Berowulf facts for kids
Berowulf was an important bishop (a high-ranking church leader) in the city of Würzburg, Germany. He served as bishop from about 768 or 769 until he passed away on September 26, 800. His name is sometimes spelled Berowelf, Berowolf, Bernwulf, or Bernulf.
Before becoming bishop, Berowulf was a monk at a local monastery called Sankt Andreas. He took over from the previous bishop, Megingoz, who retired in 768.
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Berowulf's Time as Bishop
Berowulf began his work as bishop in April 769. As bishop, he brought in new rules for the church, known as the rule of Chrodegang. These rules replaced older ones set by Saint Boniface.
Working with Charlemagne
Berowulf had a close relationship with Charlemagne, a very powerful king who ruled from 768 to 814. Charlemagne trusted Berowulf with an important job: to help spread Christianity to the Slavs living near the upper Main river.
In 779, Berowulf was asked to set up a new church area, called a missionary diocese, in the east. This new area became the bishopric of Paderborn. Berowulf also helped train the first two bishops of Paderborn, Hathumar and Badurad, at a school he started in Würzburg.
Books and Knowledge
Berowulf also helped the scriptorium (a place where books were copied by hand) grow bigger. During his time, the first list of books in the cathedral library was made. This list, written around the year 800, showed that the library had 35 books. It even noted five books that had been borrowed by other places.
Saint Kilian's Relics
In October 788, Berowulf brought the relics (special items connected to a saint) of Saint Kilian to the cathedral in Würzburg. This cathedral is now named after Saint Kilian.
Berowulf tried to gain more control over another important monastery, Fulda Abbey, in 787, but he was not successful. After Berowulf's death in 800, Liuttrit became the next bishop of Würzburg.
