#scepter of charlemagne

[royalty-nobility]

Napoleon I on the Imperial Throne

Artist: Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

Genre: Portrait

Date: 1806

Medium: OIl on Canvas

Location: Musée de l'Armée, Hôtel des Invalides, Paris

The painting shows Napoleon as emperor, in the costume he wore for his coronation, seated on a circular-backed throne with armrests adorned with ivory balls. In his right hand, he holds the scepter of Charlemagne. In his left hand, that of justice. On his head is a golden laurel wreath, similar to one worn by Julius Caesar. He also wears an ermine hood under the great collar of the Légion d'honneur, a gold-embroidered satin tunic and an ermine-lined purple velvet cloak decorated with gold bees. The coronation sword is in its scabbard and held up by a silk scarf. The subject wears white shoes embroidered in gold and resting on a cushion. The carpet under the throne displays an imperial eagle. The signature INGRES P xit is in the bottom left, and ANNO 1806 in the bottom right.

[worldhistoryfacts]

I bet you’re wondering where Charlemagne’s skull is. Well, the top part of it, at least, is inside this reliquary, which was created around the year 1350, probably at the insistence of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who idolized Charlemagne. 

We can find another late medieval depiction of Charlemagne on the scepter that was used by most of France’s kings after the 1370s, when it was created for Charles V:

{WHF} {Ko-Fi} {Medium}

[empiredesimparte]

Live broadcast of ‘Le Sacre de Napoléon V’ on the national channel Francesim 2, hosted by Stéphane Bernard

(Another journalist) The procession ascends the cathedral and reaches the choir. (Stéphane Bernard) Indeed, at the head of the procession, you'll notice the palace usher. He's closely followed by the heralds-at-arms, the Master of Ceremonies, the Grand Marshal, and most notably, by Prince Murat, who carries the Empress's crown.

(Stéphane Bernard) Here comes the Empress's procession, following behind the crown. She is surrounded by the women of the imperial family: Madame Mère, Madame Hortense, and the daughters of Prince Imperial Henri. In addition to the imperial mantle, the Empress wears the crown of Marie-Louise of Austria. (Another journalist) Why is the Empress already wearing a crown? (Stéphane Bernard) It's truly unprecedented, yes. During the ceremony, there's a moment dedicated to what we call the "regalia"… In truth, I'll tell you, this term wasn't really used back then. We talked more about ornaments or royal insignia. Deciphering all these symbols live… It's not easy, but… I would say that the Empress seems to be indicating that it's through her marriage that she acquired imperial dignity. As a result, today, she receives another crown: that of Francesim.

(Stéphane Bernard) His Holiness, Pope Gregorius XIX, takes his place near the imperial canopy, facing Their Majesties.

(Stéphane Bernard) And here comes the imperial procession advancing to the majestic sound of trumpets! Leading the way is the Grand Chamberlain, accompanied by the marshals of Francesim. He bears the cruciferous orb.

(Stéphane Bernard) Behind the Orb, Emperor Napoleon V advances in his Grand Habit de Sacre: a purple coat adorned with ermine fur. The laurel wreath of the Roman emperors rests on his head. The Emperor holds in his hands the scepters of Justice and of Charles V, and at his waist, rests the sword of Charlemagne, known as Joyeuse.

(Stéphane Bernard) His Majesty is surrounded by Their Imperial Highnesses, Prince Imperial Henri, and his son, Prince Philippe of Francesim. The procession is closed by the State counselors and members of the government.

⚜ Le Sacre de Napoléon V | N°9 | Francesim, Paris, 28 Thermidor An 230

The coronation ceremony begins in the choir of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. It was broadcast live on television by Stéphane Bernard, the famous journalist for the crowned heads in Francesim.

Beginning ▬ Previous ▬ Next

⚜ Traduction française

(Autre journaliste) Le cortège de l'Empereur remonte la cathédrale et rejoint le chœur. (Stéphane Bernard) Effectivement, en tête de cortège, vous remarquez l'huissier du palais. Il est suivi de près par les hérauts d'armes, le Maître de Cérémonie, le Grand Maréchal, et surtout, par le prince Murat qui porte la couronne de l'Impératrice. Car il s'agit aussi du sacre de l'impératrice.

(Stéphane Bernard) Voici le cortège de l'Impératrice, qui marche derrière la couronne. Elle est entourée des femmes de la famille impériale : Madame Mère, Madame Hortense, et les filles du prince impérial Henri. En plus du manteau impérial, l'impératrice porte la couronne de Marie-Louise d'Autriche. (Autre journaliste) Pourquoi l'impératrice porte-t-elle déjà une couronne ? (Stéphane Bernard) C'est vraiment inédit oui. Pendant la cérémonie, il y a un moment dédié à ce qu'on appelle les "regalia"... En vérité, je vous le dis, ce terme n'était pas vraiment utilisé à l'époque. On parlait plutôt d'ornements ou d'insignes royaux. Décrypter tous ces symboles en direct... N'est pas facile, mais... Je dirais que l'impératrice semble signifier que c'est par son mariage qu'elle a acquis la dignité impériale. De ce fait, aujourd'hui, elle reçoit une autre couronne : celle de Francesim.

(Stéphane Bernard) Sa Sainteté, le Pape Gregorius XIX, prend place près du dais impérial, en face de Leurs Majestés.

(Stéphane Bernard) Et voici le cortège impérial qui avance au son majestueux des trompettes ! En tête, le Grand Chambellan, accompagné des maréchaux de Francesim. Il porte l'orbe crucigère. Derrière l'Orbe, l'Empereur Napoléon V avançant dans son Grand Habit de Sacre : un manteau pourpre orné de fourrure d'hermine. La couronne de lauriers des empereurs romains repose sur sa tête. L'Empereur tient dans ses mains les sceptres de la Justice et de Charles V, et à sa taille, repose l'épée de Charlemagne, nommée Joyeuse.

