King John

Who is Lymoges from Shakespeare's, King John?

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Lymoges is usually referred to in the play by his title, duke of Austria. He is a blend of two historical figures: the duke of Austria, who imprisoned Richard Cordelion and held him for ransom, and the Viscount Limoges, who killed Richard in battle. In King John, Austria allies himself with King Philip in Arthur's cause. The duke is the butt of many of the Bastard's taunts in II.i and III.i, especially with regard to the lion-skin robe he took from Richard's body and now wears himself. When Philip temporarily deserts Arthur, Austria does too, and Constance calls him a coward and a fool. He is killed in battle, and his head is borne in as a trophy, by the Bastard.

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