We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The long-haired kings of the Franks: 'like so many Samsons?'<sup>1</sup> The long-haired kings of the Franks: 'like so many Samsons?'.
- Authors
GOOSMANN, ERIK
- Abstract
As the paradigm of Germanic sacral kingship has lost its appeal, historians have begun to rethink the concept of Merovingian kingship. Most of the arguments once used in support of its alleged Germanic and pagan character have now been refuted. However, the meaning of their long hair has thus far proven difficult to explain. This article will argue that the Merovingian hairstyle took up Christian meaning shortly after their conversion, presenting them in the image of the biblical Samson. Consequently, their use of biblical analogies to legitimize royal power further challenges the once-held dichotomy between Merovingian and Carolingian kingship.
- Subjects
FRANKS; GERMANIC ethics; HISTORIANS; MEROVINGIANS; CAROLINGIANS; KINGSHIP of God; PAGANISM; LONG hair
- Publication
Early Medieval Europe, 2012, Vol 20, Issue 3, p233
- ISSN
0963-9462
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1468-0254.2012.00343.x