Characteristics Of Charlemagne

Was Charlemagne a Good or Bad King? In a creative poem named, “The Song of Roland” written between 1000 and 1300 A.D., it is portrayed that Charles the Great was a king that sees that honor in battle is worth more than right judgement and wisdom. This portrayal will be compared with a biography by Einhard called “Life of Charlemagne” written in 835 A.D. This document was written on request of Louis the Pious, who asked for the life story of Charlemagne to be documented. Louis was Charlemagne’s son and wanted to have his father’s true life story preserved. I will compare these documents to show that Charlemagne was a strict, but fair and loyal leader of the Franks and the Church. First I would like to make a clarification for this document and define the name Charlemagne. Translated into English Charlemagne means Charles the Great, both will be used through-out …show more content…
This example shows that he was a king of the people. You were allowed to approach him in his bedroom, very casually, to plead your case and receive a decision. One did not have to wait for court to start or to only approach him in the Throne Room. This is very different from the portrayal in “The Song of Roland” when it is said, “Spake Charles the Emperor: ‘Barons, give ear unto me, my lords. In council speak for my profit, yea, for you own, your words.’” (Sources, 132). This sounds like Charles is very conceded and will only meet with the Barons if it is within an official council. I would think someone who allows criminals into his bedroom while he is dressing to hear a case and give judgement would speak informally with his