Theda Ukena facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Theda Ukena
Theda, Countess of East Frisia
Born	1432 Oldersum
Died	16 November 1494 Greetsiel
Spouse(s)	Ulrich I, Count of East Frisia
Father	Uko Fockena
Mother	Heba Attena

Theda Ukena (born 1432 in Oldersum – died 16 November 1494 in Greetsiel) was an important noblewoman. From 1466 to about 1480, she served as the regent of the County of East Frisia. A regent is someone who rules a country or region when the official ruler is too young or unable to govern.

Who Was Theda Ukena?

Theda Ukena was a powerful figure in the history of East Frisia. She was known for her leadership and for helping to guide the region during a time when her sons were too young to rule. Her family, the Ukenas, were important leaders in the area.

Her Early Life

Theda was born in 1432 in a place called Oldersum. Her father was Uko Fockena, and her mother was Heba Attena. Sadly, her father was killed in June 1432, the same year she was born.

Theda was the granddaughter of a famous leader named Focko Ukena. He was a powerful "chief," which was a title for a local ruler in East Frisia. Theda was likely named after her grandmother, Theda of Reide.

Becoming a Countess

In 1455, Theda married Ulrich I Cirksena. He had become the Count of East Frisia in 1454. Theda was his second wife.

Her marriage to Ulrich was very important. She brought with her claims to lands like Oldersum. This helped to make Ulrich's family, the Cirksenas, even stronger in the region.

Between 1457 and 1465, Theda and Ulrich had six children:

• Heba
• Gela
• Enno I
• Edzard I the Great
• Ucko
• Almuth

Theda as Regent

When Count Ulrich died in 1466, Theda took over the important job of leading the Cirksena family and the County of East Frisia. She became the regent because her sons, Enno I and Edzard I, were still too young to rule on their own.

She had help from another important leader, Chief Sibet Attena. Theda ruled East Frisia for about 14 years, until around 1480. By then, her sons Enno I and Edzard I were old enough to take charge.

Her Later Years

Theda Ukena passed away on 16 November 1494 in Greetsiel. She is remembered for her strength and for guiding East Frisia during a key period in its history.