

521. Warlords of the West: Killer Queens (Part 2)
183 snips Dec 12, 2024
The rivalry between two formidable queens, Fredegund and Brunhild, takes center stage as ambition and betrayal fuel their conflict. Fredegund, a former slave, becomes a ruthless queen after eliminating her rival, showcasing the brutal politics of the era. Their feud reveals the treacherous dynamics of Merovingian Gaul, filled with assassination plots, vengeance, and power struggles. This gripping tale explores how their actions shaped the future of the Frankish kingdoms and highlights the harsh realities faced by powerful women in a patriarchal society.
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Fredegund's Failed Assassination Attempt
- Queen Fredegund, feeling powerless against her rival, Brunhild, plotted Brunhild's assassination.
- The plot failed, and the cleric sent to carry it out was punished severely.
Fredegund: Villain or Misunderstood?
- Gregory of Tours' account of Fredegund is highly biased against her, potentially portraying her unfairly as a villain.
- Fredegund's motivations were primarily driven by her desire for her son to rule and to defeat Brunhild.
Fredegund's Difficult Early Life
- Fredegund was born into difficult times, marked by natural disasters and widespread disease.
- The volcanic eruption in 536 and the Justinianic plague created a challenging environment during her early life.