Liudolf's Family


Gerberga of Saxony

Gerberga of Saxony
Gerberga as depicted in the Wolfenbüttel manuscript of the Chronica sancti Pantaleonis from the second half of the 12th century
illustration from the Chronica St. Pantaleonis posted on wikipedia
Father: Heinrich I "der Vogelsteller"

Mother: Mathilde

Married (1st): Gislebert, duke of Lotharingia, in 929

Gislebert died in 939, drowned in the Rhine while being pursued by the Saxons during a plundering mission.
Flodoardi annales in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 3 p386 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1839)
  Anno 939
... Gislebertus dux Lothariensium, trans Rhenum profectus praedatum, Saxonibus se dum revertitur insequentibus, in Rhenum fertur desiluisse cum equo; ibique vi enecatus undarum, postea repperiri non potuit, ut fertur. Quidam tamen ferunt, quod a piscatoribus sit repertus et humatus, atque propter spoliorum ipsius ornamenta celatus.
This roughly translates as:
In the year 939 ... Gislebert, duke of Lotharingia, having set out across the Rhine to plunder, is said to have jumped into the Rhine with his horse, while the Saxons were pursuing him on his return; and there he was drowned by the force of the waves, and could not be found afterwards, as is said. Some, however, say that he was found and buried by fishermen, and hidden because of the ornaments of his spoils.

Children:
Married (2nd): Louis IV "d'Outremer" in 939
Flodoardi annales in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 3 p386 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1839)
  Anno 939
... Ludowicus rex in regnum Lothariense regressus, relictam Gisleberti Gerbergam duxit uxorem, Othonis scilicet regis sororem.
This roughly translates as:
In the year 939 ... King Louis, returning to the kingdom of Lotharingia, married Gislebert's abandoned wife, Gerberg, who was the sister of King Otto.

Children:
Occupation: Queen of West Francia, by marriage to Louis IV, then regent during the minority of their son Lothair from 954–959, and later abbess of Notre-Dame de Soissons.

Gerberga is documented as abbess of Notre-Dame de Soissons on 25 April 959 (Recueil des historiens des Gaules et de la France vol 9 p665 (1757)).

Notes:
When Louis was captured by the Normans in 945, Gerberga played a major role in negotiating his release, enrolling the support of her brother, king Otto of Germany. She refused to part with her eldest son with Louis, Lothair, as a hostage, giving up instead her second son, Charles, who was not heard from again.
Les derniers Carolingiens pp5-6 (Ferdinand Lot, 1891)
le roi lui-même put à grand’peine s’échapper et se réfugier à Rouen. Il n’y gagna rien; les habitants de cette ville le livrèrent à ses ennemis. Louis subissait donc le même sort que son père vingt-deux ans auparavant. Mais Charles le Simple n’avait rencontré aucun appui dans sa captivité; Louis au contraire dut beaucoup à l’activité de sa femme Gerberge qui intéressa au sort de son mari le roi de Germanie, l’Anglo-Saxon Edmond et le duc de France lui-même. … Il obtint des Normands qu’ils relâchassent le roi à condition que celui-ci leur remît comme otages son second fils et l’évêque de Soissons, Guy d'Anjou.
This roughly translates as:
the king himself was barely able to escape and take refuge in Rouen. He gained nothing by it; the inhabitants of this city delivered him to his enemies. Louis thus suffered the same fate as his father twenty-two years before. But Charles the Simple had found no support in his captivity; Louis, on the other hand, owed much to the activity of his wife Gerberge, who interested the king of Germany, the Anglo-Saxon Edmund, and the duke of France himself in her husband's fate. … He obtained from the Normans the release of the king on the condition that he hand over his second son and the Bishop of Soissons, Guy of Anjou, as hostages.

On Louis's sudden death in September 954, Gerberga was actively involved in ensuring that her eldest son, Lothair, was to become the next king.
Les derniers Carolingiens pp8-9 (Ferdinand Lot, 1891)
La mort soudaine de Louis d’Outremer plaça la race Carolingienne dans une situation pleine d’anxiétés et de périls. Louis n’avait pas pris la précaution de faire sacrer de son vivant son fils aîné Lothaire. Quand bien même il l’aurait fait, il fallait que les grands consentissent à le reconnaître comme roi. Gerberge eut à déployer pour son fils l’activité et l’énergie dont elle avait fait preuve dix ans auparavant en faveur de son mari prisonnier. Elle commença par informer de sa triste position ses frères Brunon et Otton Ier Mais pour l’instant ils ne pouvaient lui être que d’un faible secours. Le roi de Germanie était occupé en Bavière à combattre son fils révolté Liudolf. Quant à Brunon, nommé depuis un an par son frère, archevêque de Cologne et duc de Lorraine, il avait à lutter de son côté contre le duc Conrad. Gerberge comprit que l’arbitre véritable de la situation était Hugues le Grand; elle se hâta de sonder ses intentions en lui envoyant demander par messagers conseil et assistance. Hugues, pour la troisième fois depuis la mort de Robert Ier disposait de la couronne. Pas plus que dans les occasions précédentes il ne semble avoir été tenté de se l’approprier, et ceci pour plus d’une raison: il craignit sans doute, s’il usurpait le trône, de s’attirer des difficultés, non seulement avec une partie des seigneurs français, mais encore avec la Germanie; l’exemple de Louis IV, de Raoul, de son père même, lui avait montré à quels périls le titre de roi exposait alors pour de bien faibles avantages. Enfin peutêtre avait-il un retour de loyalisme envers la race Carolingienne, qu’il avait cependant tant de fois trahie. Les sentiments des hommes de cette époque sont si mobiles, si contradictoires, que cette dernière hypothèse n’est peut-être pas la moins vraisemblable. Quoi qu’il en soit, Hugues fit une réponse favorable aux demandes de Gerberge, et quand celleci, sur son invitation, se rendit auprès de lui, il l’accueillit avec honneur et la consola en lui promettant d’élever au trône son fils Lothaire. Il était naturellement bien décidé à se faire payer ses services très cher.
This roughly translates as:
The sudden death of Louis d'Outremer placed the Carolingian race in a situation full of anxiety and peril. Louis had not taken the precaution of having his eldest son Lothair crowned during his lifetime. Even if he had done so, the nobles would have had to agree to recognize him as king. Gerberge had to deploy for her son the activity and energy she had shown ten years earlier in favor of her imprisoned husband. She began by informing her brothers Brunon and Otto I of his sad situation. But for the moment they could be of little help to her. The King of Germany was busy in Bavaria fighting his rebellious son Liudolf. As for Brunon, appointed a year earlier by his brother, Archbishop of Cologne and Duke of Lorraine, he had to fight on his own against Duke Conrad. Gerberge understood that the true arbiter of the situation was Hugh the Great; She hastened to sound out his intentions by sending messengers to ask for advice and assistance. Hugh, for the third time since the death of Robert I, had the crown at his disposal. No more than on previous occasions did he seem to have been tempted to appropriate it, and this for more than one reason: he doubtless feared, if he usurped the throne, to attract difficulties, not only with a part of the French lords, but also with Germany; the example of Louis IV, of Raoul, of his father himself, had shown him to what perils the title of king then exposed for very small advantages. Finally, perhaps he had a return of loyalty towards the Carolingian race, which he had nevertheless betrayed so many times. The feelings of the men of this time are so mobile, so contradictory, that this last hypothesis is perhaps not the least likely. However, Hugh made a favorable response to Gerberge's requests, and when she, at his invitation, came to see him, he received her with honor and consoled her by promising to raise her son Lothair to the throne. He was naturally determined to be paid dearly for his services.

