The Bayeux Tapestry as a Religious - Peregrinations

according to King Edward‟s wishes. Harold‟s failure to meet his promises and oaths was a
double crime: a breach of chivalry and the breaking of a solemn oath.
Central to the narrative is the oath-taking scene. (Figure 19) Set in the open air, as in
pre-Christian days when it was felt that evil spirits would not influence such outdoor events,
William is seated upon a cushioned chair. Harold swears, something: the Tapestry despite the
Latin titles, is silent as to what exactly is promised. But the assumption is that Harold is
promising, on oath, to help William succeed Edward as king of England. There are two
reliquaries. One has a gem-stone or perhaps even the Eucharist, the other seems to be a portable
reliquary. It is possible that this portable reliquary, or one like it, was later carried in procession
along the ranks of Norman soldiers before the Battle of Hastings. It must be remembered that
the English sources are entirely silent as to this event, although there were whispers that Harold
was overly fond of taking oaths, “more‟s the pity.” 33 The remaining section of the Tapestry
demonstrates the consequences of Harold‟s action.
Figure 19: Harold takes the Oath. Detail from the Bayeux Tapestry – 11th Century
33 Frank Barlow, The Life of Edward the Confessor, 62.
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