Early Tests of Radegund’s Strategies

Abstract

Chapter 2 examines the first tests of Radegund’s two strategies for protecting Sainte-Croix through three examples. First, it traces Radegund’s pursuit and installation of a prestigious relic at Sainte-Croix, over the hostile objections of her local bishop, through the support of kings, emperors, and more prominent bishops. Second, the chapter recalls the absence of this hostile bishop from Radegund’s funeral and how the Sainte-Croix’s Abbess Agnes calls on Gregory of Tours for assistance. And third, it examines the struggles of Leubovera, first abbess after the death of Sainte-Croix’s “founding generation,” as she dealt with an extensive rebellion within Sainte-Croix. All three of these women succeed over their local officials or rivals through the support of Frankish kings and bishops, whose alliances Radegund had established and subsequent leaders in the monastery cultivated.