(Stéphane Bernard) Sa Majesté est entouré par Leurs Altesses Impériales, le prince impérial Henri, et son fils, le prince Philippe de Francesim. Le cortège est fermé par les conseillers d'Etat et les membres du gouvernement.

[letsgethaunted]

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Welcome to hell mfs!

Image 01: Charlemagne, or “Charles The Great”, is often revered as the sole surviving hero of The Middle Ages. According to The Phantom Time Conspiracy, Charlemagne was not actually real, but rather a piece of political propaganda. Image 02: Charlemagne depicted as Catholic unifier of Medieval Europe and Holy Roman Emperor (Left). Charlemagne statue in St. Peter’s Basilica (Right). Image 03: Surviving physical evidence of Charlemagne includes numerous relics consisting of real bones; However, the relics of Charlemagne are few of the only surviving artifacts from The Middle Ages. Could these relics be forged or fakes? Image 04: After Charlemagne’s death in 814, his body was exhumed multiple times to collect relics and further the political motives of his successors. Image 05: The legend states Charlemagne’s corpse was found seated on a throne with scepter in hand and gospels in lap; However, the body was reburied in a Roman inspired sarcophagus (top) and later in a golden coffin (bottom). Image 06-07: In 1991, German historian Heribert Illig claimed in his book that The Middle Ages never happened, the Julian calendar had been faked, and Charlemagne was fabricated as part of a political conspiracy between Pope Gregory and Otto III to claim the Holy Roman Empire. Image 08: Antipope Gregory. Sneaky much? Image 09: Among proof of his theory, Heribert points out that architecture during The Middle Ages barely changed at all. Image 10: Romanesque Revival Architecture refers to architecture that mimicked Roman style. Could this be because The Middle Ages never happened? What do you guys think of this episode?!

[skitskatdacat63]

It's fine though bcs I can still use my Baroque knowledge 🤭 we talked about that one very well known Louis XIV painting, and I'm sitting there like...damn I know way too much about this era. If you sit next to me in this art history class, you WILL be learning fun facts

Some things I pointed out :D

- the red heels!!! The fashion of the time!!!(the girl next to me was kinda grimacing looking at them after I explained it was the men's fashion of the time fhfjfk)

- ^ and alongside that, the significance of him having his legs out like that, cause he's showing them. Barking cause I was literally discussing how I feel a bit insane abt stockings and garters the other day 😭

- The holy scepter and crown of course!(lol tho I think the Austrian ones are way sexier) Also that hand thing next to it, which I think is a symbol of divine right? Which my prof had never noticed before! And was freaking out after we pointed it out

- the coronation robes(I made her grimace again explaining that its made out of stoat fur, and their tails specifically are those little black bits)

- the chivalry collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit(tfw I pointed this out after my prof asked us to point out signs of his king identity, and she's like, well I don't know much about that so. BUT I DO 😭😭😭 I feel very insane about it particularly cause there's a lot of implications with Philip V, aka boy king Fernando, having to do with that. But yeah chivarly necklace. Amazing to me!)

- The sword of Charlemagne(okay but why does HE have that!? Shouldn't that belong to the Holy Roman Empire? 😭)

- The wig(yet again, explaining old fashion to people who aren't invested in it is soooo funny. But I personally love periwigs)

There's other things but this is stuff I knew purely cause I'm a nerd abt this era 😭 sitting there shaking trying not to spout a billion fun facts to my seat neighbor about this era in history and royalty, and how actually Vienna is way coole- 😭

"Italian baroque," "French baroque," "Dutch baroque," WHAT ABOUT AUSTRIAN BAROQUE ☹️☹️

[benjaminmoorepaint]

Si César m'avait donné la gloire et la guerre...

aka what does Combeferre's song actually mean, anyway?

In the Hugoverse, Caesar=Napoleon, usually. You'll quickly find that comparison in the Waterloo chapters and during Marius's "discovery" of Napoleon. The reasons for this are pretty obvious if you know these historical figures...both renowned military leaders and conquerors, both powerful emperors, and (most significantly) both instrumental to the downfall of their republics. Napoleon himself admired Caesar and wrote a commentary on his battles while exiled on St. Helena.

Sure, we make fun of Marius a lot on here for it, but his position isn't incomprehensible. Even the most ardent republican couldn't argue against the extent of France's international power and military strength under Napoleon. (And they don't.)

(the extent of the First French Empire and its colonies, from Wikipedia)

“Pardieu!” exclaimed Courfeyrac (“Parbleu” was falling into disuse at this period), “that number 18 is strange and strikes me. It is Bonaparte’s fatal number. Place Louis in front and Brumaire behind, you have the whole destiny of the man, with this significant peculiarity, that the end treads close on the heels of the beginning.”

Enjolras, who had remained mute up to that point, broke the silence and addressed this remark to Courfeyrac:—

“You mean to say, the crime by the expiation.”

Courfeyrac, being clever and witty as always: Louis XVIII, 18 Brumaire (the end of the French Revolution and Napoleon's rise to power) 18 June, 1815: Waterloo; all sum up the rise and fall of Napoleon. "the end treads close on the heels of the beginning" refers to the aptly named Restoration (of the Bourbon monarchy, putting Louis XVIII on the throne) that followed Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.

Enjolras: then the redress for the crime, Napoleon (Waterloo) itself caused a crime (the Restoration).

