Einhard used the Life of Charlemagne to legitimize the rule of Louis the Pious by establishing and transferring the legitimacy of his father Charlemagne’s rule. Einhard stated that his two reasons for writing this biography were to share the “splendid life” of the king (136) and to honor his relationship with Charles and his children (136). This almost certainly included a relationship with Louis since he was the clear heir to the throne for several years (145). This relationship and Einhard’s previous position on Louis’ court likely brought him to write this biography as a tool to honor his deceased friend while serving the political goal of legitimizing Louis’ rule. Einhard accomplished this goal by legitimizing Charlemagne’s rise to power, using Charles’ deeds to justify his own reign, and transferring this legitimacy to Louis through a clear line of succession. …show more content…
Einhard began by stating that Merovingian reign had been declining for a long time prior to this deposition (136) and that the Merovingians had nothing of worth except the “empty title of king” (136 – 137). Instead, the “riches and power” really belonged to the mayor of the palace (136), Pepin III (137). Through this logic, Einhard justified the removal of the Merovingian king as a necessary step to maintain the correct hierarchy of power, granting the Carolingians their rightful, earthly authority over the Frankish kingdom. Einhard further supported this shift in power by mentioning that the pope made the final decision, meaning the family also had divine authority recognized by the papacy