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AIM: No Proved Descents From Widukind
There are no proved descents from Widukind. If you have one, there is a problem in the tree.
This project aims to provide a template for the profiles associated with Widukind, the Saxon leader and the chief opponent of the Frankish king Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars from 777 to 785. Isolated family groups can be shown to have primary sources that validate them, but no descent or ascent lines from Widukind can be proved.
Widukind: What we know
Widukind was first mentioned by the Annals in 777, when he was the only one of the Saxon nobles not to appear at Charlemagne's court in Paderborn. Instead, he stayed with the Danish king Sigfred (possibly Sigurd Hring). In the Bardengau in 785, Widukind surrendered to Charlemagne and was baptized with Charlemagne as his godfather. There are no contemporary sources about Widukind's life or death after his baptism.
Since the 9th century, Widukind has been idolized as a mythical hero. Around 1100, a tomb for him was made in Enger; recent excavations have found that the contents of the tomb are indeed early medieval, but are the remains of a young woman. In 1971, archaeologists discovered three graves in a prominent place in front of the altar. The remains of three men who had died in the early 9th century, two of them about sixty years old warriors, the third a young man, were, after a DNA- analysis in 2002, identified as half-brothers or maternal cousins and a nephew. The man buried in front of the altar is assumed to be Widukind. When in the 10th century Saxon kings (of the Ottonian dynasty) replaced the Frankish kings in East Francia (the later Holy Roman Empire), these kings proudly claimed descent from Widukind: Matilda, the wife of King Henry I, was apparently a great-great-great-granddaughter of Widukind. The House of Billung, to which several Dukes of Saxony belonged, had Matilda's sister among its ancestors and thus also claimed descent from Widukind.
TEMPLATE: EARLY SAXON LEADERS; family of WIDUKIND
- http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/SAXONY.htm#_Toc484586536 The relationship between the following individual Saxon chiefs and small family groups cannot be established. However, the repeated use of names, in particular Theoderich and Widukind, over the course of two centuries suggests a close family connection, although this may have been through either the male or female line. As noted in the Introduction to the present document, the family of Widukind constituted one of the three main power sources in Saxony until well into the 11th century.
1. HADUGATO (-after [531]). Adam of Bremen names "Hadugato" as the duke of the Saxons to whom "Theodericus rex Francorum" sent legates[11], undated but recorded immediately after the Thuringian invasion of Theoderic I King of the Franks which is dated to 531.
1. THEODERIC (-after 743). Einhard records that "Karlomannus" was in Saxony at "castrum Hohseoburg" and there accepted the surrender of "Theodericum Saxonem illius loci primarium" in 743[12]. Theoderic was captured again in 744 when Carloman invaded Saxony with his brother Pepin[13]. Pepin King of the Franks invaded Saxony once more in 758, captured Sythen and required an annual tribute of 300 horses from the Saxons[14].
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2. WIDUKIND (-7 Jan 810). The Royal Frankish Annals record that Widukind rebelled against the authority of Charles I King of the Franks, who had invaded and subdued Saxony, and fled to Denmark ["Nordmannia"] in 777[15]. The Annales Laurissenses state that "Widochindis rebellis" was the only Saxon who did not submit to the Franks in 777[16]. Widukind incited another revolt in 778 while King Charles was campaigning in Spain, but was defeated near Leisa on the river Eder[17]. The Annales Laurissenses record that Charles I King of the Franks sent his missus "Amelwinum" to besiege "Widochindum et Abbionem" in 785, that they surrendered and were baptised at "Attiniacum villa"[18]. Adam of Bremen records that "Widichind" surrendered and accepted baptism in 785[19]. m ([775]%29 GEVA, sister of SIGURD first "King of Haithabu", daughter of --- ([755]-). This marriage is shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[20] in the outline genealogy of a family referred to as "Kings of Haithabu", doubts about which are discussed in chapter 1 of the document DENMARK KINGS. {Also sister of Halfdan Mildi who has a descent line... Sharon Doubell 2018} The primary source on which it is based has not been identified. Widukind & his wife had one child:
