The End of Brunhilda: The Last Act of the Tragedy

The fall of Queen Brunhilda in 613 is one of the most famous — and darkest — episodes of Merovingian history.

A queen alone against everyone

At 70, Brunhilda had outlived her husband, her sons, and her grandsons. She tried to exercise power for her great-grandsons, but her iron grip and administrative authority tired Austrasia’s nobility. Austrasian lords preferred to ally with Chlothar II rather than continue to live under her tutelage.

The nobility’s betrayal

Led by Pepin of Landen and Arnulf of Metz, nobles refused to fight for her. Brunhilda was captured and delivered to Chlothar II, the son of her sworn enemy, Fredegund.

An exemplary punishment

Chlothar II accused her of causing the death of ten Frankish kings. She suffered a horrific fate: tortured for three days, she was finally tied by her hair and one arm to the tail of a wild horse, which dragged her until she died.

This barbaric execution marked the end of the royal feud. The hatred between the two queens died with her, leaving the way open to a new era: unity under Chlothar II.