Hermenegildo Gutiérrez facts for kids

Hermenegildo Gutiérrez (also known as Hermenegildo Guterres in Portuguese) was an important noble from Galicia. He lived a long time ago, during the 800s and 900s. He was a trusted advisor to King Alfonso III, serving as his mayordomo mayor (a high-ranking official in the royal court). Hermenegildo's daughter, Elvira, became the first wife of King Ordoño II. This made her the queen of the Kingdom of León.

Hermenegildo's Life

Count Hermenegildo was the son of Count Gutierre and Elvira. We first hear about him in official records in 869. At that time, he helped settle a disagreement between the king and a bishop. His last mention was in May 912, when he confirmed a gift from his son-in-law, King Ordoño II.

Hermenegildo was very loyal to King Alfonso III. The king rewarded him with many lands and important positions. This showed how much the king valued his hard work and service.

Military Actions

Hermenegildo was a key player in the Reconquista. This was a long period when Christian kingdoms in Spain fought to take back land from Muslim rule.

In 878, Hermenegildo led his troops to victory. He defeated Muslim armies that had attacked the cities of Oporto and Coimbra. After these victories, he helped bring people from Galicia to live in these cities. He also helped repopulate nearby cities like Braga, Viseu, and Lamego. These areas became known as the County of Coimbra. Later, in 987, the city of Coimbra was taken back by Muslim forces. It was finally recaptured by Christian armies in 1064.

In 895, Hermenegildo showed his strength again. He defeated and captured a Galician noble named Witiza. Witiza had rebelled against King Alfonso III. Hermenegildo brought Witiza to the king in chains. As a reward, the king gave Hermenegildo many of Witiza's lands and properties.

Family Life

Hermenegildo married Ermesenda Gatónez. Her father, Count Gatón, was likely a cousin of King Alfonso III. This marriage was very important. It created one of the most powerful noble families in medieval Galicia and in the early County of Portugal.

Hermenegildo and Ermesenda had several children:

• Arias Menéndez (died after 924): He was a count. He married Ermesenda Gundesíndez. They had a daughter named Elvira Arias.
• Elvira Menéndez: Around the year 900, she married Ordoño II. He later became the king of Galicia and León. Elvira was the mother of his children, including future kings Ramiro II and Alfonso IV.
• Gutierre Menéndez: He was a powerful count. He married Ilduara Ériz. They had several children, including Saint Rudesind.
• Enderquina "Palla" Menéndez: She married Gundesindo Eriz.
• Ildonza or Aldonza Menéndez: She married Gutierre Osorio, a count. They had several children. These included Queen Adosinda Gutiérrez, who was the first wife of King Ramiro II. Another child was Count Osorio Gutiérrez, known as "the saintly count." He founded the Monastery of Lourenzá.
• Patruina Menéndez
• Gudilona Menéndez: She was the wife of Count Lucidio Vimáraz.