Fredegund and Brunhilda: Faces of Power

The Merovingian period after 561 was dominated by an unprecedented female rivalry in the history of France.

The assassination of Galswintha

It began with a political marriage. Chilperic married Galswintha, a Visigothic princess and sister of Brunhilda (wife of Sigebert). But Chilperic preferred his favourite, Fredegund. Galswintha was found strangled in her bed.

Brunhilda’s revenge

Brunhilda demanded justice. Under the custom of faida (blood-feud), Sigebert attacked Chilperic to avenge his sister-in-law. The conflict extended across two generations.

Fredegund, the iron queen

From a modest background, Fredegund rose through cunning and violence. She had Sigebert assassinated in 575, just as he was about to capture Chilperic. After Chilperic’s death in 584, she served as regent for her son Chlothar II and defended Neustria with fierce energy.

Brunhilda, the builder regent

Brunhilda embodied Roman tradition. She tried to preserve administration, taxation, and infrastructure in Austrasia. She exercised regency for her sons and grandsons for many years.

Their duel symbolises the struggle between two conceptions of power and two kingdoms: Neustria and Austrasia.