1. Compare and contrast (note similarities and differences) the two accounts of Clovis’s conversion to Christianity in 496, from the fordham.edu webpage.
2. Summarize each of the following legends in 5-6 sentences for each one, telling how they contributed to the claim of the divine right of kings by the French monarchy: the origin of the fleur-de-lis, the Holy Phial, the oriflamme. In which legend does Queen Clothilda (Clovis’s wife) play a major role, and what does she do?
3. What does the fleur-de-lis symbolize? What does the oriflamme symbolize? Besides in France, where else can we see a fleur-de-lis, and on what? Describe what an oriflamme looks like, and give a brief history of it (5-6 sentences MAXIMUM — give relevant names, people, places, and dates). How does the oriflamme connect Clovis to Charlemagne (see the dream quote on the Clovis page!)?
4. Name the “peers”, or “paladins” of Charlemagne. Summarize the Battle of Roncesvalles: who was involved, what was the betrayal, what happened in the battle, what happened to Roland (= Orlando). When and where did the battle take place, and when was “The Song of Roland” written?
5. Who was Huon of Bordeaux and what did he do to enrage Charlemagne? What tasks did Charlemagne give him as a punishment, and where did he have to go? Describe how the fairy king Oberon helps Huon in his labors. How does Huon’s story end?
What struck you the most? What else did you find?
6. As in the first module, single out the most interesting thing you learned in THIS module, and describe how it appealed to you (preferably something you didn’t know before!). Then, briefly tell about a video or some pictures you found about Clovis and/or Charlemagne.