Gerberga held lands in Lorraine in dower from her first husband Gislebert, the duke of Lorraine. Gislebert's nephew, Reginar III, could not wait to inherit Lorraine on Gerberga's death, and he seized Brussels and the surrounding parts of Lorraine by force. In 956, King Lothaire of France, together with Gerberga's brother, Bruno, Archbishop of Cologne, invaded the seized territory, captured his fort on the Chier and took his family prisoner, releasing them only after Reginar returned the land which he had taken. In 968, shortly before her death, Gerberga donated these lands to the the abbey of Saint-Rémy de Reims.
Les derniers Carolingiens pp19-20 (Ferdinand Lot, 1891)
  Grâce aux relations amicales des deux sœurs, Gerberge et Hathuide, l’alliance des Carolingiens et des Robertiens continua encore quelque temps sous la haute direction de leur frère, l’archevéque de Cologne, et par suite du roi de Germanie. Le pays situé entre le Rhin et la Loire se trouva ainsi administré pendant plusieurs années par une sorte de conseil de famille où Carolingiens, Robertiens, Ottouieas étaient liés par des relations d'étroite parenté. Pendant neuf ans (956-65), Brunon fut presque autant régent de la France que duc, ou plutôt vice-roi de la Lorraine.
  Son intervention se manifesta an profit de Gerberge immédiatement après le décès de Hugues le Grand. Quelque temps avant la mort de celui-ci, Renier, comte de Hainaut, avait enlevé à Ursion, chevalier de l’église de Reims, une forteresse sise sur le Chiers; de plus il avait fait main basse sur un certain nombre de domaines situés en Hainaut, appartenant à Gerberge; ces domaines faisaient partie du douaire que le premier mari de la reine, Gilbert, comte de Hainaut et duc de Lorraine, lui avait concédé. Renier au Long-Col, son neveu n’eut pas la patience d’attendre la mort de sa tante par alliance; mal lui en prit. Lothaire, évidemment à l’instigatîon de sa mère, alla assiéger la forteresse sur le Chiers, s’en empara et la brûla; bien plus, Raoul, père de l’historîen Richer, réussit à pénétrer dans Mons, capitale du Hainaut, et à y faire prisonniers la femme et les deux fils de Renier. Fort des avantages remportés par son neveu et de cette capture importante, Brunon provoqua une entrevue entre Gerberge et Renier après la mort de Hugues le Grand. Il fut convenu que l’on rendrait à Renier ses enfants et ses soldats, et que, en revanche, il restituerait à la reine les biens qu’il lui avait ravis (été 956). Dans deux assemblées tenues, l’une au commencement de l’année à Ingelheim, l’autre après Pâques à Cologne, Otton 1er avait reçu les serments de fidélité et les présents des Lorrains. Brunon dut se flatter d’avoir, par l’accord entre sa sœur et Renier, activé la pacification de la Lorraine.
This roughly translates as:
Thanks to the friendly relations of the two sisters, Gerberge and Hathuide, the alliance of the Carolingians and the Robertians continued for some time under the high leadership of their brother, the Archbishop of Cologne, and subsequently of the King of Germany. The country located between the Rhine and the Loire was thus administered for several years by a sort of family council in which Carolingians, Robertians, and Ottouieas were linked by close kinship. For nine years (956-65), Brunon was almost as much regent of France as duke, or rather viceroy, of Lorraine.
  His intervention was manifested to the benefit of Gerberge immediately after the death of Hugh the Great. Some time before the latter's death, Reginar, Count of Hainaut, had taken from Ursion, knight of the church of Reims, a fortress located on the Chiers; moreover, he had seized a certain number of estates located in Hainaut, belonging to Gerberge; these estates were part of the dowry that the first husband of the queen, Gilbert, Count of Hainaut and Duke of Lorraine, had granted to her. Reginar Longneck, his nephew, did not have the patience to wait for the death of his aunt by marriage; it was a bad move for him. Lothair, evidently at the instigation of his mother, went to besiege the fortress on the Chiers, seized it and burned it; moreover, Raoul, father of the historian Richer, succeeded in penetrating Mons, capital of Hainaut, and taking Renier's wife and two sons prisoner there. Bolstered by the advantages gained by his nephew and this important capture, Brunon arranged for an interview between Gerberge and Renier after the death of Hugh the Great. It was agreed that Renier would be given back his children and soldiers, and that, in return, he would return to the queen the property he had stolen from her (summer 956). In two assemblies held, one at the beginning of the year in Ingelheim, the other after Easter in Cologne, Otto I had received the oaths of loyalty and the gifts from the Lorrainers. Brunon must have flattered himself that, through the agreement between his sister and Renier, he had brought about the pacification of Lorraine.
pp60-1 (Ferdinand Lot, 1891)
  Au commencement de l’année suivante (968), Gerberge quitta la « France » et se rendit dans le pays de son premier mari, le duc de Lorraine, Gilbert. Elle était accompagnée de son plus jeune fils, Charles, alors âgé de quinze ans. Son voyage avait un but de piété: le 10 et le 12 février elle se trouvait dans le pays de la Meuse, à Herten, et là, en présence de Gérard, évéque de Toul, des comtes Emmon et Ansfrid et de beaucoup d’autres nobles personnages, elle fit don à Saint-Rémy de Reims, avec l’assentiment de son frère l’empereur Otton Ier, et par la main du comte Arnoul, son avoué, de son alleu de Mersen et de ses dépendances, Klimmen, Littoi, Herten et Angleur. Gerberge, qui semblait prévoir sa fin prochaine, mettait comme condition que les moines de Saint-Rémy prieraient pour son âme, pour celle de son premier mari le duc Gilbert, et pour Renier et Albrade, parents de ce dernier1.
  1. Historiens de France, IX, 666. Jos. Habets, Beknopte Geschiedenis der Proostdij van Meersen, p. 97-98, Maastricht, 1888, in-8.
This roughly translates as:
  At the beginning of the following year (968), Gerberge left "France" and went to the country of her first husband, Gilbert, the Duke of Lorraine. She was accompanied by her youngest son, Charles, then aged fifteen. Her journey had a pious purpose: on February 10 and 12 she was in the country of the Meuse, at Herten, and there, in the presence of Gerard, bishop of Toul, counts Emmon and Ansfrid and many other noble persons, she donated to Saint-Rémy de Reims, with the consent of her brother Emperor Otto I, and by the hand of Count Arnoul, her attorney, her allotment of Mersen and its dependencies, Klimmen, Littoi, Herten and Angleur. Gerberge, who seemed to foresee her imminent end, made it a condition that the monks of Saint-Rémy pray for her soul, for that of her first husband, Duke Gilbert, and for Renier and Albrade, the latter's relatives1.
  1. Historiens de France, IX, 666. Jos. Habets, Beknopte Geschiedenis der Proostdij van Meersen, pp. 97-98, Maastricht, 1888, in-8.

Death: 5 May, the year is unknown, but she was still living on 17 May 968, when she appeared in an act of her son Lothaire (Recueil des historiens des Gaules et de la France vol 9 p632 (1757)). Ferdinand Lot acknowledges that the year is not known, but makes a case that it was likely 969.