This remark from Enjolras is of course absolutely heretical to Marius and he goes off on his tangent:

"...to follow in a single man, Hannibal, Cæsar, Charlemagne; to be the people of some one who mingles with your dawns the startling announcement of a battle won [...] to make the French Empire a pendant to the Roman Empire, to be the great nation and to give birth to the grand army, to make its legions fly forth over all the earth [...] to conquer the world twice, by conquest and by dazzling, that is sublime; and what greater thing is there?”

“To be free,” said Combeferre.

Combeferre's response is fairly straightforward: However great the might of Napoleon and the Empire, the liberties of the people were still being suppressed. Among other things, Napoleon censored the press, established conscription, and reinstated slavery. And most importantly (to them) the Republic had been dismantled.

His song is a rewrite of "Si le roi m'avait donné" (listen to the tune here):

If Caesar had given me glory and war

That I must abandon the love of my mother

I would say to great Caesar:

Take back your scepter and chariot

I love my mother more, alas!

I love my mother more.

Enjolras's "my mother is the Republic" thing isn't just him being weird and dramatic about his own personal devotion to the cause--he's very deliberately emphasizing Combeferre's point:

If the Republic is the mother--and it is! where Caesar and Napoleon both rose to power--then Caesar/Napoleon are asking us to give up the Republic (which they did) for the glories of war and conquest.

But our republicans respond with a resounding "uh, no." aka: Marius's whole argument about the greatness of the Empire and military power and conquest? It's not worth it! Not if you have to give up the Republic for it.

And Marius can barely comprehend this because his brain is working on a completely different wavelength where he has not even considered that "greatness" isn't the most important thing.

Is Combeferre being just a tad dramatic about this? Well, yes, but it clearly has an effect on Marius...and also the effect of making him never want to go back to the Musain again. (I really can't blame him either.)

[erzherzog-von-edelstein]

Sacrality and Legitimacy

Summary: The evening before Charles V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor Austria shares a private moment with his husband. For the second day of @aphrarepairweek2021 for the prompt “royalty.”

Characters: Spain and Austria

Ship: SpaAus

Word Count: 1.4K

Austria regarded the glittering crown of the Holy Roman Empire in the low candle light. It was a beautiful glittering thing, set with images of saints. It had been a gift from Byzantium long ago, and it had been handed down from emperor to emperor.

In the morning the pope would place the crown on the head of Charles V, and legitimize his title in a way that had been done since the middle ages. It would also grant the shared crown of Austria and Spain unquestioned legitimacy.

The regalia was laid out carefully the night before, and Austria was making sure that everything was in order. The necessary pieces of the imperial coronation were very familiar to him since Maximilian was elected.

He ran his hand over the embroidered lining of the thick mantle, and then lightly touched each the scepter and crown in turn. The objects were familiar, and he knew that they were in the safekeeping of his royal family, but the reverence that he felt for them had never lessened. They were ancient pieces, endowed with sacred power. Beyond his own political power, which was rooted in Charlemagne’s empire, the holy relics of the empire made his heart beat faster.

He heard the sound of footsteps, but it didn’t alarm him. He had sent a message to Spain to offer him the chance of seeing the sacred regalia before the day. He turned to see the Spaniard standing behind him, as he had expected. If he had learned anything about Spain in the years that they had been married, it was that he had the greatest respect for the sacred and would enjoy the opportunity to be this close.

Spain looked like he had been prepared to go to sleep when he received the message. He had clearly thrown a cloak on over his chemise and not bothered to put on a doublet underneath. There was something incredibly sexy about seeing him in little more than his under-layers, with his hair tousled.

Austria had to focus on not staring at the neckline of his shirt, and the tempting glimpse of tanned skin beneath it. The time in the New World had given Spain’s skin a beautiful amber glow.

Though he found nothing particularly wrong with feeling lust for his husband, he knew that the point was to show him something that would be meaningful to him. He was certain that being able to see and touch the regalia was something that Spain desperately wanted.

Austria spoke,  “I see that you got my message.” Spain strode across the space with the air of a man who commanded the world. Once he was at Austria’s side he answered, “Of course I came as quickly as I could.”

He turned his gaze to the regalia, and his breath caught in his throat. He said, in a hushed voice, “The holy relics.”

For a moment, all of the bravado of a conquering empire vanished, and Austria was looking at a pious man overcome with emotions. He saw someone who had spent years of his life completely devoted to the church.

Silently, Austria watched as Spain’s eyes moved from the crown to the holy lance and the sword of Charlemagne, which had been transported from Aachen for the occasion. In the low light he could see the shimmer of water in Spain’s eyes.

He said, softly, “You can touch them if you want.”

Spain looked at him, and looked momentarily like a little boy who was terrified of doing something wrong in church. Austria was reminded for a moment that he really was still quite young, and had been a unified kingdom for less than a century. For all his confidence, he was still an emergent kingdom not entirely used to this position.

Spain said, “Can I really?” It was so odd to hear him ask for permission, since he rarely asked for it for anything else. But, on this subject he seemed hesitant, and in need of the reassurance. Austria put a hand on his shoulder and said, “You can, I promise.”

Only once Spain had nodded and reached out to touch the imperial cloak did he say, “You usually aren’t one to need permission for anything.”

Spain shook his head. His eyes were still full of wonder as he moved his hand from one item to the other. He was only touching them lightly with his fingertips, like he was worried that too much contact would be damaging.

He answered Austria, “For most things, I would not. But this-“ He put his hand on one of the most holy relics and drew in a breath through his nose, “This is the holy lance. The blade that pierced the side of our savior.”

