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An Uncelebrated Christian King

Many people in the modern world are familiar with Charlemagne and consider him to be the greatest Christian emperor of the Middle Ages. However, the majority of society has never learned much about the Christian king of England, Alfred the Great. The two kings were quite similar and lived in similar periods. They were both Christians and cared passionately for the propagation of education. As successful kings are, they were valiant and determined fighters. Despite their similarities, they also had several differences. Although they were both Christian, Alfred lived The Faith more than Charlemagne, who tended to pick and choose from Christian values. Charlemagne was constantly engaged in increasing his kingdom’s size, while Alfred persistently defended his lands from the Northmen. Charlemagne appreciated learning as did Alfred, but the latter was excellent in literacy whereas Charlemagne could not write. Ultimately, Charlemagne gained more fame and ruled a vaster empire, but Alfred was the greater ruler because he was thoroughly Christian in his diplomacy, national defense, military efforts, education, Faith, and private life.

The two kings were both diplomatic in different but effective ways. Charlemagne was a great and loyal comrade once his friendship was gained. Beneficial relationships were kept alive between the Franks and the Persians, Constantinople emperors, the pope, and even foreign common people. It was said of the Franks during this period, “Have the Frank for your friend, but not for your neighbor.” (Kolbe Reader Einhard 166) This is a statement that demonstrates just how ambitious and invasive the Franks were with Charlemagne as Emperor. However, Alfred was diplomatic in a more peaceful way. Although he was not as ambitious in conquest, it would be inaccurate to claim he was weak or submissive. During his reign, a great challenge was posed by the Northmen, who were constant and fierce in battle. Despite these difficulties, and without much aid from others, Alfred resisted their forces. He could not drive them from England, so he negotiated half of England to his rule and half to theirs. This treaty was, “…a kind of peace that they had never before concluded with anyone.” (Kolbe Reader Asser 199) King Alfred’s willingness to negotiate and act peaceably spared many lives from being lost. These actions would also lead to the conversion of the Danes, which gave the English people a high standard to forgive their enemies. “Realizing that it was impossible to drive the Vikings out, and believing it immoral to massacre them, Alfred converted them to Christianity and accepted their presence on English soil.” (New World Encyclopedia) If he had forced them out of England, so many souls would have never known Christ. Alfred’s diplomacy is a clear example of his wisdom in Christian leadership.

Although diplomacy is undeniably important, having a solid national defense has always been essential to the survival of any nation, especially during the Middle Ages. Charlemagne was quite effective in his national defense techniques, regardless of the challenges of ruling such a vast empire. As an aid to his army’s defenses, Charlemagne built up a powerful navy. Advising the people to constantly be ready for attack, “…he caused watch and ward to be kept in all the harbors, and at the mouths of rivers large enough to permit the entrance of vessels, to prevent the enemy from disembarking (Kolbe Reader Einhard 166) Charlemagne was mostly successful in defending his kingdom. It is indeed true that Alfred and Charlemagne lived in adjacent times and fought many of the same enemies, but Alfred might have had a more difficult time keeping his nation invader-free. This is not due to his deficiencies as a ruler, but the fact that his enemies lived just over an invisible border. They were his neighbors. Alfred also wished more than to simply keep his people safe by fighting because he, “…had the wisdom to realize that the sword, though powerful to defend, could settle nothing permanently and that only the conquest of the heart could endure.” (New World Encyclopedia) Nevertheless, Alfred ceaselessly kept his armies readied to defend the nation. Similar to the tactics of Charlemagne, Alfred developed a strong army and navy, and he built many strongholds in his kingdom. However, Alfred also cared for the lives and families of his men. Because of this, “The king had divided his army into two parts; so that they were always half at home, half out…”. (Kolbe Reader Anglo Saxon Chronicle 195) Although he may have had a more difficult time in defending his kingdom, Alfred the Great maintained a stout defensive system for his entire reign.

