RICHARD BECOMES LIONHEART

Richard the Lionheart [effigy]

King Richard I of England was called Richard the LIonheart, perhaps because of his martial exploits.  But there is a legend about him which was current in the Middle Ages, but is not true.

On his way home from the Third Crusade, he became a prisoner of the Emperor Henry VI, who demanded a ransom for him.  However, Henry's daughter took a fancy to the proisoner and had him smuggled into her bedroom by night.  When Henry found out, he was furious, but he would not kill Richard himself, as killing kings was what Captain Hook would have referred to as bad form.  Instead, the unhappy captive was told he would be returned to his dungeon where presently he would be joined by a lion, who would do any killing that was desired.

In his cell, Richard wrapped cloths to a considerable thickness about his arm.  When the lion came in, Richard plunged his hand down its throat and its teeth failed to penetrate the cloth.  The King yanked out the lion's heart and subsequently ate it in front of Henry VI.

While there is no substance for this legend, it makes a good story.  It was certainly believed by many an open-mouthed listener.