He sounded like he was choked up, and Austria could see every bit of his piety. No one would ever accuse Spain of being fickle in his love of the church. Spain closed his eyes for a moment as he pressed his palm against the relic.

Austria allowed him the moment with silence. He had always known that he had married a man who prided himself on his faith, and he was not going to interrupt. But he did rub comforting circles on Spain’s shoulder, to remind him that he was not alone.

Spain moved his hand again and opened his eyes, drawing in a deep breath as he seemed to emerge from his revelry. Then, he blinked away the beginnings of tears.

Austria decided it was finally time to break the silence, and he asked, “What is wrong, my dear? Aren’t you happy?”

He had never seen Spain quite so emotional before, and it felt like he was seeing the man truly vulnerable moment. His voice was somewhat steady as he answered, “I never thought I would be able to have anything from my father. Everyone knows that bastards never inherit.”

Austria hoped that his touch was at least comforting, since he knew that the subject of legitimacy was a sensitive one. Spain put his hand very gently on the crown, and Austria could see the swell of emotions in his eyes.

He said, trying to remind Spain of how far he had come, “Tomorrow your king will be crowned Emperor of the Romans by the Pope. That is more legitimacy than blood could ever give you.” Spain turned to meet Austria’s eyes, and said, “Our king. I know that I have been granted this because of you.”

Austria felt his heart beat faster. He could see the gratitude in the other’s face and he was certain that he had never felt quite so in love. Their marriage had not been made for love, but as he looked at Spain he saw a young man overwhelmed with the feeling that he was finally coming into his own, and he could not love him more.

In the candle light, Spain looked soft and handsome, and very vulnerable. He replied, “It’s everything that you deserve, Antonio.”

Spain put his hand softly on Austria’s face, and seemed to struggle with his words for a moment. He finally managed to say, “You cannot imagine how much this means to me. This past decade God’s love has granted me so much. I have the empire that I always dreamed of.”

He drew in another breath to calm himself. Austria took the opportunity to say, “I do understand, Schatz. That’s why I invited you here.”

Spain nodded and the look in his green eyes was enough to melt Austria. He had not realized how desperately and deeply he loved the man he married. Spain replied, “Your love has given me just as much, and I am grateful to have you." He stroked Austria’s cheek with his thumb, and said quietly, “My Rodrigo. You are a blessing.”

He gently pulled Austria into a kiss. Austria leaned gratefully into it. He loved the touches, and he could feel the intensity behind the way their lips joined. The way that Spain was holding his face felt especially tender. His Spanish bull could be gentle when he tried.

The kiss felt like it lasted a pleasant eternity, until Spain finally broke it to take a breath. Austria didn’t want it to stop. This felt like one of the most intimate moments they had ever had, and he didn’t want it to end.

Spain slipped his arms around his husband’s waist and pulled him close. He whispered into his husband’s ear, “Come to bed with me, and I’ll make you feel like a king.” Austria nodded and kissed him one more time.

[puzzleless]

I've been bowing

I've been scraping

I've been lying like a rug

And for ten long years I've had to pay my dues

But today I am escaping

For the last gold has been dug

It was waiting there, so how could I refuse?

I'm returning home a hero

Who's discovered mighty wealth

And what better husband could a princess choose?

I'm the suitor who will suit her

Bring the kingdom back to health

And I'll wear the crown, for how could I refuse?

Raise every glass

And rouse every cheer!

Praise that the reign of Preminger is here!

Master in charge of all that I see

All hail me!

And by marrying the princess I get all that I desire

Like a moat

An ermine coat

And palace views

Even though she treats me coldly

It's a sign of inner fire

For inside she's thinking

"How can I refuse?"

MAN 1 (SPOKEN):

Right, except theres one little problem, boss.

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):

Thats Prince Boss to you!

MAN 1 (SPOKEN):

Right, the queen decided to marry off the princess to the king of Bahsena.

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):

What?! Making a decision without me?! Who does she think she is?

DUMB MAN (SPOKEN):

Uh, the Queen?

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):

You simpering simpleton!

DUMB MAN (SPOKEN):

Well, she is the Queen. Shes got a crown and a scepter and sits in her big fancy chair...

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):

Silencio!

No! I wont let go!

This peasant son wont turn and run because some reckless royal chose another beau

Ah... it's... a temporary setback

It's a momentary loss

But conviently my ego doesn't bruise

And the moment that I get back I will show them who's the boss

You can bet your bullion there'll be no "I do's"

Yes suppose the girl goes missing

And the king says "au revoir"

Then I find her

Bring her back and make the news

Then the queen will be so grateful

That she'll pledge the heir to moi

And I'll humbly tell her

"How can I refuse?"

When our ceremony's over

I'll arise and take the throne

And that nitwit Anneliese can kiss my shoe

For the kingdom and the castle will be mine and mine alone

If the crown should fit then how can I refuse?

ALL: So get ready with the roses and stand by with the champagne

When you've got a brilliant plan you never lose

Yes before the chapter closes

I'll be as big as Charlemagne

It's a thankless job but how can I refuse

How can I refuse?

[faroreswinds]

Well, there is quite a lot to handle here. This was a much longer response than I expected. I’ll try to go over them as thoroughly as possible. 

First of all, if we are to discuss religion as proof of the Divine Right to Rule as a feature in FE, ironically it is Edelgard and Byleth that both use the most imagery in this regards. 

Honestly, most of FE actually approves of the Divine Right to Rule in general. Engage, Heroes, Awakening, Fates, etc, all have rulers or leaders who are descendants of individuals who have received blessings from gods, or blessings from godlike beings. Houses is actually an outlier in this, in that it somewhat (and I do mean somewhat) challenges this notion. 

