King Redbad died in 719. Some 1300 years later, as a tribute a movie about this Frisian king hit the silver screen in the Dutch cinemas. Redbad repeatedly ended up fighting his neighbours, the Franks. Where and how often, will be explored in this article. As a hikers blog that follows the whereabouts of Frisian history, we areContinue reading “The Battles of Redbad, Unplugged”
Tag Archives: kings
The Biography of Aldgisl, Unplugged
Ever heard of Aldgisl? Even if you have, you may have a hard time separating fact from fiction. He is perhaps the first Frisian king whose existence is historically attested. But was King Redbad really his son, as some say? Follow us on a deep dive into the earliest historical sources — and the legendsContinue reading “The Biography of Aldgisl, Unplugged”
Tolkien Pleaded in Favour of King Finn. An Immortalized Royal Tragedy
Around the year 440 (Shippey 2022), a betrayal unfolded on the southern shores of the North Sea — a tragedy not forgotten in north-western Europe, echoing even in distant Bavaria. And it never will be. We are talking about the bloody battle at the citadel of King Finn — or Fin Folcwalding Fresna cynne, asContinue reading “Tolkien Pleaded in Favour of King Finn. An Immortalized Royal Tragedy”
The Boarn Supremacy
In the 8th century the Battle of the Boarn was fought. It was a huge battle between the Frisians and the Franks. The stakes were very high: the supremacy over the north of the Netherlands. According to the sources it took place at the borders of the Boarn (Boorne) or the Bordine or both. TheContinue reading “The Boarn Supremacy”
Legend of Esonstad: One of the Many Sunken Towns
When, on a moonlit night, you stand atop the dyke at Lake Lauwersmeer and gaze out over the water, you might just catch a glimpse of the spire of the lost city of Esonstad shimmering in the distance. A drowned city — also written as Ezonstad, and known in the early seventeenth century as Esonstadium.Continue reading “Legend of Esonstad: One of the Many Sunken Towns”
Frisia Coast Trail 