Les derniers Carolingiens p62 (Ferdinand Lot, 1891)
  L’année 969 fut signalée par deux événements tristes pour Lothaire, très graves pour la destinée des Carolingiens, il perdit sa mère et l’archevêque Odelric. Gerberge mourut le 5 mai et fut enterrée dans le chœur de Saint-Rémy de Reims. Elle avait survécu de bien peu à sa mère Mathilde, morte le 14 mars 9682. Son fils perdit en elle un appui et un conseiller précieux. Femme énergique et intelligente, elle avait à deux reprises sauvé la destinée des Carolingiens, une première fois en tirant son mari des mains des Normands et de Hugues le Grand, une seconde fois en plaçant, par une décision habile, son jeune fils, lors de son avènement, sous la protection de Hugues et de Brunon. Sa dévotion était peutêtre excessive; pas un diplôme de Lothaire en faveur des églises qui ne soit donné sur ses conseils ou plutôt sur ses ordres4.
  N’est-il pas étrange que, disposant de riches domaines dans la vallée de la Meuse, elle n’ait pas songé à les léguer à ses fils, qui en avaient tant besoin, au plus jeune surtout qui n’avait pas un pouce de terre? Elle préféra en faire don à l’abbaye de Saint-Rémy, déjà fort riche.—La mort de Gerberge relâcha encore davantage les relations de Lothaire avec la Germanie, déjà affaiblies depuis la mort de Brunon.
  2. Vita Mathildis, ch. xv. — Epitaphium Gerbergae (Historiens de France, IX, 104). La date exacte de l'année de la mort de Gerberge est inconnue. Toutefois comme elle n’apparait plus nulle part à partir de 968, j’ai cru pouvoir placer sa mort en 969. C’est ce que fait Kalckstein (p. 322-323). Dans la charte de l’année précédente (968), les dispositions générales, ce don considérable à Saint-Rémy, la préoccupation du salut de son àme, le souvenir de son premier mari, me semblent des indices que Gerberge sentait approcher sa un.
  4. Voyez ces passages caractéristiques dans plusieurs diplômes: « Domina mea mater reginaque Gerberga . … imperiali monitu accedens, ut quasdam res, etc. nostram impulit mentem » (Histor. de France, IX, 620 D); « maternis cum jussionibus rogans mea gloriosissima nobiscum mater quae hoc statuit » (Ibid, IX, 623, C et D
This roughly translates as:
  The year 969 was marked by two sad events for Lothair, very serious for the destiny of the Carolingians: he lost his mother and Archbishop Odelric. Gerberge died on 5 May and was buried in the choir of Saint-Rémy in Reims. She had narrowly survived her mother, Matilda, who died on 14 March 9682. Her son lost in her a valuable supporter and advisor. An energetic and intelligent woman, she had twice saved the destiny of the Carolingians, once by saving her husband from the hands of the Normans and Hugh the Great, and a second time by placing, through a skillful decision, her young son, upon his accession, under the protection of Hugh and Brunon. Her devotion was perhaps excessive; not a single diploma from Lothair in favor of the churches was not given on her advice, or rather on her orders4.
  Isn't it strange that, having rich estates in the Meuse valley, she didn't think to bequeath them to her sons, who needed them so much, especially the youngest, who didn't have an inch of land? She preferred to donate them to the already very wealthy Abbey of Saint-Rémy. Gerberge's death further weakened Lothair's relations with Germany, which had already been weakened since Brunon's death.
  2. Vita Mathildis, ch. xv. — Epitaphium Gerbergae (Historiens de France, IX, 104). The exact date of Gerberge's death is unknown. However, since she no longer appears anywhere after 968, I thought I could place her death in 969. This is what Kalckstein does (pp. 322-323). In the charter of the previous year (968), the general provisions, this considerable gift to Saint-Rémy, the concern for the salvation of her soul, the memory of her first husband, seem to me to be indications that Gerberge felt her end approaching.
4. See these characteristic passages in several diplomas: "My lady mother and queen Gerberga. … approaching with imperial warning, as certain things, etc., have impressed upon our mind" (Histor. de France, IX, 620 D); "My most glorious mother, who has decreed this, is with us, asking with maternal commands." (Ibid, IX, 623, C and D

Buried: in the choir of the church of Saint-Rémy de Reims

Gerberga's epitaph has been preserved:
Recueil des historiens des Gaules et de la France vol 9 p104 (1757)
(a) EPITAPHIA GERBERGÆ REGINÆ.
    Verſus ſuper Tumbam Gerbergæ, quæ jacet in Choro Eccleſiæ S. Remigii Remis.
Francorum ſpecimen, Francis memorabile nomen,
Hoc Regina ſacro (b) Gerberga locatur in antro.
Grandis honor regni, cui vita Monaſtica cordi.
Hæc era Remigio ſua rerum contulit almo,
Sol quintus Maii quam vidit carne reſolvi;
Remigii meritis cui detur vita perennis.
    Verſus alii ad honorem ejuſdem Gerbergæ.
Regum ſtirpe ſata, rebus ſpecieque beata,
Moribus ornata, ſidei pietate probata,
Jure ſupetlata Francis Gerberga vocata,
Concidit in ſata, ſed è carne ſatis decorata.
Defluit ingrata ſanies, & quidquid humata
Et deſolata caro debet non adamata.
Non ſuper optata facies, poſſeſſio lata,
Non mihi gemmata veſtis fuit hæc operata,
Quin Regina data ſim vermibus, ut patre nata
Paupere. Dilata mors eſſe poteſt referata,
Non autem ablata. Mala, Leƈtor, plange patrata.
Non ſemper grata venit, ut fuit hora putata.
  (a) Edidit Cheſnius Tomo 2 Script. Franc. pag. 628.
  (b) Gerberga Henrici Aucupis Germ. Regis filia, ſoror Othonis Imperatoris, primùm nupſit Giſleberto Duci Lotharienſi aquis Rheni demerſo anno 919, deinde Ludovico Ultramarino.
This roughly translates as:
(a) EPITAPH OF QUEEN GERBERG.
    Verses on the tomb of Gerberg, which lies in the choir of the church of St. Remy, Reims.
The model of the Franks, the memorable name of France,
Queen (b) Gerberga rests in this sacred vault.
Great though honor of the throne, she preferred the monastic life.
This era bestowed upon Remigius his wealth,
On the fifth of May she was cast off from the flesh;
To whom may eternal life be given by the merits of Remy.
    Another verse in honor of the same Gerberga.
Sown by the stock of kings, blessed in both things and appearance,
Decorated with morals, approved by piety of ideas,
Rightly supported by the Franks, called Gerberga,
She fell in the fields, but sufficiently decorated with flesh.
Ungrateful sanity flows away, and whatever is buried
And desolate flesh should not be loved.
Not upon the desired face, possession wide,
This jeweled garment was not made for me,
But I am a Queen given to worms, as born of a father
Poor. Death may be postponed,
But not taken away. Evil, Reader, lament the deeds done.
It does not always come welcome, as the hour was thought.
(a) Published by Chesnius, Volume 2, Script. Franc., page 628.
(b) Gerberga, daughter of Henry the Hunter of Germany, sister of Emperor Otto, married first Gislebert, Duke of Lotharingia, drowned in the waters of the Rhine in the year 919, then Louis d'Outremer.

Sources:

Hedwig

Married:  Otto "der Erlauchten"

Vita Mathildis Reginæ in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 4 p284 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1841)
[912.] 1. Temporibus Conradi, regis Francorum gloriosi, extitit in partibus Germaniae dux quidam Otto nomine, honestate morum perspicuus et in decernendis rebus providus, clarus nobilitate generis et famosus bellorum triumphis. Cui Hathuwic, matrona venerabilis, coniugali copulabatur vinculo. Quibus duo gignebantur filii, herili forma decorati; et ipsos summa nutriebant diligentia, uti exigebat nobilitatis honorificentia. Maior natu vocabatur Thancmarus, et alter Heinricus. 
This roughly translates as:
[912.] 1. In the time of Conrad, the glorious king of the Franks, there existed in the parts of Germany a certain duke named Otto, distinguished for his honesty of character and prudent in deciding matters, famous for his nobility of lineage and famous for his triumphs in war. To him was joined by the bond of marriage to Hathuwic, a venerable matron. To them were born two sons, adorned with the form of a hermit; and they raised them with the utmost diligence, as the honor of nobility demanded. The elder was called Thancmar, and the other Heinric.

Children:
Death: 24 December 903

Neue Mittheilungen aus dem Gebiete historisch-antiquarischer Forschungen p246 (1867)
Das alte Merseburger Todtenbuch  herausgegeben von Ernst Dümmler.
Necrologium Mersebvrgense
December
VIIII K. …obiit Hathuuui mater Heinrici regis.
This roughly translates as:
The old Merseburg death register edited by Ernst Dümmler.
Merseburg Obituary
December
9th day of Kalends. … Hathuuui, mother of King Henry, died.

Annales Necrologici Fuldenses in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 13 p189 (1881)
  Anno 903.
… Hadwih com.2
2) Fortasse uxor Ottonis ducis Saxoniae; v. ‘Jahrb. Heinrich I.’ p. 13
This roughly translates as:
  Year 903.
… Hadwih countess.2
2) Perhaps the wife of Otto, Duke of Saxony; see ‘Jahrb. Heinrich I.’ p. 13

Sources:

Heinrich I "der Vogelsteller"

anglicised to "Henry the Fowler"
Seal of Heinrich I "der Vogelsteller"
The seal of Heinrich I "der Vogelsteller" from a document dated 30 March 925. The inscription reads "HEINRICVS REX"
illustration from Die Siegel der Deutschen Kaiser und Könige (Otto Posse, 1909) posted on wikipedia
Heinrich I "der Vogelsteller" and his second wife Mathilde
Heinrich I "der Vogelsteller" and his second wife Mathilde as depicted in the Wolfenbüttel manuscript of the Chronica sancti Pantaleonis from the second half of the 12th century
illustration from the Chronica St. Pantaleonis posted on wikipedia


Birth: 876
Heinrich was "nearly 60" years old at his death in July 936

Father: Otto "der Erlauchten"

Mother: Hedwig

Married (1st): Hatheburg

Hatheburg was a daughter of Irwin, count of Merseburg. As she had taken the veil after the death of a former husband this union was declared illegal by the church, and Heinrich divorced her. Their son, Thankmar, was declared illegitimate and unable to inherit the throne. Hatheburg was probably the woman of that name who is named in the necrology of Merseburg with a death date of 21 June.