But it doesn’t take it very seriously, not in any meaningful manner. You still have 3 of the 4 routes where those with what you claim to be the Divine Right to Rule as an equal and happy ending as to that found in CF. In fact, in two of them, the real reincarnation of the Goddess has become the God-King of Foldan. Which was the original ending imagined by the developers, as we know from the Famitsu article from way back in.... 2017, I believe? 

As for Edelgard and Byleth, where I mentioned they used the most Divine Right to Rule imagery, let us first briefly look at Byleth. 

Byleth’s ending mural is similar to that of Pope Gregory XI Returning From Avignon. Although the general meaning is different (the Pope was not really being crowned as ruler here while Byleth is), the idea of a religious figure being carried by the masses “back home” absolutely is captured. 

Byleth is essentially being equated to the Pope here, who is one of the most powerful and identifiable religious figures in the real world. 

As for Edelgard, her imagery is also pretty direct. 

Edelgard evokes the image of Napoleon I on His Imperial Throne. It is a painting meant to showcase his legitimate claim to the throne, approved of by God. 

First of all, the statue of Zeus was used as inspiration for the pose. This pose was not only meant to be used for the presentation of sovereignty, but was also a common pose for Christian iconology. We see this iconology in works like Ghent Altarpiece, of which Napoleon's pose was also inspired by the figure of God the Father.

In his right hand, he holds the Scepter of Charlemagne, which was a scepter used by French monarchs during their coronation. It had been donated to the abbey of Basilica of Saint-Denis long before Napoleon took the throne, which is where French monarchs were buried from the 10th century to the 19th century. In essence, the church and the scepter were of religious importance to the sovereignty of France.

In his left hand, he holds the Hand of Justice. It is, quite literally, the Hand of God in a blessing gesture, meant to symbolize the French sovereign's right to rule by being appointed by the divine God. It was made specifically for Napoleon.

While obviously Edelgard's pose is not completely identical to that of Napoleons, it is very close. She even bares the the Hand of Justice, just in her right hand instead of her left. And the Scepter is instead her weapon.

If we are to lay blame on the nobility and Foldan for using Crests as proof of a Divine Right to Rule, then both Byleth and Edelgard are not exception from this imagery.

In fact, Hopes exemplifies this further, with Edelgard actively using her reformed Southern Church to use Divine Right that the Empire has the right to rule over all of Foldan. This is an active story point in AG in particular.

This is the issue with merely calling out Rhea and nobility on any form of using the Divine Right to rule when basically everyone, including Edelgard, uses religion as a means to have control. You would have to be ok with hypocrisy in saying it is ok if one side does it, but not the other.

There is another issue too, one I see time and time again in regards to Rhea and her acclaimed passiveness. There seems to be an idea running rampant in the fandom that Rhea had complete and total control over Foldan, and by not actively not aggressively putting down those who abuse Crests, she is therefore simply allowing its use among the nobles.

This is a rather simplistic view on the issue at hand, and ignores other evidence to the contrary. We know that nobility existed before the Church became prominante Foldan. We also know that Rhea does not approve of Crest abuse - it is quite literally in their holy book. We also know that the Church does not really have total control over Foldan. You could argue it has more control in some areas versus others, but not total control.

After all, the Church was completely kicked out of the Empire. And we know from Seteth that the nobles have power to strong-arm the Church into doing giving into them. These concepts cannot exist if Rhea had legit control over Foldan.

We also know that reform is possible without Rhea being removed from power, thanks to Hopes. Edelgard manages to reform her nation just fine, until she decides to remove the Central Church from the equation. Why? Because Edelgard wants to unite all of Foldan, and the Central Church and the other nations will be in the way of that.

Now turning our attentions to Foldan on the whole, and the concept of the Three Kingdoms, you are not wrong in that Foldan is treated as a fractured nation rather than three independent sovereign states. But this is where fans, and the game itself, sort of have a twisted view on history.

The Three Kingdoms is based on an actual event in China, where there was a period of time where China was fractured into three "kingdoms" until its eventual reunification. And yes, it does sound a lot like Foldan based on that very simple explanation.

But the Three Kingdoms differ from Foldan in that the Three Kingdoms was a period of constant war for about a 100 years. It was one of China's bloodiest periods. It was a terrible time. And in the grand scheme of human history, a blip on the radar. For only about a 100 years did this event occur, and there were really only 3 kingdoms for even less than that. The war started in 184, but there weren't just 3 kingdoms until 220, and it was finally a single nation by 280.

You also brought up Germany and its brief separation during the World War. It was separated for even less time than that of China, a mere 50 years or so (rounding). And it was only physically separated for 30 years. Funnily enough, though, Germany was not an inspiration for Foldan. Adrestia was inspired by Italy. Faerghus is France. And Leicester is a mixture of both of these. This is based on dev interviews, not my personal guesses.

That is not really comparable to Foldan. 30-60 years is not a big enough period of time for there to be a strong nationalistic identity full of ancient history.

Foldan has been three nations for 300 years. For comparison sake, this would be akin to the United States for time-wise of their existence as we know them now. And that's just for the Alliance. The Kingdom is 700-800 years old. This would be as old as Monoca, or the Netherlands.

And during this time, these three nations honestly saw a lot of stability between each other. Unlike Three Kingdoms, which was a period of war for 100 years and only three kingdoms for about 60 of it, Foldan saw only three internal wars during the course of 1000 years and has been at least 2 nations for at least 700 of that. That's honestly impressively peaceful. We can't even say that has happened in the real world now.

