Edward I's concern with stability and security is linked to his earlier experience and the deaths of several sons. In the political culture described here, a ruler's reputation for martial success could matter as much as wisdom and justice. A prince needed stories of strength in tournaments and battle to establish his standing before accession. A king's responsibility could instead favour command as a general over personal risk in frontline combat. Rumor and word of mouth carried these reputations to people who never saw the ruler. Paintings and tapestries could also preserve military reputations, but word of mouth remains central to the argument.
Chapter · 26:38-31:16
Succession, warrior princes and royal reputation
A prince needed a reputation for martial success before accession, while a king also had to preserve his authority through command, wisdom and justice.