In military efforts, Charlemagne was a professional. Einhard’s “Life of Charlemagne,” tells of the many wars and conquests he engaged in. (Kolbe Reader Einhard 161-165) During certain periods in his reign, Charlemagne was dealing with numerous enemies at once. However, this did not slow him down. He was quick to aid those who asked for his help, especially if it were for a noble cause. In addition to aiding others, Charlemagne spent much time increasing his kingdom’s size. A few of the wars aimed at conquering territories were the Aquitanian war, the Lombard war, the Saxon war, and the Bavarian campaign. His many conquests resulted in an empire nearly double its size at the time of his accession. One of Charlemagne’s most reputable and memorable aspects was his constancy in war. The main question is whether this is truly reputable or simply a lust for land. On the other hand, Alfred is not famous for his conquests. His main battles were focused on preserving his kingdom from the ravages of the Northmen. He was the ideal Christian war leader because he did not have an unhealthy lust for land, but he was willing to fight when necessary. As Christ was, Alfred was stern with his unrepentant enemies and often merciful to them in their surrender. Asser writes of one occasion, “…the pagans had known the horrors of famine, cold, fear, and at last of despair…When the king heard their message he was moved to pity (Kolbe Reader Asser 199) Alfred demonstrated love for his neighbors, despite their constant unkindness to his people. Along with limiting foreign violence, Alfred put restrictions on blood feuds and punished disloyalty in his own country. He made a strong effort to discourage violence and encourage the pursuit of other means of negotiation. A foremost goal for Alfred was to discourage pagan brutality in his people by example and law. Subsequently, Charlemagne had many more conquests than Alfred, but Alfred defended his land, reformed his people, and accepted the presence of enemies on the soil to welcome them to his Faith.

An issue that was close to the hearts of both rulers was that of education and growth in knowledge. In Charlemagne’s palace, there was a high emphasis on education. Unlike many people in the Middle Ages, Charlemagne ensured his daughters received both book education and knowledge of manual tasks. He is told to have, “…both girls and boys instructed in the liberal arts, to which he also turned his attention.” (Kolbe Reader Einhard 167) Unfortunately, although he labored diligently to become literate, Charlemagne was unable to succeed in this area. Alfred, however, was excellent in literacy and is even rumored to have translated books into English. As a lover of wisdom, he too propagated the quest for knowledge in his kingdom. “In Alfred’s mind, learning was essential to his kingdom because it resulted in the acquisition of wisdom.” (Britannica) He opened a school for the people to attend so that all people, not only the wealthy, could obtain knowledge. Ironically, some of the scholars he invited to his court were from the Carolingian realm, the realm of Charlemagne’s family. (Britannica) There is no doubt that both kings were passionate about knowledge, but Alfred contributed more personally to the issue of illiteracy by translating books and setting an example in his private life.

The most distinguishing aspect between the two kings’ lives was their religious beliefs. The way these convictions translated over into their daily lives is the foremost proof that Alfred the Great was the paramount example of a Medieval Christian king. Outwardly, Charlemagne was a devout Catholic. He built the Basilica of the Holy Mother of God and repaired churches that were worn down. One of Charlemagne’s best Christian virtues was his tenderness for his friends. So deep was his care for those he loved, whether friend or family, that he would cry bitterly at their deaths. An excellent example he set for his people was that he, “…was a constant worshipper at this church as long as his health permitted, going morning and evening, even after nightfall, besides attending mass (Kolbe Reader Einhard 169) Alfred too was quite devout in both his external actions and his ruling style. He attempted to revive monasticism, but his endeavors were not fruitful. Establishing new monasteries did not yet draw men and women to the cloister, but a revival would occur after his death. One of Alfred’s most important interests was the study of theology. Alfred wanted to know these things to grow in love and service to the Lord. Learning as much as he was able from true divine revelation would help him develop a deep relationship with God. He also fostered the study of Latin and other religious studies in his kingdom, “…for only through learning could men acquire wisdom and live in accordance with God’s will.” (Britannica) Throughout his life, Alfred strove to please the Lord in both his private and public works.