That is my issue with the comparison. It's hardly comparable other than superficial connections that ignore the important differences. We are effectively saying that a nation with 700 years of history does not have the right to exist because once upon a time, it was part of a larger nation. Meanwhile, the Three Kingdoms was effectively a 100 year civil war. Fodlan is a civil war that already happened long ago. The war Edelgard started is an entirely separate war.

As to your point about conquerors, we cannot pretend that they are on equal footing. This would be dishonest. Edelgard set out to take over all of Foldan. Claude and Dimitri in Houses set out merely to stop her. Dimitri didn't even conquer the Alliance, it was just handed to him. In Hopes, Claude made a grab for land during the war, but Dimitri absolutely did not.

So even if I was to agree that they were all conquers, their conquests and why there were conquests are not equal by any measure.

The idea of progressive and conservative in the context of the Foldan lords is honestly meaningless, and I never can understand why people bring it up. Neither lord fits snuggly into the idea of a "progressive" or a "conservative". Edelgard doesn't believe in hereditary positions of power, but she also believes people should pull each other by their bootstraps, which would be a conservative ideology. She believes Emperor should have total power, and believes in restoring Adrestia to make it great again, as it were.

Claude proposes democratic votes for Kingship, but also still believes in some form of monarchy, especially during times of war, where he believes democratic decisions must be handed over to a single individual. He believes in completely open borders.

Dimitri is more accepting of religion, and believes faith is necessary for society. He doesn't have any particular grievances about a monarchy either. But he also believes in social welfares, that the leaders should serve the people, and that the people should be involved in politics even if they aren't nobles or in positions of power.

This is just a mixture of beliefs, and I can hardly call Edelgard more progressive than the other two.

I don't deny why those who consider themselves leftist and/or queer would be drawn to Edelgard, but as a left-leaning queer myself, I find most of this is wishful thinking. That most fans project what they wish to see on the characters, rather than what the game is actually saying about them.

A good guy, in my opinion, would not force their own beliefs on two sovereign nations because they believe their way is the right way. Two sovereign nations that have existed for 300-700 years.

As for Dimitri, it is quite clear that you have not read much of my blog. I do not view Dimitri as straight, but as a queer coded man in love with his vassal, and in turn his vassal in love with him. We already know from Hopes that just because a character does not end up with same-sex Byleth, doesn't mean they are not queer. Shamir is explicitly bi in Hopes, but is unable to romance F!Byleth in any capacity. Self-insert romance is hardly an indicator of romantic attraction in Foldan.

He is a man obsessed with the last family member he ever had who is killing his people. A man who killed invaders. A man who views even a single killing as a moral, unforgivable sin.

If Edelgard's story resonates with you, I have little to say to that. But as a queer person myself, if I had to choose between a queer conqueror who wants me to pull myself up by my bootstraps and uses religion to control people but hey at least you might be chosen to be in charge, or a monarch who makes slow changes, but stable changes to society and promotes commoners to take part in politics, I will go with the later.

A revolution? How dare I even suggest violence when violence is shown to not be the answer in Foldan's need for reform.

I'm amazed that even after 3+ years we're still having people refusing to admit that the Ladle and by extension the Empire are the antagonists. She's not a mustache twirling villain like the Slithers are, but she's still doing and causing bad things. Like even if the game gives her a hefty amount of sympathy, it shouldn't be hard to deduce that conquering two countries over misguided information and revanchist nationalism and trying to extinct a race that had already suffered a genocide while spewing out racist rhetoric are not heroic at all.

Ah, but you see, that is not what people see. They see

She is saving the other nations from the control of the Church.

She is lying to protect people from the truth right now, because the truth would be too much for them to handle

There is no nationalism!

She doesn't actually want to kill Nabateans. She even spares Seteth and Flayn, and offers mercy to Rhea! See? She's not trying to kill anyone!

Etc.

As such, it becomes much easier to defend her unilateral grab of power and dictatorship.

[histoireettralala]

An Emperor

"The discovery of Cadoudal's royalist plot hastened the completion of a project that had been on Bonaparte's mind for some time. The First Consul had long pushed for constitutional changes to consolidate his power. He was successful in obtaining the consulship for life, and in August 1802 he claimed the right to name his own successor. It was becoming increasingly clear to many contemporaries that the palaces of the Tuileries and St. Cloud were no longer the seat of a republican government, but rather the court of a new sovereign. "Severe etiquette prevailed there ", observed André François Miot de Mélito, a senior official at the ministry of war. "Officers attached to the person, prescribed honors paid to the ladies, a privileged family; in short, everything except the name of Consul was monarchical, and that name was destined soon to disappear." For a Prussian envoy, it was becoming clear that Bonaparte wanted to be "a second Charlemagne ", and that there was "no doubt that he has a plan, it is just the timing that has yet to be decided." Bonaparte's decision to establish the Légion d'Honneur, the highest civil and military award France could bestow on its citizens, caused consternation among the republicans, who accused him of creating a new nobility. As early as June 1802 the Russian ambassador was convinced that the French republic was on its last breath and that Bonaparte would soon take the title of " Emperor of the Gauls."

