Everything about Ermanaric totally explained
Ermanaric (d.
376), was a king of the
Gothic Greuthungi at the eve of
Migration Period.
Historical accounts
Ermanaric is mentioned in two Roman sources; the comtemporary writings of
Ammianus Marcellinus and in
Getica by the
6th century historian
Jordanes.
According to Ammianus, Ermanaric is "
a most warlike king" who eventually commits suicide, facing the aggression of the
Alani and of the
Huns, who invaded his territories in the
370s. All that Ammianus says about the extent of Ermanric's domain is that his lands were rich and wide.
According to
Jordanes'
Getica, Ermanaric ruled of the realm of
Oium. Jordanes also states that the king put to death a young woman named
Sunilda with the use of horses, because of her infidelity. Thereupon her two brothers,
Sarus and
Ammius, severely wounded Ermanaric leaving him unfit to defend his kingdom from Hunnic incursions. Variations of this legend had a profound effect on medieval Germanic literature, including that of England and Scandinavia (see
Jonakr's sons). Jordanes claims that he successfully ruled the Goths until his death at the age of 110.
Tales
In many Germanic tales, Ermanaric is ill-advised by Bicke, Bikka or Sifka, who wants revenge for the rape of his wife by Ermanaric. Also in some tales of
Dietrich of Bern, Ermanaric is Dietrich's uncle who stole the kingdom. This adviser advised Ermanaric to kill those closest to him.
Ermanaric's names
Ermanaric's name in his native
Gothic was probably
Aírmanareiks. However, because he's referred to in literature throughout the
Germanic world right up until the
13th century his name takes many forms:
Latin names:
Germanic names:
in the Old English epic Beowulf he's Eormenric,
in Old Norse he's Jörmunrekkr,
in Middle High German Ermenrich.
He is also called Hermanaric, Erminrich, Emmerich, Ermanrik and many other names.
Since the name Heiðrekr was rather synonymous with Ermanaric, he's possibly identical to Heiðrekr Ulfhamr of the Hervarar saga, who was said to have ruled the Goths for a long time.
Footnotes
Further Information
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