Odo I, Duke of Burgundy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Odo I
Seal of Odo I
Duke of Burgundy
Reign	1079–1102
Predecessor	Hugh I
Successor	Hugh II
Born	1060
Died	1102 (aged 41–42) Tarsus
Spouse	Sibylla of Burgundy
Issue	Helie of Burgundy Florine of Burgundy Hugh II, Duke of Burgundy etc.
House	House of Burgundy
Father	Henry, son of Robert I of Burgundy
Mother	Sibylla or Clémence

Odo I (born in 1060 – died in 1101 or 1102 in Tarsus), also known as Eudes, was a powerful leader. He was called the Red and also Borel. Odo was the duke of Burgundy from 1079 to 1102.

Odo was the second son of Henry of Burgundy. His grandfather was Robert I. Odo became duke after his older brother, Hugh I, decided to step down. Hugh chose to become a Benedictine monk at Cluny instead.

Adventures and Crusades

Odo took part in a French journey to the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). This journey started after a big battle called Battle of Sagrajas. However, not much was achieved, and it ended with a failed attack on Tudela in 1087.

Later, Odo joined a special religious military trip called the Crusade of 1101. He sadly died during this trip while in Asia Minor, around 1101 or 1102.

Important Decisions and Gifts

During his trip to the Iberian Peninsula, Odo admitted something important. He had kept property that belonged to an abbey (a type of monastery) called Saint-Philibert de Tournus. His aunt Constance, who was married to Alfonso VI of León and Castile, supported this abbey.

In 1101, before he left for the Crusade, Odo made a gift and a will. These were in favor of the abbey of Molesme. Also, as he was leaving for the Crusade, he signed important papers. One was at St. Beningne de Dijon and another at the priory of Gevrey-Chambertin.

A Surprising Meeting

A writer named Eadmer, who wrote about Anselm of Canterbury, shared an interesting story about Odo. In 1097, Saint Anselm was traveling through Odo's land on his way to Rome. Odo, who was known to be a bit of a bandit, thought Anselm's group might have a lot of treasure. He planned to ambush and rob them.

When Odo met Anselm's group, he asked where the archbishop was, as they hadn't found him. Anselm quickly stepped forward and surprised the duke. He said, "My lord duke, please let me hug you." Odo was so shocked that he immediately let Anselm hug him. He then offered to be Anselm's humble helper.

Family Life

Odo married Sibylla of Burgundy. She was the daughter of William I, Count of Burgundy. They had several children:

• Helie of Burgundy (1080–1141): She married Bertrand of Toulouse and later William III of Ponthieu.
• Florine of Burgundy (1083–1097): She married Sweyn the Crusader, who was a prince of Denmark.
• Hugh II of Burgundy (1084–1143): He later became the next Duke of Burgundy.
• Henry (1087–1125): He became a priest.