Bayeux Tapestry Experience

Selena S. Harris

HUM111 – Humanities 111 World Cultures I

Dr. Larry Johnson

February 18, 2012

Bayeux Tapestry Experience

Dear Family,

To write this letter home and hope it receives you in secret is one of the most frightful experiences ever, as I am not allowed to reveal the story I am about to tell. I know you’ve been wondering where I’ve been and have seen the embroidery of The Bayeux Tapestry. Surprisingly, I was an actual figure in this work of art and would like to express to you in detail the brief events that took place, my feelings, and elements of experience, and personal satisfaction of involvement. Hopefully this letter will provide to you a better understanding of what I endured and why.

While working in the army of William, Duke of Normandy, I found that William laid claim to the English throne, in which Harold Godwinson took position (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 2). It seems that Harold had a formal relationship with King Edward as his esteemed advisor (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 2). Confusion arose in my mind wondering who the rightful heir of England’s throne is. Since I did not want to choose sides, and wanted to consider the facts, I found out that Harold’s claim to the throne was made stronger when King Edward supposedly uttered to Harold on his deathbed: “Into Harold’s hands I commit my kingdom” (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 2). Whereas, William justified his claim by blood relationship with Edward, although distant cousins (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para 2). What angered William the most was Harold’s swearing on the relics of a martyred saint that he would support his right to the throne and did not (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 3).

Deception filled William’s thoughts of Harold and I felt this will soon create a war which will present a fowl stench in the air as soon as the news was revealed. Standing as one of the soldiers, I felt very angered, and could see nothing but the color of red in my eyes. Evil consumed my mind as I tried to grasp the fact that in due time we would be fighting Harold in order to regain what rightfully belongs to William.

In the meantime, another war was in progress with Harold, and we were in the process of preparing for war against him (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 5). There was a rumor among the soldiers that Harold had a visit with Halley’s Comet which was interpreted as a portent of disaster due to breaking his oath to William (Sayre, 2012, pp. 336). Our plan was to invade Harold’s territory in July since the channel crossing was ready (Invasion of England, 1066, 1997, para. 6). For six weeks we endured an uncooperative north wind which prevented the ships to move into Harold’s territory (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 6). Winds high as 50 miles per hour harassed our goal to battle. This caused frustration and anxiety among the soldiers. The winds brought an unpredictable whistle to my ears as I watched others bicker and complain.

Once the storm cleared, we set sail (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para 6). William decided that we make landfall on the English coast and march into Hastings (Invasion of England 1066, para. 6). During our march, I recognized the uniqueness of our uniforms. Our chain mail armor is made of quilted-work, jazerant scale, and a breast plate that serves as protection (Medieval Armor, 2006, para. 1).

We took pride in our defensive garments made of stuffed and quilted cloth which we called gambesons (Medieval Armor, 2006, para. 1). Another part of our armor which is the hauberk held importance to our fleet (Medieval Armor, 2006, para. 2). The garment reaches to our knees and the skirt opens in the front and sides to provide us with proper ability to move and defend (Medieval Armor, 2006, para 2). I’m sure you’re concerned whether or not I was fully covered; but don’t worry, I was fine.

Upon arriving at the base of the hill at Hastings and forming our battle line, fear and excitement overwhelmed me after waiting six weeks to smell victory and taste bloodshed (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 7). I am separated a few hundred yards from these Englishmen and I’m yelling as many taunts and insults as I possibly could think of (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 7). As my anger turns into rage, the battle begins. Some of our warriors that took positions of archers carried short bows (Mackenzie, 2002, The Battle of Hastings, para. 11). As they skillfully attacked King Harold and his army, our dismounted soldiers and mounted knights fought tenaciously with their swords and shields (Mackenzie, 2002, The Battle of Hastings, para. 10).

My fight as a dismounted solider had its greatest rewards and challenges. The ability to sneak behind a mounted soldier and slice his throat gave the sweetest satisfaction of victory (Mackenzie, 2002, The Battle of Hastings, photo). On the other hand, the fear of death played on my mental state as soldiers approached me in confrontational battle. During the battle I located their weaknesses and constantly challenged them. Once their weaknesses were located, it was much easier to dismantle and go for the kill. After the kill, my sympathetic subconscious spoke to me and said “That’s someone’s husband, son, or father.” I shook off the thought quickly and prepared for my next endeavor.

Our combat dragged on for the better part of the day and we were questioning our outcome of victory (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 8). Finally, as the evening dragged on, our opponent gave up and we rushed them with a vengeance (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 8). The chants of victory in our throats became louder as we found King Harold plucking an arrow from his eye (Mackenzie, 2002, The Battle of Hastings, para. 29). Wait, the battle was not over! With one eye Harold continued the battle accompanied with his three brothers, and later resulted in death of all four of them (Mackenzie, 2002, The Battle of Hastings, para. 30).

Family, when someone breaks an oath, it brings forth a lot of disappointment, anger and often resentment (Invasion of England, 1066, 1997, para. 3). I am sure you can relate to a share of broken promises in your lifetime. After witnessing the events of what took place, I felt the need to defend only what was fair to William. My position for fighting for the underdog took precedence over a decision to come home to my family. No one will ever replace you; however, I see William as a close brother whom needed my help in conquering the evils of deception (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 3).

As you take time to view the embroidery and see me as one of those soldiers, always remember that this battle stood for justice, the greater good of another, and the assembly of brotherhood. Embrace this as a lesson that you have the right to stand up for what you believe as well as disallowing someone to take advantage of your loved ones, or better yet, you.

In closing, I have a few scars that will heal; however nothing will take the place of the celebration we are having at this time with the pitched tent and a great feast (Mackenzie, 2002, The Battle of Hastings, para. 33). You may be wondering in your mind “What if you died?” My heart says if I died, I died in my passion which is the pleasure of helping others. When will I be home you ask? Sooner than you can blink your right eye and say “Tapestry.”

I love you. You know who I am.

References
Eyewitness to History. (1997). Invasion of England 1066. Retrieved from: http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
Alchin, L.K. (2008). The Middle Ages. Retrieved from: http://www.middle-ages.org.uk
Medieval Spell. (2006). Medieval Armor. Retrieved from: http://www.medieval-spell.com/Medieval-Armor.html
Mackenzie, J. (2002). The Battle of Hastings. Retrieved from: http://www.britishbattles.com/norman-conquest/battle-hastings.htm
Sayre, H.M. (2012). The Medieval World and the Shaping of Culture. In Volume 1 (2nd ed.), The Humanities: Culture, Continuity and Change (pp. 336-337). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.