Thietmari Chron. Lib. 1 in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 3 pp735-6 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1839)
  4. Interim cuiusdam matronae famam, quae Hatheburch dicebatur, Heinricus comperiens, qualiter eam sibi sociaret, iuvenili exarsit amore. Haec erat filia Ervini senoris, qui in urbe predicta, quam antiquam civitatem nominamus, maximam tenuit partem; et quia is filium non habuit, geminis filiabus suis e medio decedens reliquit. Ob huius pulchritudinem et hereditatis divitiarumque utilitatem, internuntios Heinricus quam propere misit, et quamvia hanc esse viduam et sciret velatam, suae tamen ut satisfaceret voluntati, eam fide promissa petivit. Tunc illa multorum precibus et consilio devicta, comitatur, et honorifice suscepta, ac karitative a suis, ut decuit, est habita. Nuptiis ex more peractis, sponsus cum contectali ad Merseburch venit; omnesque convocans vicinos, quia vir fait inlustris, tanta familiaritate sibi adiunxit, ut quasi amicum diligerent et dominum honorarent. Ea tempestate Conradus, Francorum quondam dux egreius et tunc Luthuwici successor pueri, arcem tenebat regni; quem ob meritum sui Otto predictus, ab omnibus regni principibus in regem electus, sibi quasi ad hoc indigno preposuit, seque cum filiis fidei suae ac potestati subdiderat. Spiritualis autem pater et pastor Orientalium tunc fuit Sigimundus, sanctae Halverstidensis ecclesiae presul egregius, vir ingeniosus, omnigenarumque, quae spiritualia vel etiam carnalia respicit, arcium scientia omnes suimet contemporales tunc precellens. Hic pietate maxima, et quod summum est perfectionis culmen, Christi zelo fervens, ut perpetrati facinus conubii primo audivit, ovium culpam suarum ingemuit, et aliquam inter se fieri amplius commixionem per intemuncium et per epistolam banno apostolicae auctoritatis interdicens, ad condictam ambos synodum vocavit. Heinricus tali rumore turbatus, ad imperatorem properavit, omnemque indicens ei rem ordine, auxilium eius petiit, et quia familiaris ei fuit, et patris commisso, ac fideli servitio impetravit. Nam legato ad antistitem concite directo, ut vincto; solveret, et ad suimet presentiam differre voluisset. postulavit.
This roughly translates as:
  4. Meanwhile, Henry, learning of the fame of a certain matron, who was called Hatheburch, how he could unite her with himself, was inflamed with youthful love. She was the daughter of Erwin the Elder, who held the greatest part of the aforesaid city, which we call the ancient city; and because he had no son, he left his twin daughters to his own family when he died. Because of her beauty and the usefulness of her inheritance and wealth, Henry promptly sent messengers to her, and although he knew that she was a widow and veiled, yet in order to satisfy his will, he sought her with a promise of loyalty. Then, overcome by the prayers and advice of many, she was accompanied and received honorably, and was treated charitably by her family, as was fitting. The wedding having been celebrated according to custom, the bridegroom came to Merseburg with his attendants; and calling together all the neighbors, because he was a man of illustrious character, he attached them to him with such familiarity that they loved her as if she were a friend and honored their master. At that time Conrad, formerly Duke of Egrea and then successor of the boy Louis, held the castle of the kingdom; whom the aforementioned Otto, having been elected king by all the princes of the kingdom, had appointed to himself as if unworthy of this, and had submitted himself and his sons to his faith and power. But the spiritual father and shepherd of the Easterners at that time was Sigismund, the excellent prelate of the holy church of Halverstiden, a man of genius, and surpassing all his contemporaries in knowledge of all kinds of castles, whether spiritual or carnal. This one, with the greatest piety, and what is the highest peak of perfection, burning with the zeal of Christ, when he first heard of the crime of the marriage committed, groaned at the guilt of his sheep, and forbade any further intercourse between them by injunction and by letter with the ban of apostolic authority, he summoned both to a synod. Henry, troubled by such a rumor, hastened to the emperor, and, telling him everything in order, asked for his help, and because he was familiar with him, and with the service entrusted to him by his father, he obtained it. For the legate hurriedly went to the bishop, as if he were bound; he would release him, and he wanted to postpone it to his own presence. he requested.

Children:
Married (2nd): Mathilde in 909 in Wallhausen, Saxony

Thietmari Chron. Lib. 1 in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 3 p737 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1839)
  Fama novi regis undiquessecus dispersa amicorum corda laetificat rebelliumque econtra mestificat, quia vir talis fuit, ut suos sciret sapienter tractare, inimicos autem callide viriliterque superare. Interea Tammo natus est; et mens regis ab amore uxoris decrescens, ob pulcritudinem et rem cuiusdam virginis, nomine Mathildis, secreto flagravit. Iam iamque latentis animi fervor erupit; et iniusto se hactenus multum peccasse conubio, tandem professus, per afflnes legatosque suos filiam Theodrici et Reinildae, ex Widicinni regis tribu exortam, interlpellat, ut sibi voluisset satisfacere. Et quia flexibilis est mulieris animus, et quia sciebat eum in cunctis eligantem, consensit, coniunctaque ei tam in divinis quam in humanis profuit. Que tres filios congruo pariens in tempore, Ottonem, Heinricum et Brunonem, prospere educavit, doloremque partus tantae stirpis dulcedine superavit.
This roughly translates as:
  The fame of the new king, scattered far and wide, gladdens the hearts of his friends and on the other hand, grieves the rebels, because he was such a man that he knew how to treat his own people wisely, but to overcome his enemies cunningly and manfully. In the meantime, Tammo was born; and the king's mind, declining from the love of his wife, was secretly inflamed by the beauty and virtue of a certain virgin, named Mathilde. Now and then the ardor of his latent mind burst forth; and, having confessed that he had hitherto sinned greatly by his unjust marriage, he at length, through his relatives and ambassadors, intercedes for the daughter of Theodoric and Reinhilde, descended from the tribe of King Widicin, to satisfy himself. And because a woman's mind is flexible, and because she knew that he was selective in all things, she consented, and being united to him benefited both in divine and human matters. She gave birth to three sons at the right time, Otto, Henry, and Bruno, and successfully raised them, and overcame the pain of childbirth with the sweetness of such a lineage.

Vita Mathildis Reginæ in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 4 p284 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1841)
[912.] 1. Temporibus Conradi, regis Francorum gloriosi, extitit in partibus Germaniae dux quidam Otto nomine, honestate morum perspicuus et in decernendis rebus providus, clarus nobilitate generis et famosus bellorum triumphis. Cui Hathuwic, matrona venerabilis, coniugali copulabatur vinculo. Quibus duo gignebantur filii, herili forma decorati; et ipsos summa nutriebant diligentia, uti exigebat nobilitatis honorificentia. Maior natu vocabatur Thancmarus, et alter Heinricus. Is quamvis esset junior, probitate morum tamen elucebat altior, et ab annis puerilibus intendebat bonis operibus, sequens humilitatis vestigia, quibus certissime pervenitur ad virtutum culmina. Omnes cum quibus erat, haud minus quam se ipsum diligebat; nulli se praetulit, nec per vim aliquem oppressit. Puer vero mirae claritatis ac amandae indolis cum attigisset florentes annos iuventutis, coeperunt inter se tractare parentes, ut illi desponsarent virginem, genere sibi non inferiorem, et cujus mos liberalis praeclaro iuveni esset persimilis. Interim illorum pervenit ad aures, in coenobio Herivordinense egregiam hospitare puellam, nomine Mahthildam, genere nobilem, specie exoptabilem, et moribus illustrem, ut cum ava sua abbatissa disceret psalmodialem librum et industrias operum. Haec etiam virgo traxit egregium genus a venerabili viro Witikino, qui in occidentali regione dux fuerat gloriosus, opibus pollens et dignitatis honore multos praecellens.  
This roughly translates as:
[912.] 1. In the time of Conrad, the glorious king of the Franks, there existed in the parts of Germany a certain duke named Otto, distinguished for his honesty of character and prudent in deciding matters, famous for his nobility of lineage and famous for his triumphs in war. To him was joined by the bond of marriage to Hathuwic, a venerable matron. To them were born two sons, adorned with the form of a hermit; and they raised them with the utmost diligence, as the honor of nobility demanded. The elder was called Thancmar, and the other Heinric. Although he was younger, he shone out in his uprightness of character, and from his boyhood he was intent on good works, following the footsteps of humility, by which one most certainly reaches the heights of virtue. He loved all with whom he was no less than himself; he preferred himself to none, and did not oppress anyone by force. But when the boy of wonderful brightness and loving nature had reached the flowering years of his youth, his parents began to treat among themselves that they should marry him to a maiden, not inferior to him in lineage, and whose liberal habits were very similar to the illustrious youth. Meanwhile, it came to their ears that in a convent in Herford there was an excellent girl, named Mathilda, of noble lineage, desirable in appearance, and illustrious in character, who, with her grandmother the abbess, was learning the psalmody and the arts of works. This maiden also descended from an excellent lineage from the venerable man Witikinus, who had been a glorious leader in the western region, powerful in wealth and surpassing many in honor and dignity.

