Two Lives Of Charlemagne Analysis

The structure of Two Lives of Charlemagne is designed to let an audience learn about the history of the rule of Charles from two different perspectives. The first section is written by Einhard and the second section is written by Notker the Stammerer. One perspective views Charlemagne more like a human and the other account view Charlemagne as more pious and saint-like. The two different views of Charlemagne’s reign both coincide that Charlemagne was a generous ruler and was a great king and emperor. The first section is written by Einhard who claims to be one of the most qualified people to write about Charlemagne’s life, because of his association with him and his children. Einhard was born about two years after Charlemagne started ruling as king. Since he lived and witnessed Charlemagne’s life and rule, Einhard views Charlemagne as an actual human who was a great ruler and believed his greatness should be remembered. Einhard is similar to Herodotus, because he is writing out of
Notker was a monk who was born about 26 years after Charlemagne’s death. Since Notker never knew Charlemagne personally, he had to rely on outside sources. Notker views Charlemagne from a religious perspective. Notker can be compared to Saint Gregory who wrote about Saint Benedict from a very religious viewpoint and wrote about Benedict from a less humanistic perspective. Charlemagne is characterized as wise, pious, and giving. He is also constantly admonishing bishops and other religious leaders who are described as sinful or corrupt. Notker wrote about various religious leadership positions that Charlemagne would appoint different people to. He would also give people monasteries to lead. Notker frequently describes Charlemagne as the “unconquered Charles.” Overall, Notker views Charlemagne more as a protector and leader of the Roman Catholic church and views Charlemagne as more religious and virtuous than other