This thesis examens the representations of Earl Godwine, earl of Wessex during the mid-eleventh century. The representations of the earl differ accordingly to the political agendas of their patrons...Show moreThis thesis examens the representations of Earl Godwine, earl of Wessex during the mid-eleventh century. The representations of the earl differ accordingly to the political agendas of their patrons. Emma of Normandy issued the Encomium Emmae Reginae which featured the earl in a negative light. Similarly, Earl Leofric thwarted the rising star of Earl Godwine via representation of him in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. In a countermovement, those who favored Godwine formed a more positive or neutral depiction of the earl alleged wrongdoings. All in all, the differences between the representations were motivated by political interests and therefore differ from one another.Show less