Podcast Summary: Literature and History – Episode 106: Gregory of Tours, Part 2

Introduction

In Episode 106 of Literature and History, host Doug Metzger delves into the second half of The History of the Franks by Bishop Gregory of Tours. This installment focuses on Books 6 through 10, which chronicle the tumultuous decade from 581 to 591 CE, detailing the intricate power struggles within the Merovingian dynasty and offering a vivid portrayal of 6th-century Gaul.

Overview of Books 6-10

Gregory of Tours' Historia Francorum serves as a foundational text for understanding medieval history, especially concerning the early Frankish kings. Unlike the first five books, which span extensive periods, Books 6 through 10 intricately narrate events over a mere decade, highlighting the volatility and complexity of Merovingian politics.

Key Characters and Power Dynamics

1. Guntram (The Good Uncle)

   • Reign: 561–592 CE
   • Described as "Good King Guntram" (05:41), he is portrayed as a stabilizing force and a steady patron of the Church.
   • Metzger notes that Guntram's efforts often leaned towards stabilizing Frankia rather than destabilizing it.

2. Chilperic (The Bad Uncle)

   • Reign: Aggressive and power-hungry, Chilperic is depicted as a force of destabilization.
   • Metzger emphasizes Chilperic's tumultuous relationship with his brother Sigibert and his scheming wife, Queen Fredegund.

3. Childebert II (The Decent Nephew)

   • Ascended: At five years old in 581 CE
   • Despite his youth, Childebert navigates alliances and power plays, often opposing his uncle Chilperic.

Notable Events Covered

• Religious Debates and Supernatural Occurrences:

  • Gregory vs. the Jewish Purchasing Agent: At [05:41], a theological debate highlights the religious tensions of the time.
  • Miracles and Portents: Gregory recounts various miracles, such as the ascetic Hospicius curing the dying and exorcising demons, alongside ominous signs like raining blood ([05:41]).

• Assassinations and Political Intrigues:

  • Chilperic’s assassination attempts on rivals and eventual murder ([127:01]).
  • Queen Fredegund's relentless plots, including attempts on King Childebert and the murder of Bishop Praetextatus ([05:41]).

• Military Campaigns and Civil Wars:

  • The civil war between Guntram and Chilperic, and the subsequent rise of the usurper Gundovald ([05:41]).
  • Childebert's failed invasions of Italy and Guntram's attempts to stabilize the region through military means ([05:41]).

Gregory's Narrative Style

Metzger critiques Gregory’s episodic and fragmentary storytelling, describing it as "meandering" and "erratic" ([05:41]). Unlike classical historians who provided sweeping narratives, Gregory focuses on localized events, personal anecdotes, and supernatural elements. This style, though chaotic, offers a grassroots perspective of the era.

Analysis of Gregory’s Reliability

The podcast delves into the biases and limitations of Gregory as a historian:

• Anti-Semitism: Gregory's negative portrayals of Jewish characters reflect the entrenched anti-Semitic sentiments of his time ([05:41]).
• Portrait of Violence: The incessant violence, including gruesome punishments and assassinations, paints a bleak picture of Merovingian Gaul.
• Comparison to Classical Historiography: Metzger compares Gregory’s work to Roman historians like Thucydides and Tacitus, noting the stark differences in focus and style ([127:02]).

Impact and Reception of Historia Francorum

Doug Metzger references scholar Erich Auerbach’s 1946 study, which re-evaluated Gregory’s work in Mimesis. Auerbach praised Gregory for capturing the "urgency and realism" of his time, despite his stylistic shortcomings. This reassessment shifted Gregory’s reputation from a flawed historian to a valuable chronicler of early medieval life.

Conclusions and Legacy

Gregory of Tours’ Historia Francorum remains a crucial text for understanding the early Middle Ages. Despite its disorganized narrative and evident biases, it offers unparalleled insights into the societal, political, and religious fabric of 6th-century Gaul. Metzger underscores the importance of Gregory’s work in shaping subsequent medieval historiography and its enduring relevance in literary and historical studies.

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Metzger’s lighthearted reflection on summarizing Gregory’s dense history into a song, highlighting the chaotic and colorful nature of Merovingian history. He also teases the next episode, which will explore the works of the Merovingian court poet Venontius Fortunatus, further enriching the listener's understanding of the period.

Notable Quotes

• Gregory of Tours at [05:41]: "Theudebert and his brothers crossed swords with foreign enemies and with one another. Their ruthlessness and the intrinsic dangers of their positions, trimming the Merovingian family tree with numerous casualties."

• Gregory of Tours at [124:35]: "I know very well that my style in these books is lacking in polish, but nonetheless, I hope that the Historia Frankorum will be well preserved in its entirety."

Conclusion

Episode 106, Part 2 of Literature and History provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Gregory of Tours’ Historia Francorum. Through meticulous analysis and insightful commentary, Doug Metzger brings to life the complexities of Merovingian Gaul, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of this pivotal historical work.