Think of it as an early graphic novel, replete with action. . .
portents . . .
slightly kooky characters. . .
a dead (defunctus est) king and the English kingdom in dispute.
Duke Harold believes that he is the inheritor of the kingdom...
Meanwhile, across the channel, William, Duke of Normandy, says he is the rightful heir (it's a long, complicated story and, remember, it was the winners who commissioned the tapestry.) William is building a navy . . . Trees are chopped down for timber .. .
The completed ships are hauled to the water . . .
(Note the darning on this fellow's face. The tapestry's about a thousand years old and in remarkably good shape.)
The Normans carry chain mail and weapons to the ships . . .
As well as wine (the Normans are descended from Vikings but they've been in France long enough to appreciate a good vintage . . .)
The invasion fleet sets off, tight-packed with men and horses ...
Some are uneasy--or perhaps queasy...
Some scratch their heads, wondering about the future...
The fleet lands at Pevensey. The horses are glad to get off.
(This exotic foliage makes me think of Dr. Seuss)
William and his Normans meet Harold and his English troops at Hastings, Battle of...
Terrific carnage ensues (but look at the artistry of those horses)
Harold takes an arrow to the eye and defunctus est. The English flee, William is king, and the English language becomes richer and more confusing by far.Check out the whole story HERE