Children:
Vita Mathildis Reginæ in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 4 p287 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1841)
  6. De procreatione liberorum suorum. Deus autem omnipotens, sibi servientes numquam derelinquens, elementer inspexit bona opera regis Heinrici et beatissimae Mahthildis, atque illis multiplicavit excellentiam nobilissimae prolis. Beatus etiam partus, qui in utroque sexu enituit pulcherrimus, nec particulatim comprehenditur, nec penitus reticetur. Otto praeclarus, ante regalem dignitatem procreatus, natu fuerat maximus, forma insignis et moribus illustris. Heinricus autem, in regali solio natus, iunior fuit annis, sed haud inferior excellentia probitatis. Huic nimirum tanta inerat pulchritudo, ut tunc temporis vix posset alicui comparari viro. Industria, armis, vultu patri fuerat consimilis; in omni autem tolerantia adversitatis caute observabat vestigia inclitae genitricis, et propter haec specialiter dilectus sanctae Dei; quasi esset unicus illius, confovens eum omnibus deliciis, ceteris in amore praeposuit filiis, atque desideravit ipsum regno potiri post obitum incliti regis Heinrici, si permissu Dei voluntas illius posset adimpleri. Hinc etiam venit puero prima labes mali, et ob hoc Otto egregius contra fratrem parumper est commotus, talique modo inter ipsos crescebat invidia et lis assidua. Bruno vero, aetate minimus, sed honestate morum haud infimus, in annis puerilibus scolasticae deditus censurae, divino famulatui insudabat die tenus.
This roughly translates as:
  6. On the procreation of his children. But God Almighty, never abandoning those who serve Him, clearly looked upon the good works of King Henry and the most blessed Matilda, and multiplied to them the excellence of the most noble offspring. The blessed birth, which shone forth most beautifully in both sexes, is neither comprehended in detail nor completely concealed. The illustrious Otto, begotten before the royal dignity, had been born the eldest, distinguished in form and illustrious in character. But Henry, born on the royal throne, was younger in years, but not inferior in the excellence of probity. Surely there was such beauty in him that at that time it could hardly be compared to any man. In industry, in arms, and in appearance he was like his father; but in all his endurance of adversity he carefully observed the footsteps of his illustrious mother, and for this reason he was specially beloved of the holy God; As if he were her only son, she cherished him with all her delights, and in love she preferred him to her other sons, and desired that he should inherit the kingdom after the death of the illustrious King Henry, if by God's permission his will could be fulfilled. Hence also came the first stain of evil in the boy, and for this reason the illustrious Otto was for a while agitated against his brother, and in this way envy and constant quarrel grew between them. But Bruno, the youngest in age, but not the least in the honesty of his manners, in his boyhood years given to scholastic censure, toiled in divine service until daybreak.

Occupation: Duke of Saxony and king of Germany from 919 to 936

Heinrich became duke of Saxony in 912 at the death of his father Otto. On 23 December 918, the German king Konrad I died, and Heinrich I, who was not closely related to his predecessor, was selected king the following year.

Notes:
Thietmari Chron. Lib. 1 in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 3 pp734-5 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1839)
  Ab Heinrico sumatur exordium, qui predictae civitatis adpertinencia multorum ius tunc respicientia univit, maioraque his multum sua virtute et industria subegit. Hic nobilissimo Ottonis et Hathui stemmate editus, ut arbor occulta excrevit a puero, et ut bonae indolis gradatim enituit tiro, sicut flos in vere novo. Isque a patre suo in provintiam, quam nos teutonice Deleminci vocamus, Sclavi autem appellant, cum magno exercitu missus, devastata eadem multum atque incensa, victor rediit.
This roughly translates as:
  Let us begin with Henry, who united the rights of many people at that time with respect to the aforesaid city, and subdued many of them by his virtue and industry. He, who was born of the most noble lineage of Otto and Hathu, grew up like a hidden tree from a boy, and as a young man of good character gradually blossomed, like a flower in a new spring. And he was sent by his father with a great army into the province, which we in Teutonic language call Delemence, but they call Slavs, and having devastated it much and burned it, he returned victorious.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica 11th edition vol 13 p273 (ed. Hugh Chisholm, 1910)
  HENRY I. (c. 876-936), surnamed the “Fowler,” German king, son of Otto the Illustrious, duke of Saxony, grew to manhood amid the disorders which witnessed to the decay of the Carolingian empire, and in early life shared in various campaigns for the defence of Saxony. He married Hatburg, a daughter of Irwin, count of Merseburg, but as she had taken the veil on the death of a former husband this union was declared illegal by the church , and in 909 he married Matilda, daughter of a Saxon count named Thiederich, and a reputed descendant of the hero Widukind. On his father’s death in 912 he became duke of Saxony, which he ruled with considerable success, defending it from the attacks of the Slavs and resisting the claims of the German king Conrad I. (sec SAXONY). He afterwards won the esteem of Conrad to such an extent that in 918 the king advised the nobles to make the Saxon duke his successor. After Conrad’s death the Franks and the Saxons met at Fritzlar in May 919 and chose Henry as German king, after which the new king refused to allow his election to be sanctioned by the church. His authority, save in Saxony, was merely nominal; but by negotiation rather than by warfare he secured a recognition of his sovereignty from the Bavarians and the Swabians. A struggle soon took place between Henry and Charles III., the Simple, king of France, for the possession of Lorraine. In 921 Charles recognized Henry as king of the East Franks, and when in 923 the French king was taken prisoner by Herbert, count of Vermandois, Lorraine came under Henry’s authority, and Giselbert, who married his daughter Gerberga, was recognized as duke. Turning his attention to the east, Henry reduced various Slavonic tribes to subjection, took Brennibor, the modern Brandenburg, from the Hevelli, and secured both banks of the Elbe for Saxony. In 923 he had bought a truce for ten years with the Hungarians, by a promise of tribute, but on its expiration he gained a great victory over these formidable foes in March 933. The Danes were defeated, and territory as far as the Eider secured for Germany; and the king sought further to extend his influence by entering into relations with the kings of England, France and Burgundy. He is said to have been contemplating a journey to Rome, when he died at Memleben on the 2nd of July 936, and was buried at Quedlinburg. By his first wife, Hatburg, he left a son, Thankmar, who was excluded from the succession as illegitimate; and by Matilda he left three sons, the eldest of whom, Otto (afterwards the emperor Otto the Great), succeeded him, and two daughters. Henry was a successful ruler, probably because he was careful to undertake only such enterprises as he was able to carry through. Laying more stress on his position as duke of Saxony than king of Germany, he conferred great benefits on his duchy. The founder of her town life and the creator of her army, he ruled in harmony with her nobles and secured her frontiers from attack. The story that he received the surname of “Fowler” because the nobles, sent to inform him of his election to the throne, found him engaged in laying snares for the birds, appears to be mythical.
  See Widukind of Corvei, Res gestae Saxonicae, edited by G. Waitz in the Monumenta Germaniae historica. Scriptores, Band iii. (Hanover and Berlin, 1826 seq.); “Die Urkunde des deutschen Königs Heinrichs I.,” edited by T. von Sickel in the Monumenta Germaniae historica. Diplomata (Hanover, 1879); W. von Giesebrecht, Geschichte der deutschen Kaiserzeit, Bande i., ii. (Leipzig, 1881); G. Waitz, Jahrbücher des deutschen Reichs unter König Heinrich I. (Leipzig, 1885); and F. Löher, Die deutsche Politik König Heinrich I. (Munich, 1857).

