Wermund facts for kids
Wermund (also known as Vermund or Garmund) was an important figure from ancient times. He is known as an ancestor of the Mercian royal family, which was a powerful kingdom in early England. Wermund was the son of Wihtlaeg and the father of a famous hero named Offa.
Different old stories tell us about Wermund. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a very old record of English history, says he was a grandson of the god Woden. However, other stories, like the Gesta Danorum by Saxo Grammaticus, only mention his father. Another book, Brevis Historia Regum Dacie, says Wermund was the son of King Frothi hin Frokni. These different accounts show how legends can change over time!
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Wermund's Reign and Challenges
According to the Gesta Danorum, Wermund had a long and happy time as ruler. His kingdom was peaceful and successful for many years. However, this peace was eventually broken by a powerful and warlike king named Athislus.
The Battle with Athislus
King Athislus began to raid Wermund's lands. During these attacks, Athislus sadly killed Frowinus, who was the governor of Schleswig. Frowinus was a brave leader, and his death was a big loss.
The Sons' Revenge
Frowinus had two sons, Keto and Wigo. They were determined to get revenge for their father's death. They fought together against King Athislus and defeated him. While they won the battle, some people thought it was a bit unfair for two brothers to fight against just one man. This made their victory seem less honorable.
Offa's Heroic Act
To restore the honor of their family and kingdom, Wermund's son, Offa, stepped forward. Offa bravely decided to fight Athislus in a single combat, meaning a one-on-one duel. This was a very important event that showed Offa's courage and skill. His victory in this duel brought great pride back to his people.
Wermund in Old Stories
Historians believe that Athislus, who Saxo Grammaticus called the king of the Swedes, might actually be the same person as Eadgils of the Myrgings. Eadgils was a king of the Myrgings mentioned in an old poem called Widsith.
Connections to Other Legends
It is also thought that Frowinus and Wigo, the brave father and son, are the same as Freawine and Wig. These names appear in the family trees of the kings of Wessex, another important kingdom in early England.
Dating Wermund's Time
Eadgils lived around the same time as a famous leader named Ermanaric, who died about 376 AD. This timing fits with the old family trees that place Wermund about nine generations before Penda of Mercia. This helps us understand roughly when Wermund might have lived.
Wermund in Beowulf
Wermund is also mentioned in the famous Old English epic poem Beowulf. In lines 1958-1963, he is called Garmund. The poem talks about him as the father of Offa of Angel and the grandfather of Eomer.
Here's a part of the poem that mentions him:
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This part of Beowulf highlights Offa's bravery and wisdom, and mentions Wermund (Garmund) as his important ancestor.
