| Charlemagne | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Real Name |
Charlemagne |
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Born |
2 April, 748 |
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Died |
28 January, 814 |
Origin[]
Charlemagne and Pippin the Hunchback, 10th century copy of a lost original, which was made back between 829 and 836 in Fulda for Eberhard von Friaul
Charlemagne was King of the Franks from 768, King of the Lombards from 774, and Emperor of what is now known as the Carolingian Empire from 800, holding these titles until his death in 814. He united most of Western and Central Europe, and was the first recognised emperor to rule in the west after the fall of the Western Roman Empire approximately three centuries earlier. Charlemagne's reign was marked by political and social changes that had lasting impact on Europe throughout the Middle Ages.
A member of the Frankish Carolingian dynasty, Charlemagne was the eldest son of Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon. With his brother, Carloman I, he became king of the Franks in 768 following Pepin's death and became the sole ruler three years later. Charlemagne continued his father's policy of protecting the papacy and became its chief defender, removing the Lombards from power in northern Italy in 774. His reign saw a period of expansion that led to the conquests of Bavaria, Saxony and northern Spain, as well as other campaigns that led Charlemagne to extend his rule over a large part of Europe. Charlemagne spread Christianity to his new conquests (often by force), as seen at the Massacre of Verden against the Saxons. He also sent envoys and initiated diplomatic contact with the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid in the 790s, due to their mutual interest in Iberian affairs.
In 800, Charlemagne was crowned emperor in Rome by Pope Leo III. Although historians debate the coronation's significance, the title represented the height of his prestige and authority. Charlemagne's position as the first emperor in the West in over 300 years brought him into conflict with the Eastern Roman Empire in Constantinople. Through his assumption of the imperial title, he is considered the forerunner to the line of Holy Roman Emperors, which persisted into the nineteenth century. As king and emperor, Charlemagne engaged in a number of reforms in administration, law, education, military organization, and religion, which shaped Europe for centuries. The stability of his reign began a period of cultural activity known as the Carolingian Renaissance.
Charlemagne died in 814 and was laid to rest at Aachen Cathedral in Aachen, his imperial capital city. He was succeeded by his only surviving son, Louis the Pious. After Louis, the Frankish kingdom was divided and eventually coalesced into West- and East Francia, which later became France and the Holy Roman Empire, respectively. Charlemagne's profound impact on the Middle Ages and influence on the territory he ruled has led him to be called the "Father of Europe" by many historians. He is seen as a founding figure by multiple European states and a number of historical royal houses of Europe trace their lineage back to him. Charlemagne has been the subject of artworks, monuments and literature during and after the medieval period and is venerated by the Catholic Church.
In Germanic mythology, Wayland Smith is a master blacksmith attributed to have made various swords for Charlemagne and his paladins.
In French Folklore, Roland was the lord of the Breton March, a Frankish military commander loyal to King Charlemagne of France. Roland and "The Twelve Peers" were elite Christian warriors who helped Charlemange defend Europe against the invading forces of the Saracens.
In Orlando Innamorato And Orlando Furioso, Bradamante, a female Christian knight in the service of Charlemagne. She falls in love with a Saracen warrior named Ruggiero but refuses to marry unless he converts from Islam.
In Shakespeare's stories, among other writers, King Oberon aided Huon of Bordeaux who had accidentally killed Charlot, the son of Emperor Charlemagne.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Charlemagne before January 1, 1929 are public domain.
Notable appearances are listed here.
Some Notable Appearances are listed below:
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Song of Roland
- Orlando Innamorato
- Orlando Furioso
- Adelchi
Public Domain Comic Book Appearances[]
- Jumbo Comics #121
- Thrilling Adventures in Stamps Comics #5 - This issue includes a tale of Charlemagne and the Black Knight based on the stamp Belgium Charlemagne 1946 Scott #8427 1FR+50C Violet.
- Adventures into the Unknown #116
- More Fun Comics #23
- Young Heroes #37 - Athel was the prince and champion of the small and primitive Thuringian tribe. In the year 782, as a mere lad, Athel held his own in a duel against the hero Roland, but before their duel was concluded, news came of a Saracen invasion. Athel led the Thuringians against the Saracens, to assist Roland in driving them back. Athel was then brought before Charlemagne, where he was knighted and dubbed "Prince Fearless."
- Picture Stories from World History #2
Notes[]
- During World War Two, Captain Robert Britain, a British pilot, falls into a German resistance group's castle, where he is attacked. But he manages to find an armor belonging to an ancient warrior of Charlemagne. Now converted into "Iron Ace" he defeats the Germans and escapes in a plane.
- The French referred to the King of Hearts as "Charles," named after either Charles VII of France or Charlemagne.