Historical Studies (Chinese Edition)

No.2, 2017

 

Pippin’s Assumption of the Throne in Early Carolingian Histories

(Abstract)

 

Li Longguo

 

In the three early Carolingian histories, The Chronicle of Fredegar and Its Continuations, The Anointing of Pippin and The Annals of the Frankish Kingdom, the historical narrative of Pippin’s assumption of the throne is full of puzzles and variations, variations that demonstrate the various political claims made by the Carolingian rulers in defense of their rule and their rights. The narrative pattern of The Chronicle of Fredegar and Its Continuations tends to highlight the role of the Frankish military tradition and political ritual in Pippin’s ascent to the throne, reflecting his attempt to confirm his claim to the throne and the legitimacy of the Carolingian house with the help of the Frankish tradition, in his quest to consolidate his position and that of his new dynasty. The Anointing of Pippin paints the ceremony of anointing in vivid colors, reflecting the attempt of different forces within the dynasty to secure the throne by calling on divine right to confirm the legitimacy of their succession around the time of Pippin’s death. The Annals of the Frankish Kingdom demonstrates the Carolingian response to times of peace: its rulers embellished their family history, made Pippin’s assumption of the throne look less like a coup, and proclaimed the legitimacy of their replacement of the Merovingian Dynasty.