Tapestry Review - The Bayeux Tapesty

Tapestry Review - The Bayeux Tapestry

As requested by a friend, I'm reviewing the famous Norman Tapestry/Graphic Novel, 'The Bayeux Tapestry'. I've had the pleasure of seeing this bad boy in person, and I must say, it's bloody marvellous. A true treasure in the history of literature, its Norman Romanesque style is so easily identifiable, and is in fact actually an embroidered cloth rather than a tapestry. It can be viewed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux, Normandy.

It depicts the history of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when William the Conqueror defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. Starting slightly earlier in 1064, it tells the build up to these events and the battle itself. There are some fascinating historical events depicted, such as the scene that shows Halley's Comet flying through the sky, and of course we see someone who is most likely Harold killed with an arrow through the eye, surely its most famous scene. It's all thoroughly exciting, and the mysteries hidden within only enhance its appeal: is it really Harold taking an arrow in the eye? Why is a priest striking a woman in the face? Why is a man squatting beneath the priest with his willy out?

Of course, as this was commissioned by the House of Normandy, it's authenticity can be called into question as a biased piece of propaganda. Having said that, it's depiction of Harold as being brave along with his soldiers suggests that the Normans wanted to paint their opponents in a good light - was this genuine admiration, or did they want to make their victory seem all the greater, having triumphed over such worthy opponents? Although it surely isn't too hard to triumph over someone with their willy out.

Overall, I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It was fascinating seeing the piece in real life, and although I couldn't read more than a handful of words, usually 'Harold', the pictures made it easy to decipher the story - 'Look, here's Halley's Comet'; 'Look, Harold's been shot through the eye with an arrow, probably'; 'Look, some drunk guy's got his willy out'.

A true masterpiece of historical literature.

10/10