a) WICHBERT (-after 25 Dec 834). "Wibreht" is named as son of Widukind in the Translatio Sancti Alexandri[21]. The Historia Angariensis records that “Wigbertus filius Witikindi” built “ecclesiam apud Waltingohusen”, with the support of “coniuge Godrada”, dated 823[22]. “Wibrathti...ac filius eius Waldbertus” donated property to Utrecht St Marten by charter dated 25 Dec 834[23]. m ODRAD [Godrada], daughter of ---. She is named with her husband in the charter dated 17 Oct 872 under which [her son] “Waltbertus comes...et coniux mea Altburg” built Wildeshausen church, for the souls of “genitoris genitricisque mee...Wiberti et Odrad”[24]. The Historia Angariensis records that “Wigbertus filius Witikindi” built “ecclesiam apud Waltingohusen”, with the support of “coniuge Godrada”, dated 823[25]. Wigbert & his wife had one child:
i) WALTBERT (-876, bur Wildeshausen). “Wibrathti...ac filius eius Waldbertus” donated property to Utrecht St Marten by charter dated 25 Dec 834[26]. Ekkehard names "Waltbertum" as the son of "Wigbertus"[27]. He is presumably the same Waltbert whose county is referred to in the charter dated 25 Apr 859 under which Ludwig II "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks donated property "quas Folcheri fidelis noster actemus in beneficium tenuit in ducatu Uuestfalorum, coniacentes in pagis Grainga et Threcuuiti nec non in comitatibus Burchardi, Uualtberti, et Albrici atque Letti" to Kloster Herford[28]. He and his wife founded Kloster Wildeshausen. "Ludowicus…rex" granted protection and privileges to Kloster Wildeshausen founded by "Waldbrecht comes…suique filii Wicberti" by charter dated 20 Oct [871][29]. “Waltbertus comes...et coniux mea Altburg” built Wildeshausen church, for the souls of “genitoris genitricisque mee...Wiberti et Odrad”, and donated property for the benefit of “filius meus primogenitus Wibertus...clericatus officio” and “filius fratris sui...sororis”, by charter dated 17 Oct 872[30]. The Historia Angariensis records that “Walbertus filius Wigberti et Godrade, cum conthorali Altburge” confirmed “ecclesiam...apud Waltingohusen”, with the support of “coniuge Godrada”, dated 872[31]. The Historia Angariensis records that “Walbertus” died in 876 and was buried “in eclesia Waltingohusen”[32]. m ALDBURG, daughter of --- (-880). “Waltbertus comes...et coniux mea Altburg” built Wildeshausen church, for the souls of “genitoris genitricisque mee...Wiberti et Odrad”, and donated property for the benefit of “filius meus primogenitus Wibertus...clericatus officio”, by charter dated 17 Oct 872[33]. The Historia Angariensis records that “Walbertus filius Wigberti et Godrade, cum conthorali Altburge” confirmed “ecclesiam...apud Waltingohusen”, with the support of “coniuge Godrada”, dated 872[34]. The Historia Angariensis records that “Altburgis” died in 880[35]. Waltbert & his wife had four children:
(a) WICHBERT (-[908]). "Ludowicus…rex" granted protection and privileges to Kloster Wildeshausen founded by "Waldbrecht comes…suique filii Wicberti" by charter dated 20 Oct [871][36]. “Waltbertus comes...et coniux mea Altburg” built Wildeshausen church, for the souls of “genitoris genitricisque mee...Wiberti et Odrad”, and donated property for the benefit of “filius meus primogenitus Wibertus...clericatus officio” and “filius fratris sui...sororis”, by charter dated 17 Oct 872[37]. Bishop of Verden 874-[908].
(b) son . m ---. One child:(1) son . “Waltbertus comes...et coniux mea Altburg” built Wildeshausen church, for the souls of “genitoris genitricisque mee...Wiberti et Odrad”, and donated property for the benefit of “filius meus primogenitus Wibertus...clericatus officio” and “filius fratris sui...sororis”, by charter dated 17 Oct 872[38].
(c) ELIMAR (-after 882). The Historia Angariensis records that “Elimarus Waltberti filius” built “castrum quod posteri vocant antiquum” dated 882[39].
(d) daughter . “Waltbertus comes...et coniux mea Altburg” built Wildeshausen church, for the souls of “genitoris genitricisque mee...Wiberti et Odrad”, and donated property for the benefit of “filius meus primogenitus Wibertus...clericatus officio” and “filius fratris sui...sororis”, by charter dated 17 Oct 872[40].
