Volkold facts for kids

Volkold of Meissen (also known as Wolcold or Folcold) was an important church leader from a long time ago. He was the second Bishop of Meissen, a very significant role in the Holy Roman Empire. He passed away on August 23, 992.

Volkold's Life

Early Career and Royal Connections

Before he became a bishop, Volkold worked at the court of Emperor Otto I. He was a teacher, or tutor, for the Emperor's son, who later became Emperor Otto II. This shows he was a trusted and educated person. Volkold also helped a young man named Willigis get a job working for the Emperor. Willigis later became a very important saint.

Becoming Bishop of Meissen

Volkold was chosen to be the Bishop of Meissen in the year 969. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Christian church. In 972, Volkold went to an important meeting of church leaders called a synod in a town called Ingelheim.

Challenges and Return

In 984, the town of Meissen faced a big problem. Boleslaus II, Duke of Bohemia, attacked Meissen and its castle, the Albrechtsburg. This happened because Boleslaus supported Henry II of Bavaria, who wanted to become the new Emperor after Otto II died.

Volkold had to leave Meissen and find safety with the Sorbs, a group of people living nearby. He stayed in Erfurt under the protection of his old friend, Willigis. Meissen was badly damaged during the attack. Volkold could not return to his home until 987. This was after Ekkehard I, Margrave of Meissen, helped take back the area.

Gifts and Final Years

After returning, Volkold placed his church area under the Emperor's protection. Because the bishopric (the area a bishop leads) had lost so much, Emperor Otto II gave Volkold many gifts. These included land, money from tolls, and other valuable things.

In 992, while visiting Prague, Volkold became very ill. He suffered a stroke on Good Friday and returned to Meissen paralyzed. He passed away on August 23, 992, and was buried there.