Life of Charlemagne and The Characteristics of The Appearance in The Book

Introduction to Charlemagne's Physical Characteristics

In the “Life of Charlemagne,” author Einhard describes the appearance characteristics of Charlemagne as a physically strong and tall man. The author depicts the features of a leader during the old days when leadership and ruling people were mainly attributed to the physical strength of the body. Also, the author associates him with socialization, as indicated by being a cheerful and friendly man, which is a requirement for leaders to be social. While talking, the article clarifies that he communicated in a clear voice that did not correspond to his body size and position in society, as many would expect. This unique combination of traits highlights the multifaceted nature of Charlemagne's leadership, where both physical prowess and social intelligence played crucial roles.

The Characteristics of Appearance in Einhard's Work

Einhard, in his article “Life of Charlemagne,” describes his intense eating habits characterized by several meals, especially his favorite dishes like roasted meat and consuming drinks like wine. The writer signifies a protruding stomach with prominence, which indicated an abundance of wealth and power that Charlemagne possessed. The author is indicating how riches provide surplus since a poor person will not have much to eat, as meat and wine are normally afforded by the wealthy. Regarding the eating habits, there is a direct relationship with his physical body since Charlemagne developed a strong body that made him respectable as the emperor. However, in the “Life of Charlemagne” article, the writer has complained of Charlemagne’s eating habit as a challenge that emerged by complicating his health condition despite diet recommendations provided by his doctors. The author has indicated that Charlemagne was not following the instructions. This shows the common habit for most leaders assuming some important advice given, but they may not be willing to listen, especially when having personal interests. This reluctance to adhere to medical advice underscores a tension between personal indulgence and the responsibilities of leadership.

Charlemagne's Personal Style and Family Life

The writer has described Charlemagne as a person who loved unique dressing styles, especially the ones made locally instead of imported. As elaborated in the article, his dressing was characterized by wearing national clothes which included a linen shirt, linen breeches, and covered with a tunic fringed with silk and marten skins. The author has presented Charlemagne as a wealthy person from the items he used. From the article, it has been indicated that he had a sword, gold, and silver belt. Einhard has described Charlemagne as outgoing and loved to have fun, which is evident in his interest in swimming and riding on horseback or while on the chase, yet he did not like loneliness because he was regularly accompanied by his sons and daughters as well as the bodyguards. The author elaborates further on how Charlemagne loved his children; he educated them in liberal arts and introduced them to other activities like practicing war for boys and cloth making for girls. This shows how he loved prosperity for his children as he prepared them to be responsible for themselves so that they can be self-reliant by having different skills. Generally, the “Life of Charlemagne” reveals his responsibilities as a family man and a leader in the emperor as indicated by the author. His commitment to his children's education and well-being reflects a broader vision for the future of his lineage and empire.

Charlemagne's Relationship with Religion

The author praises Charlemagne as a God-fearing man. The article clarifies he respected men of God and worshiped through the Roman Church as he read religious books. To show his belief in God, the author reveals how Charlemagne supported the church by offering treasured gifts of gold, silver, or precious stones and wealth. This deep connection with the Church not only strengthened his spiritual life but also reinforced his political influence, as the Church played a significant role in medieval society.

References

Einhard. Life of Charlemagne. Translated by Samuel Epes Turner, Harper & Brothers, 1880.