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1. ABO [Abbi] (-after 811). The Annales Laurissenses record that Charles I King of the Franks sent his missus "Amelwinum" to besiege "Widochindum et Abbionem" in 785, that they surrendered and were baptised at "Attiniacum villa"[41]. It is not known if Abo was related to Widukind but it is assumed that both had similar leadership status in Saxony. Einhard's Annales record "Abo comes" as one of the signatories of peace with the Vikings in 811[42].
1. --- (-before 908). The name of the husband of Mathilde is not known but, if the chronicler Widukind is to be believed, he was a descendant of Duke Widukind[43]. This appears corroborated by the transmission of the name Widukind to his grandson. If this is correct, from a chronological point of view it is likely that he was the great-grandson of Widukind. m MATHILDE, daughter of --- (-911 or after). The mother of "Thietrici comitis" is named "abbatissa Mahthild" in the Vita Mathildis Reginæ, which specifies that she was abbess at Herford[44]. According to Grote[45], she was recorded as abbess in 908 and 911 but the primary sources on which this is based have not so far been identified. Mathilde & her husband had one child:
a) THEODERIC (-8 Nov 917[46]). Widukind names "Thiadrici" as father of Queen Mathilde, specifying that the family was "stirpis magni ducis Widukindi"[47]. The father of Queen Mathilde is named "Thietricus" in the Vita Mathildis Reginæ[48]. m REGINLIND [Reinhild], daughter of --(-11 May).The wife of Theoderich is named "Reinhildam, Danorum Fresonumque germine procreatam" in the Vita Mathildis Reginæ[49]. According to Europäische Stammtafeln[50], she was Reinhild, daughter of Gotfrid the Dane & his wife Gisela [Carolingian], which is presumably a guess based on this description in the Vita Mathildis. However, the chronology is not ideal. Regino records the marriage in 882 of "Gisla filia Hlotharii" and "rex Godofridus Nordmannorum"[51]. If this couple's daughter was the mother of Queen Mathilde, the latter's estimated birth date (see below) would need to be pushed forward by several years, which makes the chronology for her known descendants tight. A better fit may be Reginlind, [sister of Bovo Bishop of Chalons, daughter of ---]. The known sister of Bishop Bovo was Frederuna, wife of Charles III "le Simple" King of the Franks. The hypothesis that there was another sister married to Theoderic would explain (1) the name Frederuna being transmitted to Regenhild's daughter, and (2) Berenger Bishop of Cambrai, recorded elsewhere as nepos of Queen Frederuna, being described as "…Ottonis imperatoris proxime consanguineus" in the Gesta Episcoporum Cameracensium[52]. If this is correct, the reference to Reginlind being "Danorum Fresonumque germine procreatam" has not been explained. A list of names in the Libri Confraternitatum Sancti Galli sets out (in order) "Thieterich, Reginhilt, *, Oto, Amalrat, Perectheid, Friderun, Pia", immediately after a list of family members of Heinrich I King of Germany and his wife, which no doubt refers to the latter's parents and sisters, "Oto" being the only person not so far identified[53]. The list is undated but was presumably written during the period [929/36] as King Heinrich's son-in-law Duke Giselbert is included (married in [928/29]%29 but not his son-in-law Hugues Duc des Francs (married in 937). The necrology of Merseburg records the death "11 May of "Reinhild mater regine Mahtildis"[54]. Theoderic & his wife had seven children:
i) WIDUKIND . Widukind names (in order) "Widukind, Immed et Reginbern" as brothers of Queen Mathilde[55].
ii) IMMED [I] . Widukind names (in order) "Widukind, Immed et Reginbern" as brothers of Queen Mathilde[56].
iii) REGINBERN . Widukind names (in order) "Widukind, Immed et Reginbern" as brothers of Queen Mathilde, specifying that Reginbern fought against the Danes[57].
iv) MATHILDE ([896]-Quedlinburg 14 Mar 968, bur Quedlinburg Stiftskirche). Widukind names "Mahthilda" as wife of King Heinrich, also naming her father and three brothers[58]. Thietmar names Mathilde as daughter of "Dietrich and Reinhild" when recording her marriage to Heinrich, and specifies that she was "a descendant of the lineage of King Widukind"[59]. Her alleged descent from Widukind is also referred to in the Vita Mahthildis[60]. Thietmar records that Quedlinburg was bestowed on Mathilde as part of her dower 16 Sep 929[61], and that she established the convent there thirty days after the death of her husband[62]. Lay Abbess of Nivelles. The necrology of Fulda records the death "968 II Id Mar" of "Mahthild regina"[63]. m (Wallhausen 909) as his second wife, HEINRICH Graf, son of OTTO "der Erlauchte" Graf im Südthüringau & his wife Hedwig [Babenberg] ([876]-Memleben 2 Jul 936, bur Quedlinburg Stiftskirche). He was elected as HEINRICH I "der Vogelsteller/the Fowler" King of Germany at Fritzlar 6 May 919.
