Wichmann the Elder facts for kids
Wichmann I the Elder (also known as Wigmann or Wichman) was an important member of the House of Billung, a powerful family in Saxony. He was the brother of Amelung, who became a bishop, and Herman, Duke of Saxony. Wichmann I died on April 23, 944.
Wichmann's Life Story
In the year 938, Wichmann I started a rebellion. He was upset because his younger brother, Herman, was given control of the army in northern Saxony. Wichmann believed he should have had this important job instead. He felt he deserved it because he was older and had a special connection to the royal family. His wife was related to Queen Matilda, the queen mother.
The Rebellion and Its End
Wichmann joined forces with Eberhard of Franconia and Thankmar, who was the half-brother of King Otto I. However, their rebellion did not last long. It was quickly put down by the king's forces. Thankmar died in the same year, and Eberhard made peace with the king.
After this, Wichmann allied with some Slavs, who were people living to the east of Saxony. He continued to fight against his former friends. Eventually, in 941, Wichmann made peace with King Otto I.
Wichmann's Family Life
Wichmann I was married to a woman named Frederuna (sometimes called Fridaruna). She was the niece of Queen Matilda. After Wichmann's death, Frederuna became a nun. She passed away on January 18, 971.
Wichmann and Frederuna had several children:
- Wichmann II
- Bruno, Bishop of Verden
- Egbert the One-Eyed
- Hathui, who married Siegfried. Siegfried was the son of Gero the Great. Hathui might have been the mother of Gero, Count of Alsleben.
It is also thought that Wichmann and Frederuna might have been the parents of Dietrich, Margrave of the Nordmark.
