The AFA Remembers King Radbod of Frisia | August 9th

King Radbod ruled Frisia from 680 CE until his death in 719. He was the last independent ruler of Frisia before it was subdued and converted by the Christian Franks.

Radbod is celebrated as a powerful warrior and leader, always energetic and constantly fighting another battle for the good of his people. He was said to have repulsed Christianity and its proponents out of Frisia during his early reign, since his predecessor had allowed the foreign faith to sink its claws into his kingdom years earlier. Adding to the gravity of Radbod’s reputation, it is reported that he made the entire Frankish kingdom tremble in fear when they heard that he was assembling an army, even near the end of his life. His most well-known victory involves defeating Charles Martel himself at Cologne in 716, three years before his own death.

The most important tale of King Radbod’s life, however, is when he was nearly baptized by Frankish Christians. While the reasons for this are unknown, King Radbod nearly accepted the desert faith for himself and his people. Wulfram, a monk, had set up the baptism. When King Radbod asked him where his ancestors were, Wulfram replied that they were burning in Hell, but that Heaven contained the souls of many fellow Christians. This remark quickly helped King Radbod make up his mind! He then rejected the baptism and Christ wholesale and said, “I would sooner spend eternity burning with my ancestors than in paradise with a pack of beggars.”

From then on, and until the end of his days, King Radbod courageously and loyally stood with the Æsir. His faith in the Gods of his ancestors gave him enough strength to go shot-for-shot with the Frankish Empire for a time, even going so far as to defeat Charles Martel!

The Asatru Folk Assembly honors King Radbod for his defiance of the Christians, for his strength as a leader, for his love for his people, and for his loyalty to the Holy Æsir and Ásynjur!

Hail King Radbod of Frisia!

Hail the Asatru Folk Assembly!