Answer :
Final answer:
Harold Godwinson's eligibility to be king is questioned due to his breaking of a prior oath to William of Normandy and seizing the throne opportunistically. These actions, depicted in historical sources like the Bayeux Tapestry, challenge the medieval principle of feudal loyalty and led to his defeat at the Battle of Hastings, marking a pivotal moment in English history.
Explanation:
The question of why Harold Godwinson should not have been king touches on several historical debates and incidents that questioned his legitimacy and actions. Among the reasons often cited are his oath to Duke William of Normandy, depicted in historical sources such as the Bayeux Tapestry, where Harold is shown swearing loyalty to William, making his later crowning a direct violation of this pledge. Furthermore, his ascension is represented as opportunistic, exploiting the lack of a clear heir after Edward the Confessor's death and breaking previous promises, both to Edward and to William himself, thus challenging the Principle of Feudal Loyalty which was a cornerstone of medieval society.
Moreover, his reign was marked by controversy from its inception, culminating in the fateful Battle of Hastings, depicted vividly in the Bayeux Tapestry, where his army was defeated and Harold was killed, an outcome that some argue was divine retribution for his break of oath and dubious claim to the throne. This moment drastically changed the course of English history, bringing Norman rule to England and significantly influencing the nation's culture, language, and governance structure. Therefore, Harold's claim and short reign are often viewed through the lens of these alleged transgressions and their monumental consequences.