v) AMALRADA ([7 Sep] -). A list of names in the Libri Confraternitatum Sancti Galli sets out (in order) "Thieterich, Reginhilt, *, Oto, Amalrat, Perectheid, Friderun, Pia", immediately after a list of family members of Heinrich I King of Germany and his wife, which no doubt refers to the latter's parents and sisters[64]. The Vita Domni Deoderici Episcopi Maioris names "Amelrada" as wife of "comite Everardo", sister of "Mathildis reginæ…filiæ Thiadrici ducis", and she and her husband as parents of "Deodericum ex pago Saxoniæ Hamalant"[65]. The necrology of Gorze records the death "VII Id Sep" of "Amarrada comitissa"[66]. m EBERHARD, son of [ EBERHARD Graf im Keldachgau und im Bonngau [Ezzonen] & his wife ---] (-[3 Sep] before 964). Graaf van Drenthe en Salland.
vi) FREDERUNA (-18 Jan 971). A list of names in the Libri Confraternitatum Sancti Galli sets out (in order) "Thieterich, Reginhilt, *, Oto, Amalrat, Perectheid, Friderun, Pia", immediately after a list of family members of Heinrich I King of Germany and his wife, which no doubt refers to the latter's parents and sisters[68]. The necrology of Fulda records the death "970 Id Jan" of "Fridarun comitissa [anc Christi]"[69], presumably showing that she became a nun before she died. m WICHMANN [II], son of BILLUNG & his wife --- (-23 Apr 944).
vii) BIA [Pia] (-25 May-) A list of names in the Libri Confraternitatum Sancti Galli sets out (in order) "Thieterich, Reginhilt, *, Oto, Amalrat, Perectheid, Friderun, Pia", immediately after a list of family members of Heinrich I King of Germany and his wife, which no doubt refers to the latter's parents and sisters[70]. "Otto…rex" granted property "in Gereslevo…in pago Svevia in comitatu Crhistiani" on the request of "Friderici fidelis nostri" to "nobili matronæ…Biæ ipsius…matri" by charter dated 21 Oct 937, in consultation with "Burchardi, Ebarhardi, Chuonradi, Heinrici atque Utonis…comitum"[71], although it is not known whether this was the same Bia. The necrology of Merseburg records the death "25 May" of "Bia soror regine Mahtildis"[72]. same person as…? BIA (-after 21 Oct 937). "Otto…rex" granted property "in Gereslevo…in pago Svevia in comitatu Crhistani" to "nobili matronæ Bia ipsius…matri" at the request of "Friderici fidelis nostri" by charter dated 21 Oct 937[73]. It is not certain that this refers to the same person as Bia, daughter of Theoderic, but this is likely to be the case. No other noble lady of this name has been identified around the date of this charter, and "matrona" is the term usually applied to members of the high nobility. The wording of the charter suggests that Bia's husband had died before the date of the grant. m --- (-before 21 Oct 937). The name of Bia's husband is not known. Bia & her husband had one child:(a) FRIEDRICH (-after 21 Oct 937). "Otto…rex" granted property "in Gereslevo…in pago Svevia in comitatu Crhistani" to "nobili matronæ Bia ipsius…matri" at the request of "Friderici fidelis nostri" by charter dated 21 Oct 937[74].