Death: 2 July 936, in Memleben, Saxony

Vita Mathildis Reginæ in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 4 p288 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1841)
  8. De obitu Heinrici regis. His ita dispositis, rex Heinricus perrexit ad Imilebun, secum comitantibus paucis. Illic iterata est eius infirmitas, et non multo post sequebatur mortis asperitas. Cum autem sentiret sui corporis dissolutionem imminere, reginam ad se vocans, multa cum ipsa disputavit secreta, et postremo sermonem talibus conclusit verbis: O nobis semper fidissima et merito dilectissima, Christo gratias agimus quod te superstitem relinquimus. Nam nullus sibi adiunxit mulierem fide firmiorem, in omni bono probabiliorem. Itaque gratiam habeas quod nos sedulo mitigasti iratum, et in omni re utile nobis dedisti consilium, nos saepius revocasti ab iniquitate ad iustitiam, et sedulo monuisti, vi oppresso facere misericordiam. Nunc te et nostros filios omnipotenti Deo commendamus et electorum Dei precibus, simul cum anima, quae de corpore iam est recessura! Haec cum dixisset, et regina haud minus illi gratias egisset, moerore plena ecclesiam est ingressa, se suaque omnia commendans Deo, sicut semper solebat. Interim discessit anima regis de ergastulo carnis. Sentiens autem sancta Dei plebis lamentatione, inclitum virum rebus humanis excessisse, prostravit se in orationem, et ipsius animam commendavit in Christi fidem. Postea surgens interrogavit, si adhuc aliquis ieiunaret, qui animae sui domini missam decantaret? Audiens hoc Adeldach presbiter, respondit festinus: Domina, nondum quidquam gustavimus. Venerabilis regina olim induerat duas armillas mira arte celatas, quae tanta firmitate brachiis fuerant circumdatae, ut sine auxilio fabri nullatenus possent divelli. Has tunc minimo tangens digito, citius dicto excussit, ita ad presbiterum dicens: Accipe tibi hoc aurum, et canta missam animarum. Quamdiu enim venerabilis domina postmodum vixit, eidem presbitero magnam exhibuit gratiam, numquam tradens oblivioni quod primam missam decantaverat animae regis Heinrici; et ob memorem causam huius facti ipsi impetravit episcopalem dignitatem apud filium suum Ottonem. Cum autem finita esset missa animarum, regina flens intravit cubiculum, ubi iacebat corpus mortuum, et intus invenit regales filios multum lacrimantes, simulque cum eis omnes militum principes. Haec ut vidit inclita regina, decoras genas lacrimis est perfusa, et exanimi corporis pedibus provoluta amarissime flebat, sicut venerandus rex erga se promeruerat. Sed tantam illi Deus contulerat gratiam et tam laudabilem temperantiam, ut nec per impatientiam illum offenderet, et tamen digne regis obitum plangeret. Tunc filiis ad se vocatis, talibus eos verbis admonuit, dicens: O filii karissimi, haec sedulo inducite vestrae menti. Deum timete, et ipsum in omnibus semper honorate, qui talia potens est facere. Hic merito vocatur rex et dominus, qui tantam potestatem exhibet pauperibus et divitibus. Desistite iam contendere pro transitoria dignitate; talem finem capit omnis mundana gloria. Beatus est ille, qui sibi praeparat aeterna semper permanentia. Nec inde vester animus contristetur, quis vestrum alteri praeponatur. Memoriter retinete, quod in euangelio dicitur veritatis ore: „Omnis qui se exaltat, humiliabitur, et qui se humiliat, exaltabitur“. Post haec rite paratis omnibus quae necessaria erant ad funus, maximo cum honore corpus in Quitilingoburc transportabant, ubi ipse requiescere decreverat; ibique honorifice tradiderunt sepulturae.
This roughly translates as:
  8. On the death of King Henry. Having thus arranged these things, King Henry went to Imilebun, with a few accompanying him. There his weakness was renewed, and not long after the harshness of death followed. But when he felt that the dissolution of his body was imminent, he called the queen to him, discussed many secrets with her, and finally concluded the conversation with these words: O ever most faithful to us and most deservedly beloved, we thank Christ that we leave you alive. For no one has joined to himself a woman more steadfast in faith, more probable in every good. Therefore be grateful that you have diligently appeased us when we were angry, and have given us useful advice in every matter, have often called us back from iniquity to justice, and have diligently warned us to show mercy when oppressed by force. Now we commend you and our children to Almighty God and to the prayers of God's elect, together with your soul, which is now about to depart from the body! When she had said this, and the queen had thanked her no less, she entered the church full of sorrow, commending herself and all that she had to God, as she was always wont to do. Meanwhile the king's soul departed from the prison of the flesh. But feeling, through the holy lamentation of the people of God, that a famous man had departed from human affairs, she prostrated herself in prayer, and commended his soul to the faith of Christ. Then rising up, she asked if anyone was still fasting, who would sing a mass for the soul of his lord? Hearing this, the priest Adeldach hastily replied: Lady, we have not tasted anything yet. The venerable queen had once worn two bracelets, concealed by wonderful art, which had been fastened around her arms with such firmness that without the help of a craftsman they could never be torn off. Then, touching these with the slightest touch of her finger, she shook them off with a quick word, thus saying to the priest: Take this gold for yourself, and sing the mass of souls. For as long as the venerable lady lived afterwards, she showed great favor to the same priest, never allowing him to forget that he had sung the first mass for the soul of King Henry; and for the memorable reason of this deed he obtained for himself the episcopal dignity from his son Otto. But when the mass of souls was over, the queen, weeping, entered the chamber where the dead body lay, and found within it the royal sons weeping much, and with them all the chiefs of the soldiers. When the illustrious queen saw this, her beautiful cheeks were drenched with tears, and, rolling herself at the feet of the lifeless body, she wept most bitterly, as the venerable king had deserved towards her. But God had bestowed upon her such grace and such praiseworthy temperance that she did not offend him through impatience, and yet mourned the death of a king worthily. Then, calling her sons to her, she admonished them in these words, saying: O most beloved sons, diligently bring these things to your mind. Fear God, and always honor Him in all things, who is able to do such things. He is rightly called king and lord, who exercises such power over the poor and the rich. Cease now to strive for transitory dignity; such is the end of all worldly glory. Blessed is he who prepares for himself eternal and ever lasting things. Nor should your mind be saddened by the fact that one of you is preferred to the other. Remember what is said in the Gospel with the mouth of truth: "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." After this, having duly prepared everything that was necessary for the funeral, they transported the body with the greatest honor to Quedlinburg, where he had decided to rest; and there they gave him an honorable burial.

Buried: before the altar in the basilica of St. Peter in Quedlinburg, Saxony

Widukindi Liber 1 in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 3 pp435-6 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1839)
[934]  40. Cum autem omnes in circuitu nationes subiecisset, Danos, qui navali latrocinio Fresones incursabant, cum exercitu adiit vicitque, et tributarios faciens, regem eorum nomine Chnubam baptismum percipere fecit. Perdomitis itaque cunctis circumquaque gentibus, postremo Romam proficisci statuit, sed infirmitate correptus iter intermisit.
  41. Cumque se iam gravari morbo sensisset, convocato omni populo, designavit filium suum Oddonem regem, caeteris quoque filiis praedia cum thesauris distribuens; ipsum vero Oddonem, qui maximus et optimus fuit, fratribus et omni Francorum imperio praefecit. [936 Iul. 2] Testamento itaque legitime facto, et rebus omnibus rite compositis, defunctus est ipse rerum dominus et regum maximus Europae, omni virtute animi corporisque nulli secundus, relinquens filium sibi ipsi maiorem, filioque magnum latumque imperium, non a patribus sibi relictum, sed per semet ipsum adquisitum et a solo Deo concessum. Erant autem dies quibus regnavit 16 anni, vitae autem fere 60. Translatum est autem corpus eius a filiis suis in civitatem quae dicitur Quidilingaburg, et sepultum in basilica sancti Petri ante altare cum planctu et lacrimis plurimarum gentium.  
This roughly translates as:
[934] 40. But when he had subdued all the nations round about, he went with an army to the Danes, who were raiding the Frisians by naval robbery, and, making them tributaries, he had their king named Chnuba baptized. Having thus subdued all the nations round about, he finally resolved to set out for Rome, but being seized with infirmity he interrupted his journey.
41. And when he felt that he was now burdened with illness, he summoned all the people, and appointed his son Oddo king, distributing to his other sons also the estates with the treasures; but Oddo himself, who was the greatest and best, he placed over his brothers and over the whole empire of the Franks. [936 Jul. 2] Thus, having lawfully made a will, and having all things properly arranged, he himself died, the lord of all things and the greatest of kings in Europe, second to none in all virtue of mind and body, leaving behind him a son greater than himself, and to his son a great and extensive empire, not left to him by his fathers, but acquired by himself and granted by God alone. The days during which he reigned were 16 years, but his life span was nearly 60. His body was then transferred by his sons to the city called Quillingburg, and buried in the basilica of St. Peter before the altar with the lamentation and tears of many nations.

