In the mid-ninth century, the
Frankish kingdom witnessed the attempts of its king (Lothar II) to leave his
wife (Theutberga) for a woman he had previously been involved with. Historians
have struggled to determine what role the women played in this divorce attempt
and just how acquainted the women were with one another. Recently discovered
letters have shone some light on these points of interest.
*****
May 9,
857
Waldrada,
you witch.
I know
it’s you putting the idea of divorce in Lothar’s head. Do you honestly expect
me to believe he could have thought this up on his own? This level of scheming
is simply beyond him. I would like to remind you that I am married to him. You
are nothing more than a side project, and it’s time you realized that fact.
I am on
to you and I will not stand for your games. Remember that.
~Theutberga
May 21,
857
Theutberga,
I can’t
say I was pleased to receive your letter. I don’t know why you say Lothar
couldn’t have decided to divorce you on his own. It serves as a testament to
how much he truly dislikes you that he decided to put this plan in action.
Believe me, I had no part in initiating this. Do I support it? Of course—Lothar
should not be tied down to you anymore. But I did not plant the idea in his
head and I resent you for accusing me of doing so.
I would
like to remind you that Lothar’s relationship with me preceded any semblance of
a relationship he has with you. We share something real; please don’t kid
yourself into thinking you share something even remotely similar. Your union is
built on obligation, ours on love. He loves me, not you and it’s time you
accepted that.
I tell
you this with true concern: it’s time you backed off and got over yourself. You
need to recognize when you’ve lost, and this time you have. Please do not
contact me again.
~Waldrada
June 5,
857
I am not
the one who should be “backing off” as you put it. I am not sure that you fully
realize this—perhaps you have chosen to ignore it—but you are ruining my
household. The time and attention he gives to you is not his to give; it is
time that should be spent with me. You, Waldrada, are a devilish woman and a
home wrecker.
Your sin
is great. You are leading my husband astray and drawing his attention away from
not only me but the kingdom as well. If you give no concern to me, so be it.
But think about Lothar’s reputation as a king if you persist in encouraging him
to divorce me. You are pulling his focus from where it should be and the state of
the kingdom shows this. If, as you say, you love him, allow him to he needs to
do as a ruler.
~Theutberga
June 19, 857
You are starting
to bore me with your complaints.
I have
committed no sin. I am merely honoring a commitment made years ago (a
commitment that was, by the way, made and recognized publically). You, on the
other hand, have a lot to answer for. Lothar’s lack of love for you is not the
only reason he seeks a divorce. No, the greater force at play is the multitude
of your sins. You are accused of sleeping with your brother. Your brother,
Theutberga! Incest! As if that weren’t enough, you then aborted the fetus that
resulted from that first sin. Do not kid yourself by blaming me for putting a
negative image of you in Lothar’s head. You drew that image from your own
actions.
Now, as
for your claim that I am ruining Lothar’s reputation as king, I have a bit more
to say. As I said before, I am merely honoring my commitment to him and
supporting him in his actions, more than could be said for you. No, your disgusting sins are the only things
dragging his reputation through the mud.
You are
a pathetic woman with a false sense of security. One day, all that you have
will be taken from you and I so look forward to that inevitable day.
~Waldrada
July 2,
857
Waldrada,
Your
last attack on me was a disgusting blow. No matter. The trial for divorce is
almost complete and I am quite positive that it will not be approved. You see,
my position and power actually do
give me some security—not the false sense that you seem convinced of.
Soon,
any hopes you had of a real union with Lothar will be dashed. I look forward to
that day immensely. And when my position and marriage is once again proclaimed
secure, do not think that I will forget all that you have said.
~Theutberga
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