1. IMMED [II] (-killed in battle 954). Immed [II] is shown in Europäische Stammtafeln as the possible father of Waldered and Immed [III][75]. His date of death (the source for which has not been identified) is consistent with his having been the same person as Immed, son of Theoderic and Reginlind (see above). Widukind records that Meinwerk Bishop of Paderborn (the supposed grandson of Immed [III], see below) was "paterno genere a Thiedrico Mathilde reginæ fratre"[76]. It is possible that "Thiedrico" in this source is an error for "Immed", as this is the only reference to Queen Mathilde having a brother named Theoderich. As will be seen below, it has not been possible to corroborate many of the dates relating to his supposed descendants, as shown in the same table in Europäische Stammtafeln, against primary sources. “Ymmadus comes” donated property “in Lithingi, in pago ---” to Corvey monastery, witnessed by “Thuring comes, Amalung comes…”[77]. m ---. The name of Immed's wife is not known. Immed [II] & his wife had [two possible children]:
a) [WALDERED . [984]. m BERTHA, sister of BURKHARD Graf im Liesgau, daughter of ---. [984]. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Waldered & his wife had three children:
i) DIETRICH [Theoderich] (-[6 Mar] 995). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not so far been identified. Pfalzgraf in Sachsen 992. "Otto…rex" donated property "Vvalbisci in comitatu Karoli comitis" to Quedlinburg by charter dated 6 Jan 992, which names as present "Bernhardi ducis, Egberti comitis, Eggihardi marchionis, Herimanni palatini comitis, Huodonis marchionis, Deoderici palatini comitis eiusque fratris Sigeberti comitis, Herimanni comitis"[78]. Thietmar records the deaths of "the count Palatine Dietrich and his brother Siegbert" in the same year in which Heinrich II Duke of Bavaria died (995)[79]. The necrology of Lüneburg records the death "6 Mar" of "Thiedrich com"[80]. m FREDERUNA, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. [971]. Dietrich & his wife had three children:
(a) SIEGBERT (-before 1017). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not so far been identified. Graf in Ostfalen und Hessen. "Otto…rex" gave property "burgwardium Bitrizi…in pago Morazani ac in ipsius comitatu" to "fideli nostro Sigiberto comiti" by charter dated 26 Oct 995[81]. "Henricus…rex" granted property "castellum…Munelburgus…in pago Astuala, quod olim Thiedericus palatinus comes posteaque filius eius Sirus habuerat" to Bernward Bishop of Hildesheim by charter dated 1013[82].
(b) DIETRICH . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not so far been identified. Monk at Corvey.
(c) THIETBURG . The primary source which confirms her parentage has not so far been identified.
ii) SIEGBERT (-14 Oct 995). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not so far been identified. Graf im Liesgau 990. "Otto…rex" donated property "Vvalbisci in comitatu Karoli comitis" to Quedlinburg by charter dated 6 Jan 992, which names as present "Bernhardi ducis, Egberti comitis, Eggihardi marchionis, Herimanni palatini comitis, Huodonis marchionis, Deoderici palatini comitis eiusque fratris Sigeberti comitis, Herimanni comitis"[83]. "Otto…imperator augustus" gave judgment in a dispute between Werner Abbot of Fulda and Gozbert Abbot of Hersfeld, concerning ship travel along the Hörsel, by charter dated 30 Dec 979, which names "comites nostros Sigebertum, Sigefridum et Brunonem"[84]. Thietmar records the deaths of "the count Palatine Dietrich and his brother Siegbert" in the same year in which Heinrich II Duke of Bavaria died (995)[85]. m ---. The name of Siegbert's wife is not known. Graf Siegbert & his wife had three children:
(a) SIEGBERT . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not so far been identified. Monk at Corvey [983].
(b) daughter . The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not so far been identified. m LOTHAR-UDO [I] Graf von Stade, son of HEINRICH [I] "der Kahle" Graf von Stade & his wife Judith [Konradiner] ([950]-killed in battle Stade 23 Jun 994).
(c) [UNWAN (-17 or 26 Jan 1029). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not so far been identified. Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen 1013.]
iii) GISELA . The primary source which confirms her parentage has not so far been identified. [984].