Sources:

Liudolf

Liudolf
Liudolf as depicted in the Wolfenbüttel manuscript of the Chronica sancti Pantaleonis from the second half of the 12th century
illustration from the Chronica St. Pantaleonis posted on wikipedia
Married: Oda

Children:
Occupation: Duke of eastern Saxony

The monk Agius, writing the life of Liudolf's daughter, Hathumod, states that Liudolf was duke of eastern Saxony.
Agii Vita Hathumodae in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 4 p167 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1841)
Pater eius ex illustrissimo Saxonum genere oriundus, dux Orientalium Saxonum fuit; mater ex nobilissima aeque Francorum prosapia descendens, in prole nobilior effulsit. 
This roughly translates as:
Her father, descended from a very illustrious Saxon family, was duke of the East Saxons; her mother, descended from a very noble Frankish family, shone forth more noble in her offspring.

Notes:
Liudolf and Oda made a pilgrimage to Rome, returning with relics for an abbey which they founded at Brunshausen and later transferred to Gandersheim.
Geschichte des Ostfränkischen Reiches vol 1 pp370-1 (Ernst Dümmler, 1887)
  Derselben religiöfen Richtung der Zeit folgte auch Graf Liudolf, da er mit feiner frommen Gemahlin Oda und jahlreichem Gefolge gleichfalls gen Rom pilgerte, jenen stammverwandten angelsächsischen Königen nacheifernd, von denen so vielc zu brünstigem Gebete an die Gräber der Apoftsel gervallt waren. Durch ein Schreiben des Königs Ludwig auf das wärmste empfohlen, erschien er vor dem Bapste Sergius II. (844-847) mit glänzenden Geschenten, die ihm eine huldvolle Aufnahme ficherten. Der Zwed feines Kommens war die an den Rachfolger Petri gerichtete Bitte, ihm zur Gründung eines Kloslers auf den Beftzungen feines Haufes aus dem unerfchöpflich reichen Schatze der römischcn Reliquien ein Kleinod mitzuteilen. Das neu zu gründende Stift wolle er dann unter den alleinigen und besonderen Schuk des h. Petrus stellen. Auf dies Gesuch gab ihn Sergius sehr bereitwillig Teile von den bis dahin unversehrt erhaltenen Körpern der alten römischen Bischöse Anastasius und Innocentius und entliek ihn mit feinem Segen und mit der Berheikung; des apostolischen Schukes für das zu gründende Kloster. Für dieses wurde zuerst der Ort Brunshausen ausgefucht und im J. 852 dafelbst unter feierlicher Beifekung der römischen Reliquien das neue Jungfrauenstift eingeweiht, dessen Leitung Liudolfs Tochter Hathumod übernahm. Bier Jahre später fand man jedoch, gleichfalls in dem Hildesheimer Sprengel, eine noch passendere Stelle an der Gande unweit davon, die, von anmutigen Biesen und Loubholz umgeben, durch dichte Bälder und Sümpse geschükt, zum Baue eines Klosters so einladend schien, dasz Lindolf im Jahre 856 bafelbst den Grund zu dem Stifte Ganderheim legte, welches bestimmt war statt Brunshausen die Gebeine der römischen Heiligen in sich zu bergen.
This roughly translates as:
Count Liudolf also followed the same religious trend of the time, when he, along with his pious wife Oda and a rich retinue, made a pilgrimage to Rome, emulating those Anglo-Saxon kings of his lineage, so many of whom had come to fervent prayer at the tombs of the Apostles. Warmly commended by a letter from King Louis, he appeared before Pope Sergius II (844-847) with splendid gifts that assured him a gracious reception. The reason for his visit was a request addressed to the successor of Peter to share a treasure from the inexhaustibly rich treasury of Roman relics for the founding of a monastery on the premises of his monastery. He would then place the newly founded monastery under the sole and special patronage of St. Peter. At this request, Sergius very willingly gave him portions of the previously intact bodies of the ancient Roman bishops Anastasius and Innocentius, and sent them with his blessing and with the approval of the apostolic bishop for the monastery to be founded. The site of Brunshausen was first chosen for this purpose, and in 852, with the solemn dedication of the Roman relics, the new monastery for virgins was consecrated there. Liudolf's daughter Hathumod assumed its leadership. Three years later, however, a more suitable site was found on the Gande not far away, also in the Hildesheim district. Surrounded by graceful meadows and woods, and adorned with dense groves and marshes, it seemed so inviting for the construction of a monastery that in 856 Lindolf himself laid the foundation for the monastery of Ganderheim, which was intended to house the bones of the Roman saints instead of Brunshausen.

Carmen de Primordiis Cœnobii Gandersheimensis in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 4 p306 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1841)
Ecce meae supplex humilis devotio mentis
Gliscit, felicis primordia Gandeshemensis
Pandere coenobii, quod cura non pigritana
Construxere duces Saxonum iure potentes,
Liudulfus magnus, clarus quoque filius eius
Oddo, qui coeptum perfecit opus memoratum.

Ordo nunc rerum deposcit debitus harum,
Ut prius illustris constructio Gandeshemensis
Apto coenobii recinatur carmine nostri;
Quod nam construxisse ducem reverenter eundem
Constat Saxonum, quem praedixi, Liudulfum.
Hic, praenobilium natus de stirpe parentum,
Ortus quique sui respondens nobilitati,
Moribus egregiis usuque suae probitatis
Inter Saxones crevit laudabilis omnes.
Namque fuit strenuus, forma nimiumque decorus,
Prudens in verbis, in cunctis cautus agendis,
Atque sui generis solus spes et decus omnis.
Hinc nam Francorum magni regis Hludowici
Militiae primis adscriptus paene sub annis,
Ex ipso digne summo sublatus honore,
Gentis Saxonum mox suscepit comitatum;
Ac cito maioris donatus munere iuris,
Principibus fit par, ducibus sed nee fuit impar;
Quique suos omnes vicit pietate parentes,
Non minus insignis pompa vincebat honoris.
Cui coniux ergo fuerat praenobüis Oda,
Edita Francorum clara de stirpe potentum,
This roughly translates as:
Behold, the humble devotion of my humble mind
Glides, the happy beginnings of the monastery of Gandesheim
To reveal, which the powerful Saxon leaders built with no idle care,
Liudulf the Great, and his famous son
Oddo, who completed the work mentioned.

