Godfrey asks Balian for forgiveness primarily as a profound gesture of reconciliation and to persuade his son to accompany him to the Kingdom of Jerusalem, where Godfrey intends to restore "conscience" and moral order.
Upon finding Balian, who is deeply distraught and haunted by the tragic suicide of his wife following the death of their baby during childbirth, Godfrey's plea for forgiveness serves multiple crucial purposes:
Context of the Request
- Balian's Despair: Balian is in a state of profound grief and disillusionment. His personal world has crumbled, making him vulnerable but also resistant to new entanglements.
- Godfrey's Mission: Godfrey, as a seasoned knight and a figure of authority, seeks to bring Balian into his world and a greater, more righteous cause. He plans to return to Jerusalem with the ambition of bringing a sense of "conscience" back to the kingdom, implying a need for moral and ethical leadership.
The Purpose of Forgiveness
The act of begging forgiveness from Balian is not merely an apology for a specific past transgression, which is not explicitly detailed. Instead, it functions as a critical step to achieve a broader objective:
- Mending a Relationship: It signals Godfrey's desire to bridge any existing emotional distance or past neglect between father and son. This conciliatory gesture is essential for building trust and rapport with a son who is suffering immensely.
- Recruiting for a Cause: By seeking forgiveness, Godfrey aims to clear the emotional path for Balian to accept his invitation to join him. He understands that Balian needs a compelling reason, and a clean slate, to embark on such a significant and dangerous journey.
- Establishing a Foundation: Forgiveness lays the groundwork for a new chapter in their relationship, one based on mutual respect and shared purpose, rather than past grievances or estrangement. It's a paternal appeal for Balian's cooperation in a noble endeavor.
Godfrey's request for forgiveness is therefore a strategic and heartfelt appeal, aimed at overcoming Balian's grief and past detachment to secure his participation in a vital mission to Jerusalem.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Relationship | Godfrey is Balian's estranged father. |
| Balian's Condition | Deeply grieving and haunted by the suicide of his wife, who died after their baby's birth. |
| Godfrey's Purpose | He seeks to bring Balian with him to the Kingdom of Jerusalem. His ultimate goal is to restore "conscience" to the kingdom, and he needs Balian's companionship and potential assistance for this crucial mission. |
| Role of Forgiveness | The act of begging forgiveness serves as a profound conciliatory gesture. It aims to bridge the emotional distance between father and son, acknowledge any past failures or neglect, and create the necessary trust and willingness for Balian to join Godfrey on his transformative journey. It's a plea for reconciliation to enable a shared future. |
