The Good
Fantasy/Ideal
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Knights
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There were, as well, many local conflicts, since feudalism had created numerous semi-autonomous armed bands. For example, in 987 when Fulk Nerra became Count of Anjoi, he was only seventeen, and some of his leading nobles decided to take advantage of his youth to rebel against him. Fulk met his enemies at Chateaudun:
The people of the town attacked the count's men. The Angevins kept them at bay until evening, but when they tried to retreat, they found themselves cut off in the rear. Seeing there was no escape, the Angevins returned to the fight. They attacked on every front, and surrounded and defeated their foes. The men of Chateaudun fled, but the battle continued, with the count pursuing them into their camp, capturing many and slaughtering others. That night, the Angevins rested in the place, guarding two hundred knights they had captured and bound, along with other prisoners. The next day, they plundered the countryside all around, bringing ruin to its people. Drunk with success, they then returned to Amboise.
[Jean de Marmoutier, Chronicles of the Counts of Anjou]
Peter Speed, ed. Those Who Fought. New York: Italica Press, 1996.
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The Bad
Realistic/Criticism
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