b) [IMMED [III] (-27 Jan 983). Widukind records that Meinwerk Bishop of Paderborn was "paterno genere a Thiedrico Mathilde reginæ fratre"[86]. Graf in Utrecht. The necrologium Abdinhofense records the death "IV Kal Feb" of "Immeth comes pater Meinwerci episocopi"[87]. m as her first husband, ADELA, daughter of WICHMANN [V] Graaf van Hamaland & his wife Liutgard of Flanders (-22 Mar [1014/16]). The Vita Meinwerci names "uxorem de terra Saxoniæ, Athelam nomine" as wife of Immed[88]. Widukind records that Meinwerk Bishop of Paderborn was "materno a Wichmanno, Herimanni ducis nepote, propinquo Ottonis I"[89]. Alpertus names "Adela sorori domnæ Liutgardæ", commenting that Adela was "clamosa in voce, lasciva in verbis, veste composite, animo dissoluta", the subsequent paragraph recording that, after her sister died, Adela took all her property which she had intended for the church before "vidua lasciva" married Baldric as her second husband[90]. She married secondly (before 996) Baldric Count in Drenthe. "Otto…Romanorum imperator augustus" confirmed the rights and privileges of Kloster Elten naming "filiam Lutgardam…abbatissam [et] filia Adela…[et] Baldericus…maritus Adele" by charter dated 18 Dec 996[91]. The wife of "Baldericus" was the daughter of "Wicmanni, cuius maiores magnam partem Germaniæ et maxime circa littoral oceani imperia tenebant"[92]. Thietmar records that the wife of Baldric encouraged her husband to arrange for the murder of "Count Wichmann" in 1016[93]. She is named "Adelæ uxoris Baldrici" in a later (undated) passage recording her death[94]. The work of Thiodericus names "Ida comitissa eius [=Baldricus] coniunx" ("Ida" presumably being an error for "Adela") and records her death "11 Kal Apr" without specifying the year[95]. Immed [III] & his wife had five children:
i) THEODERICH (-killed Upladen 7 Apr 1014). The Vita Meinwerci names "Thiedericum, Meinwercum, Glismod et Azelam" as children of Immed and Athela, specifying that Theoderich succeeded his father, a later passage adding that he was killed "VII Id Apr Uplage urbe" on the orders of his mother[96].
ii) MEINWERK (-5/6 Jun 1036). The Vita Meinwerci names "Thiedericum, Meinwercum, Glismod et Azelam" as children of Immed and Athela, specifying that Meinwerk was "in ecclesia beati Stephani protomartiris in civitate Halverstadensi ad clericatus est oblatus"[97]. Canon at Halberstadt. Chaplain at the royal court and canon at St Maria, Aachen 1001/09. Bishop of Paderborn 1009.
iii) GLISMOD (-5 Feb before 1041). The Vita Meinwerci names "Thiedericum, Meinwercum, Glismod et Azelam" as children of Immed and Athela, specifying that Glismod married "nobilis principis in Baioaria"[98]. m ---. The identity of the husband of Glismod is not known. He has been associated with Adalbert "der Siegreiche" Markgraf der Ostmark, son of Liutpold I Markgraf der bayerischen Ostmark, Graf im Traungau, Sundergau und Donaugau & his wife Richwara im Sualafeldgau (-26 May 1055, bur Stift Melk). The Annales Stadenses name "Lippoldo filio domine Glismodis" as husband of "Ida [de Elsthorpe]"[99]. It is unlikely that this refers to Liutpold, son of Markgraf Adalbert, who was installed as Markgraf der Ungarischen Mark in Dec 1043 and died soon afterwards, presumably childless as his younger brother succeeded their father in the Markgrafschaft. [One possible child]:
(a) [LIUTPOLD (-[before 1055]). The Annales Stadenses name "Lippoldo filio domine Glismodis" as husband of "Ida [de Elsthorpe]"[100]. Graf von Stade. It seems unlikely that Liutpold's mother was the same Glismod who was the daughter of Immed. As the Immed died in 983, as it is likely that his daughter's children would have been born [1000/15]. If Liutpold was one of these children, he would have been considerably older than his wife. m as her first husband, IDA von Elstorf, daughter of [LIUDOLF Markgraf in Friesland [Braunschweig] & his wife Gertrud von Egisheim] (-before 4 May 1082). The Annales Stadenses name "Ida nobilis femina de Suevia nata, in villa Elsthorpe" as daughter of "fratris imp. Heinrici III, filia sororis Leonis papa qui et Bruno"[101]. It is probable that Ida was the daughter of Liudolf, who is the only known [half-]brother of Emperor Heinrich III whose wife is not otherwise recorded in other primary sources. Elstorf is located west of Hamburg near Buxtehude, south-east of Stade. No other reference has been found in primary sources to Elstorf being linked to any medieval noble family. The significance of “von Elstorf” in this extract from the Annales Stadenses has not been ascertained. In particular it is not known whether it represents property held by Ida from her paternal or maternal family or through one of her husbands. The Annales Stadenses name "Lippoldo filio domine Glismodis" as husband of "Ida [de Elsthorpe]", specifying that they were parents of "Odam sanctimonialem de Rinthelen"[102].] Liutpold & his wife had two children:
(1) ODA (-after 1052). The Annales Stadenses name "Odam sanctimonialem de Rinthelen" as daughter of "Lippoldo filio domine Glismodis" and "Ida [de Elsthorpe]", specifying that she married "regi Ruzie" by whom she had a son "Warteslaw", returned to Saxony with her son after her husband died, and there became the mother of "filiam Aliarinam, matrem comitis Burchardi de Lucken" who later killed "lantgravius Hermannus de Wincenburg", although a later passage specifies that Ida was mother of "Akarinam matrem Burchardi de Lucken"[103]. It has not been possible to verify all this information. Baumgarten identifies her first husband as Vladimir Iaroslavich[104]. The chronology of Oda, daughter of Ida von Elstorf, bearing a son by a husband who died in 1052 is difficult to sustain. It is suggested that Oda’s supposed first marriage should be viewed with considerable scepticism. [m firstly [VLADIMIR Iaroslavich, son of IAROSLAV I "Mudriy/the Wise" Grand Prince of Kiev & his [second] wife Ingigerd Olafsdottir of Sweden (1020-Novgorod 1052, bur Novgorod Church of St Sophia).] m [secondly] ---.
