The Conversion of Clovis to Christianity:
 Connections in History: In The Conversion of Clovis to Christianity, Clovis is said to be a pagan worshiper. Gregory of Tours says that he is a pagan worshiper instead of an Arian Christian because it gives Clovis the element of possible semi-divinity. Most of the leaders in the past that were pagan worshipers have been semi-divine. It allows a more drastic change when Clovis converts. The Conversion of Clovis to Christianity also compares to the conversion of Constantine. In the conversion of Constantine, Constantine is in battle and is going to lose, just like Clovis. Constantine then sees the symbol (Chi-Rho) in the sky. He then prays to the god and wins the battle like Clovis. Both Constantine and Clovis had the element of divine right from their conversions. It also made Clovis more legitimacy. |
Summary: Clovis' wife, Clothilde wanted to baptize their son since she was a Normative Christian, but Clovis wished not to because according to the story Clovis was a pagan (he was actually an Arian Christian). Clothilde then has their first son baptized. Their first son dies soon after the baptism. This makes Clovis believe that Clothilde's god is inferior to his god. Clothilde and Clovis then have a second son. Clotilde has this child baptized also. This son soon falls ill after the baptism, but recovers because of Clothilde's prayers to god. Clovis still believes that Clothilde's god is inferior to his god until he goes to battle with the Alemanni. Clovis and his army are greatly out numbered and are going to lose the battle. Clovis then prays to his god and when this does not work he turns to Clotilde's god. He tells Clothilde's god that he will be baptized under his name if he is granted victory in the battle. After he prayed to Clothilde's god the Alemanni fled the battle and Clovis and his warriors won. Clovis now believes that Clothilde's god is superior to his own and converts to Normative Christianity. Many people in the kingdom then convert to Normative Christianity along with Clovis. |