Although public works and actions of a civil leader are important, the true example of a person’s character is derived from their private life. Charlemagne did many beneficial and noteworthy things in his private life, but there also lie his main errors. Lamentably, Charlemagne’s external faith did not always translate well to his personal beliefs and actions. One of the major issues is with his many marriages and concubines. It has been recorded that, “He married five times, divorced several of his wives, had six concubines, and…forbade his daughters to marry but instead allowed them to have children by their paramours.” (Hitchcock 117) This is, without a doubt, contrary to the instructions of the Catholic Church. Charlemagne’s disobedience did not stop there but even forced its way into his public works. Against the advice of his monk advisor, he engaged in forced conversions that often resulted in the slaughter of thousands of people. (Hitchcock 117) Charlemagne also took undue control over Church affairs, sometimes leaving the bishop position of a diocese vacant to collect its revenue. (Hitchcock 118) It cannot be argued that Charlemagne was an authentically holy ruler when one looks at the ugliness of several of his actions.

On the other hand, Alfred remained fairly consistent with his Christian beliefs. He married one woman, Ealhswith, and they had six children. Like Charlemagne, he attended Mass and received the Sacraments. Alfred remained obedient to Church teachings in his private actions, beliefs, and works. Instead of seeking to conquer and suppress other nations, he sought to keep peace and develop his people. As king, “…he recovered and extended the Anglo-Saxon political culture, infusing it with the spirit of Christ (New World Encyclopedia) Alfred brought Christianity to the people with whom he dealt by his public and private examples, as a magnanimous Christian ruler ought.

Once people research the two great kings, they will most likely conclude that Alfred is an eminent Christian ruler because he clung to the Faith in all his actions, personal or public. All he propagated, from the studies of theology to the decrease of violence, were thoroughly Catholic. He was the paramount ruler of the two kings. Although they both loved and encouraged education, Charlemagne never gained the ability to write, whereas Alfred spent much time translating texts for the English people. Both kings had excellent foreign relations with the pope and various other nations. In war, they were fierce, and in times of peace, they labored to develop their kingdoms. The main difference between the two is that Charlemagne lived a corrupt private life while Alfred seems to have been just as Christian in private as he was in public. The most significant thing to take away from Alfred and Charlemagne is that no matter how one presents themself in public, one’s attitude will always reflect their hidden actions. It is a reminder that what makes great rulers is not rhetoric, leadership skills, or bravery in battle, but steadfastness to virtue in all things. Alfred did not allow himself to become perverted behind the curtains of privacy, and he was greatly respected by both foreigners and his people as a holy Catholic king. Charlemagne was also respected, but his honor came primarily from war and conquest. One must take the examples of these two great rulers and decide which character they want to have. If a person can remember that virtue is the only way to happiness, they will choose to live as Alfred did. He strove to please the Lord. For this reason, most of those who study Alfred come to appreciate the greatest, although uncelebrated, Catholic king of the Middle Ages.

Works Cited

Whitelock, Dorothy. "Alfred". Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alfred-king-of-Wessex.

Hitchcock, James. History of the Catholic Church. Ignatius Press, 2012, pp. 116-18, etc.

Unknown. “Alfred the Great.” New World Encyclopedia, 16 May 2021, https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Alfred_the_Great.

Williamson, Mitch. “Alfred the Great’s Defence Against the Vikings”. Weapons and Warfare, 20 July 2020, Alfred the Great’s defence against the Vikings Weapons and Warfare.

Einhard. “Life of Charlemagne”. Era of Christendom Reader, Kolbe Academy Press, 2020, pp. 157-173.

Asser. “Life of King Alfred”. Era of Christendom Reader, Kolbe Academy Press, 2020, pp. 198-201.

Unknown. “Anglo Saxon Chronicle on Alfred the Great”. Era of Christendom Reader, Kolbe Academy Press, 2020, pp. 185-198.

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