The plots to kill Bonaparte stirred public fears that his death might lead to political turmoil or even the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. Bonaparte used the Cadoudal conspiracy to impress upon the French that his life, and consequently their well-being, was in perpetual danger, which in turn helped him attain general consent for the transformation of the life consulate into a hereditary empire. His earlier efforts to solidify power had provoked considerable resistance, but in the wake of Cadoudal's conspiracy and the duke's execution, public protest was negligible, as the timid feared Bonaparte's wrath and the ambitious sought to benefit from the new regime. On May 2, 1804, the legislative bodies passed three motions that proclaimed Bonaparte emperor of the French republic, recognized this title as hereditary within the Bonaparte family, and called for protection of "Equality, Liberty and the rights of the people in their entirety." On May 18 the Senate officially proclaimed empire in a senatus consultum. Four days later, registered voters took part in a plebiscite designed to create an illusion of popular support for imperial rule and, casting individually signed ballots, approved- with a vote of 3,524,000 to 2,579- what was already a fait accompli. Georges Cadoudal, upon being told about these developments, remarked from a prison cell, "We have done more than we hoped to do. We meant to give France a king, but we have given her an emperor."

On December 2, 1804, an imperial coronation ceremony was held at the great Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris. Napoleon, as we shall henceforth refer to Bonaparte, had made careful preparations for this event, studying in detail and adapting rituals of the ancien régime. Pope Pius VII, whom Napoleon compelled to travel from Rome to Paris to attend the ceremony, occupied a seat of honor but was otherwise relegated to the sideline. Though he appeared to bless the emperor, he did not, in fact, crown him. In a prearranged move, Napoleon took the crown from the hands of the pope and crowned himself. With one hand holding a crown and another resting on his sword, the new ruler of France was intent on demonstrating that he was a self-made man who owed his powers to no one but himself. Napoleon's choice of imperial regalia- his crown, scepter, and hand of justice were styled after symbols that were believed to be Emperor Charlemagne's - also underscored his desire to show that he was not the successor of the Bourbons but an emperor in his own right."

Alexander Mikaberidze- The Napoleonic Wars, A Global History

[artist-jacques-louis-david]

Marquis de Pérignon, Maréchal de France, Holding the Pillow for Charlemagne's Scepter; verso: blank, Jacques-Louis David, 1805-1824, Harvard Art Museums: Drawings

Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Bequest of Grenville L. Winthrop Size: 21 x 16.4 cm (8 1/4 x 6 7/16 in.) Medium: Black crayon, squared in black and red crayon, on off-white antique laid paper

https://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/190585

[wizardouxie]

As I had this particular ask my end (It was horribly angsty and I got yelled at) I'm /very/ intrigued how you'd run with it with any of your verses: One of your Douxie's having an Unbecoming moment.

It begins with Merlin’s death. Douxie is devastated. It’s all his fault, he shouldn’t have gone with the plan, he should have listened to his master, there must have been a better way and --

By then the Staff of Avalon has been broken by Charlemagne and the teacher is whisked away by its magic. He finds himself in Merlin’s study like before, but it’s not dark and dreary. It’s rather bright actually. Still, remorse eats him up from the inside. He wished he didn’t have to do this in the first place. He pushes the gnawing feeling in his stomach away, and begins to search for the Genesis Seals.

“I’m afraid you won’t find what you’re here for. But I can give you what you seek.”

It’s Merlin’s master. Strange. For some reason Douxie recognized him instantly, though the two were never acquainted. It was as if he had always known him.

“Are those two... not the same?”

“I see that you’re here for the Genesis Seals. But what you truly seek is a second chance, correct?”

The logical and pragmatic side tells him to focus. It would be just like Merlin to set up tests. But he feels himself regressing into the child he once was 900 years ago. Even the tips of his hair turn from blue to black. He couldn’t help it; the grief and memories are too overwhelming.

Merlin’s master raises an eyebrow.

“As you wish.”

He tried. He tried so hard.

At first it went better than before. Though a moppet, he still retained wisdom and listened to Merlin. Some more lives were saved during the Battle of Killahead and he felt good about his choice. There was hope. He grew the same way as before. Granted, he made a few alterations to past choices but nothing too time changing. He became a teacher again and it was nice to relive the good experiences.

And then it started falling apart. When he tried to save one, he hurt another. Now he no longer has his cuff to aid him. Nor does he have Merlin, Archie, or the kids. They’re gone. He sits there, holding his silent familiar and mentor close, the still bodies of his students surrounding them.

He did it. He failed both the past... and the future.

A gut wrenching cry scratches his throat. If he had just accepted Merlin’s death and moved on, then maybe he would have been able to save the rest. Maybe the world wouldn’t have ended up the way they did. Maybe things would have been better.

And that’s when he pulls himself together, and steps away from the cycle of grief. He can’t afford to do this. Not again.

“I can’t linger on what’s done. I have to keep moving forward. For them,” he whispers to himself. He pushes himself back on his feet and raises his scarred hand. Funny how it’s nothing compared to internal scars inflicted upon him. But that’s a matter for another day. He stares down Bellroc and Skrael who have their scepters raised in the air.

“Well it’s now or never. Tenebris... Exilium!”

He wakes up back in the study. Strangely nothing seems to have changed from the moment he first left there. But... it’s been another 900 years. So how...?

Merlin’s master looks up from his book.

“Ah, I see that you’re ready now.” The younger blinks.

“Hold on.. what I lived through, just now... did any of that actually happen?”

“In another universe perhaps.” Douxie looks around aimlessly. He feels so lost.

“But... why? If you knew what was going to happen, why did you let me do it?”

“You are a stellar teacher Hisirdoux, but you yourself still have a lot to learn. I had to impart this wisdom to you, to not hold onto the past. If you do, you’ll miss the present and forsake the future. Of course, I figured that simply saying that does not seem to register with the likes of you so I opted for what you modern men call, a hands-on experience.”

He gestures to the vault, which opens on cue. The Genesis Seals. Douxie looks at him before walking up to the chest. His hands sink into the void it holds, gingerly taking out the artifact. The wizard smiles at him warmly.

