Chrodechild

Chrodechild was a Frankish queen, the third wife of Clovis I, king of the Salian Franks. She was born around 474 and died in 544. Her marriage to Clovis was a significant event in the history of the Franks and is often credited with influencing Clovis's conversion to Christianity.

Chrodechild was a Burgundian princess, the niece of King Gondebaud of Burgundy. Her family was Arian Christian, but Chrodechild herself was a Catholic. According to the historical accounts, particularly Gregory of Tours' History of the Franks, Clovis initially resisted converting to Catholicism. However, Chrodechild is portrayed as a devout Christian who actively encouraged her husband to adopt the faith.

The traditional narrative suggests that during a crucial battle against the Alemanni, Clovis, facing defeat, invoked the Christian God, promising to convert if he were victorious. His subsequent victory is seen as a divine sign, leading to his baptism, along with his sister and approximately 3,000 of his warriors, by Saint Remigius, Bishop of Reims. This event, likely occurring around 496, marked a turning point for the Franks, aligning them with the Catholic Church and setting the stage for the development of the Frankish kingdom as a major power in Western Europe.

After Clovis's death in 511, Chrodechild continued to play a role in political affairs, acting as a regent for her sons and dedicating herself to religious works. She founded several churches and abbeys. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, celebrated on June 3rd. Her tomb is located in the Basilica of Saint-Genevieve in Paris, though it was desecrated during the French Revolution.