Ernest Barker

“ The whole legend of Peter is an excellent instance of the legendary amplification of the first crusade—an amplification which, beginning during the crusade itself, in the “idolizations” of the different camps (idola castrorum, if one may pervert Bacon) , soon developed into a regular saga. This saga found its most piquant beginning in the Hermit’s vision at Jerusalem, and there it accordingly began—alike in Albert, followed by William of Tyre and in the Chanson des chétifs, followed by the later Chanson d’Antioche. ”

“ Legend has made Peter the Hermit the author and originator of the first crusade. It has told how, in an early visit to Jerusalem, before 1096, Christ appeared to him in the Church of the Sepulchre, and bade him preach the crusade. ”

“ In spite of his warnings, the pauperes began hostilities against the Turks; and Peter returned to Constantinople, either in despair at their recklessness, or in the hope of procuring supplies. In his absence the army was cut to pieces by the Turks ”