charlemagne’s loyal advisor, Einhard. He is portrayed as a physically strong and confident leader and conqueror that used his military prowess to further the church. For example, Einhard describes Charles as “strong and well built” and “tall in stature”. The Emperor “always appeared masterful and dignified,” spoke distinctly, and embodied the physical attributes that are universally associated with a strong leader (Einhard 76). Einhard spends a decent portion of the text establishing Charlemagne’s physical capability, but also comments on his intangible authoritative skills such as “intellectual qualities” and “extraordinary strength of character” (Einhard 73). Above all, Einhard focuses on Charlemagne’s military success. He carefully traces the military conquests that aided in expanding his empire, and just how the Emperor would always press “on energetically with the expedition…refusing to withdraw from a campaign already started or to abandon a task undertaken” (Einhard 59). The mental image of the leader described is strong, capable, and would not surrender. Einhard’s version of the conquest waged by Charlemagne
Matthew’s Gospel illustrates Jesus as a benevolent leader that was both compassionate and resilient. He is portrayed as an almost magical and superior being, and soon after his birth is dubbed “king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). It seems as though every aspect of the child is enchanted. He suddenly “appeared” before John the Baptist to be baptized in the Jordan – soon afterward, “the heavens opened” and the voice of God descended, proclaiming that Jesus is his “Son, the Beloved”, making it clear that this boy was no ordinary one (Matthew 3:17). Even in his younger years, Jesus is characterized as awe-inspiring. Subsequently, he entered the desert and remained there without food or water and resisting satanic temptation, and emerged uninjured and victorious forty days later. Thereafter, the thus declared Son of God drew crowds of people wherever he traveled, who were eager to hear all he had to say. To quench their seemingly insatiable appetite for his wisdom, Jesus gave a speech on a mountain, better known as his Sermon on a Mount. In this address to his disciples, Jesus affirmed the omnipresent importance of humility, acceptance, and the importance of treating your neighbor as you would want to be yourself. Additionally, …show more content…
Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was King of the Franks, King of the Lombards, and Holy Roman Emperor. He was arguably one of the most capable and accomplished military rulers of his time, the details of which have been recorded for future generations by Charlemagne’s loyal advisor, Einhard. He is portrayed as a physically strong and confident leader and conqueror that used his military prowess to further the church. For example, Einhard describes Charles as “strong and well built” and “tall in stature”. The Emperor “always appeared masterful and dignified,” spoke distinctly, and embodied the physical attributes that are universally associated with a strong leader (Einhard 76). Einhard spends a decent portion of the text establishing Charlemagne’s physical capability, but also comments on his intangible authoritative skills such as “intellectual qualities” and “extraordinary strength of character” (Einhard 73). Above all, Einhard focuses on Charlemagne’s military success. He carefully traces the military conquests that aided in expanding his empire, and just how the Emperor would always press “on energetically with the expedition…refusing to withdraw from a campaign already started or to abandon a task undertaken” (Einhard 59). The mental image of the leader described is strong, capable, and would not surrender. Einhard’s version of the conquest waged by Charlemagne