Ava of Ribagorza, Countess of Castile facts for kids
Ava of Ribagorza (Catalan: Ribagorça) was a powerful woman who lived around the year 988. She became the countess of Castile by marrying García Fernández of Castile, who was the Count of Castile.
Ava was born to Raymond II, who was the Count of Ribagorza, and his wife, Garsenda Fesenzac. She and García Fernández had several children together. Ava also helped her husband with important tasks, like giving money and land to different religious communities.
Legends About Ava
Many stories and legends have been told about Ava. Some of these stories show her in a negative way. They suggest she was involved in arguments and rebellions that happened in Castile while her husband was in charge.
For example, one legend says that Ava encouraged her son, Sancho, to rebel against his own father. These stories might have come from people not trusting her because she was from a different region. Some historians also believe Ava wanted a more peaceful approach at court, while her husband preferred military action against their enemies. This difference in opinion might have made her unpopular.
The Legend of Ava's Death
One famous legend tells a dramatic story about Ava's death. It says that after her husband died, she tried to poison her son, who was supposed to take over as count. The legend claims she offered him a cup of poison. However, her son supposedly forced her to drink the poison herself, which led to her death.
It's important to remember that this is just a legend. We don't actually know when Ava died. The year 988 is the last time we have any record of her being alive.
Ava's Children
Ava and García Fernández had several children:
- Mayor García, who married Raymond III of Pallars Jussà, the Count of Pallars Jussà.
- Sancho García of Castile, who later became the Count of Castile and Álava.
- Urraca García, who became a nun at the monastery of Infantado de Covarrubias.
- Gonzalo García, who died in 979. Some people think he was an ancestor of the important House of Lara family.
- Elvira García, who married Bermudo II of León in 991.
- Toda García, who married Sancho Gómez of Saldaña.
- Oneca García, who married Almanzor in 995. Almanzor was a very powerful leader in Cordoba.
See also
In Spanish: Ava de Ribagorza para niños
