Reasons For The Writing Of Charlemagne By Einhard

Einhard gives several reasons for his writing of Charlemagne. He writes to pay respect to his friend and writes as a way to remember him through history. Through this writing, Einhard expresses himself humbly and possibly inferior in social status. Einhard writes to pay respect to Charlemagne, partly because he believes he is indebted to Charlemagne. Einhard mentions the "foster care bestowed on [him]" as a reason for his writing. In this way, Einhard regards the foster care as a debt he can repay through his writing. Einhard also worries he will be criticized by others as ungrateful if he "forgot the many kindness [Charlemagne] conferred upon [him]."2 He wants to repay Charlemagne’s kindness, in writing, because he worries about not doing so. He also writes because he feels grateful to Charlemagne. Einhard recounts "the constant friendship [he] had with [Charlemagne] and his children" when Einhard was living at his court.3 This shows

He says he should record his observations "for the sake of posterity."4 As he mentions it himself, Einhard writes for future generations to read, implying that he may be the only one to record Charlemagne’s life. His fear of people forgetting about Charlemagne is further emphasized when he "attempted not to omit any of the facts that have come to [his] attention", despite possible criticism, "than to neglect the memory of so great a man." Einhard considers Charlemagne’s accomplishments deserving enough to be included in full detail in case he is forgotten throughout history. He would rather face criticism of his book and write about Charlemagne. Furthermore, Einhard believes that he can best portray Charlemagne and his achievements since he "was present and personally witnessed them, ... no one could write about these tings more truthfully than me."6 He believes his first hand account to be accurate and therefore should be the most qualified to write such an