“It’s time to go back home. Protect it, will you? The burden is too heavy for the child Trollhunter to bear alone.”

[harvard-art-museums-drawings]

Marquis de Pérignon, Maréchal de France, Holding the Pillow for Charlemagne's Scepter; verso: blank, Jacques-Louis David, 1805-1824, Harvard Art Museums: Drawings

Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Bequest of Grenville L. Winthrop Size: 21 x 16.4 cm (8 1/4 x 6 7/16 in.) Medium: Black crayon, squared in black and red crayon, on off-white antique laid paper

https://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/190585

[the-one-and-only-jamisaurus-rex]

As part of the New Year celebration in ancient Akkad, the King would go to the sanctuary of Marduk where the high priest would strip him of his emblems (scepter, rings, scimitar, crown) and slap him in the face

And people had a cow when Charlemagne was crowned by a Catholic pope...

(Obviously there’s more to the ritual than that, but we don’t need to get into that right now)

[rainywerewolfmoon]

PREMINGER:

I've been bowing

I've been scr*ping

I've been lying like a rug

And for ten long years I've had to pay my dues

But today I am escaping

For the last gold has been dug

It was waiting there, so how could I refuse?

I'm returning home a hero

Who's discovered mighty wealth

And what better husband could a princess choose?

I'm the suitor who will suit her

Bring the kingdom back to health

And I'll wear the crown, for how could I refuse?

Raise every glass

And rouse every cheer!

Praise that the reign of Preminger is here!

Master in charge of all that I see

All hail me!

And by marrying the princess I get all that I desire

Like a moat

An ermine coat

And palace views

Even though she treats me coldly

It's a sign of inner fire

For inside she's thinking

"How can I refuse?"

MAN 1 (SPOKEN):

Right, except there's one little problem, boss.

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):

That's Prince Boss to you!

MAN 1 (SPOKEN):

Right, the queen decided to marry off the princess to the king of Bahsena.

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):

What?! Making a decision without me?! Who does she think she is?

DUMB MAN (SPOKEN):

Uh, the Queen?

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):

You simpering simpleton!

DUMB MAN (SPOKEN):

Well, she is the Queen. She's got a crown and a scepter and sits in her big fancy chair...

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):

Silencio!

PREMINGER:

No! I wont let go!

This peasant son wont turn and run because some reckless royal chose another beau

Ah...it's...a temporary setback

It's a momentary lapse

But conviently my ego doesn't bruise

And the moment that I get back I will show them who's the boss

You can bet your bullion there'll be no "I do's"

Yes suppose the girl goes missing

And the king says "au revoir"

Then I find her

Bring her back and make the news

Then the queen will be so grateful

That she'll pledge the heir to moi

And I'll humbly tell her

"How can I refuse?"

When our ceremony's over

I'll arise and take the throne

And that nitwit Anneliese can kiss my shoe

For the kingdom and the castle will be mine and mine alone

If the crown should fit then how can I refuse?

ALL: So get ready with the roses and stand by with the champagne

When you've got a brilliant plan you never lose

Yes before the chapter closes

I'll be as big as Charlemagne

It's a thankless job but how can I refuse

How can I refuse?

Y'all I'm screeching my sister just drops these into the fam chat unprompted

[georgesteger-blog]

BOOK III THE TORCHBEARERS: The Road to Aachen (January 814)

What happens when a great man dies? Does the world change at once? Sebastian pondered the question as he leaned into the slanting snow and stood up in his stirrups from time to time to ease his aching back. Or does the world change like a great glacier, slowly, inexorably but with such fearsome might? The black January night shivered with such bitter cold that ice formed on Sebastian’s beard and the muzzle of his warhorse. Overhanging branches, burdened by heavy snow, slapped against horse and rider. Every creek and ford seemed to deny its shallows and threaten to suck them into icy depths. The grim night mimicked the catastrophe at Aachen. But the great stallion knew the way so well there was no need for Sebastian to guide him. He had been with Sebastian so long that he pounded through the silence and the gloom as if he were his master’s spirit driven by an ominous wind; as if he knew his master’s mind and shared his imperative. The king was dying. Charlemagne! The paragon of kings, the rugged monarch who ruled from the great ocean to the steppes of the Rus. He was indeed an emperor, but he hated the trappings of empire and preferred the title of king. For he was, first, foremost and always, King of the Franks. His people completely identified with him. He had ruled so long that hardly anyone could remember when his scepter  did not command and regulate and inspire everyone, noble and peasant alike. While he was alive he strove to surround himself with the wisest men he could find, yet most of those who served him believed there was no need for thinking. Charlemagne thought for everyone. So what now? That was the first monster question. But there was another, even more intimidating: In the end, what was it all for? Without my clothes, the scars of my old wounds frighten even me. My bones, battered by the long marches over the years, protest at night. If I sleep, my dreams are filled with mayhem and slaughter. I am sickened by war. So many of my sword brothers are dead now, or they lie helpless in their beds, crippled by wounds or strokes. Yet, who could ever refuse him? Who could say him nay? I tried. From the beginning. I reasoned with him, risked everything to show him a better way than war. I cajoled, begged, and even left his service for a while. But I always came back when he summoned me. I don’t know why. I still don’t know what it was all for—this endless fighting, this struggle to subdue and rule over others, this hatred we created to make us crazed with lust for their blood because their faith, their way of life, even their color and speech were not ours. Sebastian was beyond fear of the road. Wrapped in an old army cloak, he did not even feel the cold. What filled his mind and burdened his heart was what would come next? Read my article about The Middle Ages by clicking the highlighted text. Charlemagne. (2019). Featured image retrieved fromhttps://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Charlemagne. Read the full article