(2) EKBERT (-murdered Wickstadt, near Elstorf [before 1082]). The Annales Stadenses records that Ida [von Elstorf] had "filium Ecbertum comitem" who was killed by "primus Udo marchio...cognatus suus" at “Wistede prope Elstorpe”, adding that Ida found herself without heirs (“orbata heredibus”), visited “avunculum suum papam Leonem” (therefore before Apr 1054), and following his recommendation adopted “ipsum Udonem” as her son and appointed him as her heir (listing properties which she granted him during her lifetime), a later passage clarifying that “predictum Udonem marchionem primum” was Ida’s successor after she died (“Ida ergo mortua...”)[105]. This text presents chronological difficulties. A literal interpretation of “primus Udo marchio” would indicate Lothar Udo [II] Graf von Stade (see the document SAXONY NOBILITY), who succeeded as Markgraf der Nordmark in 1056 and died the following year so could not have been appointed by Ida as her heir. Presumably therefore his son Lothar Udo [III], who succeeded his father as Lothar Udo II Markgraf der Nordmark and died in 1082, was intended. However, that interpretation is inconsistent with Ida von Elstorf taking advice from her uncle Pope Leo IX (who died in Apr 1054). That part of the report must be factually incorrect, the only safe conclusion being that Ekbert predeceased his mother some time before 1082. The appointment by Ekbert’s mother of his killer as her heir suggests that the killing was accidental.
iv) ADELA (-after 1027). The Vita Meinwerci names "Thiedericum, Meinwercum, Glismod et Azelam" as children of Immed and Athela, specifying that Azela became a nun at "ecclesia martiris Viti Eltene"[106]. Canoness at Elten.
v) EMMA (-3 Dec 1038, bur Bremen Cathedral). The Vita Meinwerci names "Emma" wife of "comes Liutderus", but does not give her origin[107]. Her parentage is confirmed by Adam of Bremen who names "Emma" as wife of "Liudgerus frater [Benno dux Saxonum]" when recording her husband's death in 1011, calling her "Emma…soror Meginwerki episcopi Padarburnensis" when recording her death and her burial in Bremen Cathedral[108]. m LIUTGER, son of HERMANN Billung Duke in Saxony & his [first/second] wife [Oda ---/Hildesuit ---] (-1011).
1. RETING . m ---. The name of Reting's wife is not known. Reting & his wife had one child:
a) FREDERUNA . Her parentage and marriage are confirmed by Ekkehard who names "duo fratres Aerbo…et Boto paterno de sanguine Noricæ gentis…Hartwici palatini comitis filii…maternum…stemma de Saxonia Immidingorum tribus…mater a Retingo filio Botonis filii Retingi de secundo Botone nati procreatur", when recording the death of her son "Boto comes cognomento fortis Aerbonis…germanus"[109]. She is named as wife of Pfalzgraf Hartwig in Europäische Stammtafeln[110]. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified. m HARTWIG [II] Pfalzgraf von Bayern, son of ARIBO [I] Pfalzgraf von Bayern & his wife Adela --- (-24 Dec 1024, bur Seeon).
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