Now the order of things demands the due of these,
As before the illustrious construction of Gandesheim
Aptly recounted in our poem;
For it is certain that the same Saxon leader, whom I have foretold, built it reverently
It is clear that Liudulf, whom I have foretold, was the one who built it.
He, born of a noble lineage,
Each birth corresponding to his nobility,
By his excellent manners and his uprightness of life
He grew up to be praised by all among the Saxons.
For he was vigorous, exceedingly handsome in form,
Prudent in words, cautious in all actions,
And the only hope and glory of his kind.
Enlisted in the army at the earliest age,
From it he was worthily raised to the highest honor,
He soon assumed the county of the Saxon nation;
And soon bestowed with the gift of greater rights,
He became equal to princes, but was not unequal to leaders;
And who conquered all his parents with piety,
No less distinguished was his pomp and show of honor.
Whose wife, therefore, was the noble Oda,
A noble woman of the Franks, born of a powerful lineage,

Death: 12 March 865

Burial: Brunshausen, then Gandersheim Abbey, Saxony

Vita Bernwardi in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 4 pp762-3 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1841)
Liudolfus dux cum religiosa contectali sua Oda, magno studio in divino cultu accensi, consilio præscripti antistitis Romam perrexit, ibique a domno Sergio papa magnifice suscepti; et cum votum illorum in divinis agnovit, datis reliquiis sanctorum præsulum Anastasii et Innocentii cum benedictione a se demisit … Unde evolutis aliquot annis, Karolo Rabano succedente, anno singularis nativitatis Christi 856. auspicatus est ipse quendam locum super fluvium Gandae, quem a fluvio Gandenesheim nominavit; ibique consentiente duce fabricam monasterii maiori ambitu inchoavit, Liutberto Mogontino existente episcopo, qui post Karolum subintravit. Locus namque pratorum ac nemorum amoenitate aptior, tutior quoque silvarum densitate ac palustri munitate ad habitationem Deo militantium visus est. Defuncti itaque sunt ante consummatam fabricam Gandenesheimensis acclesiæ et dux ac domna Hathumod, sepultique in antiqua aecclesia Brunesteshusen.
This roughly translates as:
Duke Liudolf with his religious companion Oda, inflamed with great zeal in divine worship, went to Rome with the advice of the prescribed bishops, and there they were magnificently received by Pope Sergius; and when he acknowledged their vow in the divine, he gave them the relics of the holy bishops Anastasius and Innocent and sent them away with his blessing… When some years had passed, when Charles Rabanus succeeded him, in the year of the singular birth of Christ 856, he himself auspicesed a certain place on the river Ghent, which he named after the river Ghent; and there, with the consent of the duke, he began the construction of a monastery of a larger extent, while Liutbert of Mogont was bishop, who succeeded Charles. For the place seemed more suitable for the amenity of the meadows and woods, and safer also for the density of the forests and the protection of the marshes, for the dwelling of those fighting for God. Therefore, before the construction of the church of Gandenseheim was completed, both Duke and Lady Hathumod died, and were buried in the ancient church of Brunesteshusen.

Eberhards Reimchronik von Gandersheim in Monumenta Germaniae Historica, Deutsche Chroniken S 2 p403 (1877)
in dem munstere to Gandersem lid he begraven, dat he mit vlite hadde begunnen. god vrauwe sine zele as den ewigen wunnen.
This roughly translates as:
In the cathedral at Gandersheim he was buried where he had begun his vows. May God bless his soul in eternal peace.

Sources:

Otto "der Erlauchten"

anglicised to "Otto the Illustrious"
Otto "der Erlauchten"
Otto "der Erlauchten" as depicted in the Wolfenbüttel manuscript of the Chronica sancti Pantaleonis from the second half of the 12th century
illustration from the Chronica St. Pantaleonis posted on wikipedia


Father: Liudolf

Annalista Saxo in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 6 p592 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1844)
  A. D. 907. … His temporibus clarebat in Saxonia Otto, filius Liudolfi ducis, frater Brunonis ducis; ab hoc regalis propago Heinrici processit, quem ei Hathwiga genuit, qui potestate libera primus in Saxonia regnavit.
This roughly translates as:
A.D. 907. … In these times Otto, son of Duke Liudolf, brother of Duke Bruno, was famous in Saxony; from him sprang the royal offspring of Henry, whom Hathwig bore to him, who was the first to reign in Saxony with free power.

Mother: Oda

Married: Hedwig

Vita Mathildis Reginæ in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 4 p284 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1841)
[912.] 1. Temporibus Conradi, regis Francorum gloriosi, extitit in partibus Germaniae dux quidam Otto nomine, honestate morum perspicuus et in decernendis rebus providus, clarus nobilitate generis et famosus bellorum triumphis. Cui Hathuwic, matrona venerabilis, coniugali copulabatur vinculo. Quibus duo gignebantur filii, herili forma decorati; et ipsos summa nutriebant diligentia, uti exigebat nobilitatis honorificentia. Maior natu vocabatur Thancmarus, et alter Heinricus. 
This roughly translates as:
[912.] 1. In the time of Conrad, the glorious king of the Franks, there existed in the parts of Germany a certain duke named Otto, distinguished for his honesty of character and prudent in deciding matters, famous for his nobility of lineage and famous for his triumphs in war. To him was joined by the bond of marriage to Hathuwic, a venerable matron. To them were born two sons, adorned with the form of a hermit; and they raised them with the utmost diligence, as the honor of nobility demanded. The elder was called Thancmar, and the other Heinric.

Children:
Occupation: Duke of Saxony from 880, succeeding his brother Bruno, until his death in 912.
Otto was chosen to succeed Ludwig "das Kind" as king of Germany in 911, but declined on the grounds of his advanced age and recommended the election of Konrad ex-Duke of the Franconians,

Notes:
Widukindi Liber 1 in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 3 p425 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1839)
  16. Ultimus vero Karolorum apud orientales Francos imperantium Hluthowicus ex Arnulfo fratruele Karoli, huius Lotharii regis proavi, natus erat. Qui cum accepisset uxorem nomine Liudgardam, sororem Brunonis ac magni ducis Oddonis, non multis post haec vixerat annis. Horum pater erat Liudulfus, qui Romam profectus transtulit reliquias beati Innocentii papae. Ex quibus Brûn cum ducatum administrasset totius Saxoniae, duxit exercitum contra Danos, et inundatione repentina circumfusus, non habens locum pugnandi, periit cum omni exercitu, fratri natu [880] quidem minori, sed omni virtute multo potiori, relinquens ducatum. Regi autem Hluthowico non erat filius, omnisque populus Francorum atque Saxonum quaerebat Oddoni diadema inponere regni. Ipse vero quasi iam gravior recusabat imperii onus; eius tamen consultu Conradus quondam dux Francorum unguitur in regem; penes Oddonem tamen summum semper et ubique fiebat imperium.
This roughly translates as:
16. The last of the Charleses who ruled over the eastern Franks, Hluthovic, was born of Arnulf, brother of Charles, great-grandfather of this Lothair king. He had taken a wife named Liudgard, sister of Bruno and the great Duke Oddo, and had not lived many years after this. Their father was Liudolf, who went to Rome and brought the relics of the blessed Pope Innocent. Of these, when Brun had administered the duchy of all Saxony, he led an army against the Danes, and being surrounded by a sudden flood, having no place to fight, he perished with his entire army, leaving the duchy to his younger brother [880], who was indeed younger, but far superior in all virtue. But King Hluthovic had no son, and all the people of the Franks and Saxons sought to place the diadem of the kingdom on Oddo. He himself, however, refused the burden of the empire as if it were already too heavy; nevertheless, by his advice, Conrad, formerly duke of the Franks, was anointed king; nevertheless, the supreme power was always and everywhere exercised by Oddo.

Death: 30 November 912

Thietmari Chron. Lib. 1 in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 3 p736 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1839)
[912]  Post haec Ottone 2. Kal. Decembris carnis universae viam intrante
This roughly translates as:
[912] After this, Otto, on the 2nd day before the Kalends of December [30 November], entered upon the path of the universal flesh.

Probate:
Annalista Saxo in Monumenta Germaniæ Historica SS 6 p592 (ed. G. H. Pertz, 1844)
  A. D. 907. … Cui cum essent et alii filii Thanemarus et Liudolfus, ante patrem suum obierunt. Qui cum de predii particione tractarent, quo pater eorum Gandersheimensem eclesiam indotaverat, predium videlicet 11 milium mansorum abscidere conati sunt. Quos ad cor nequiens Heinricus revocare , maluit eclesie suam portionem contradere, quam excommunicationi cum ipsis subiacere. De reliquis bonis nullam sortitus est communionem immo tamquam infortunatus exheredari pacienter sustinuit. Et ecce fratribus defunctis, tota hereditas in ipsum iam ducem derivatur.
This roughly translates as:
  A. D. 907. … Who, when there were other sons Thanemarus and Liudolf, died before his father. Who, when they were discussing the partition of the estate, with which their father had endowed the church of Gandersheim, attempted to cut off the estate, namely 11 thousand manors. Whom Henry, unable to recall at heart, preferred to give the church his portion, rather than subject himself to excommunication with them. Of the remaining goods he did not receive any communion, but rather patiently endured being disinherited as an unfortunate. And behold, the brothers having died, the whole inheritance devolved on the duke himself.

Sources:
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