Strong leaders are made from those who have struggled in their lifetimes or from those who are motivated by a cause. A life fraught with hardships and difficulties inspires greatness. Good leaders take the difficulties and turn them into fuel to make a difference. In the 1100s, Richard I of England fought for his religion during the Third Crusade against his formidable enemy, Saladin, sultan of Egypt (Regan 1998, 15). Richard also kept an eye on his throne while he was away fighting in foreign countries. Richard earned the French nickname “Coeur de Lion” – “Lion-Hearted” – for overcoming family struggles, his recurring military success, and his aptitude as a leader. Richard I’s religion was the reason he got involved in the Third Crusade, in his attempt to recapture Jerusalem. He had been a devout Christian since birth like the rest of his family. He grew up in southern France …show more content…
Through the different stages of his life, he faced different problems: His parents separated, turning Richard against his father; Saladin took over the city that was so important to the Coeur de Lion’s religion; and his own brother betrayed him in search of personal gain. Richard’s relationship with his father is what shaped important parts in the king’s life in the way he behaved as a ruler. He made sure not to rule in the same harsh manner as King Henry II had. The forgiving nature the young Lionheart adopted was present when he was dealing with two men who probably were far down the list of those deserving a second chance with Richard. William Marshal and Maurice of Craon, the late Henry II’s advisors, failed in their plot to kill the young king, and he let them off without a punishment (Gillingham 1999, 101). Richard remained the good ruler he wanted to be until the end of his