Fastrada
Encyclopedia
Fastrada was an East Frankish noblewoman.* In 783, Fastrada, along with other Saxon women, entered barebreasted into battle against Charlemagne's forces.
She became the third wife of Charlemagne
, marrying him in 784. She bore him two children:
She died during the synod of Frankfurt and was buried in St. Alban's Abbey, Mainz
, long before the abbey was finalized. Due to archbishop Richulfs influence, Fastrada was not buried in the Basilique Saint-Denis, the burial site of almost all the Frankish and French monarchs, nor St. Arnulf's Abbey near Metz. After the destruction of St. Alban's Abbey in 1552, her tombstone was transferred to Mainz Cathedral
, where it can be seen today in the wall of the southern nave.
Her stylized role was played by Leland Palmer
in the musical Pippin
by Stephen Schwartz
.
She became the third wife of Charlemagne
Charlemagne
Charlemagne was King of the Franks from 768 and Emperor of the Romans from 800 to his death in 814. He expanded the Frankish kingdom into an empire that incorporated much of Western and Central Europe. During his reign, he conquered Italy and was crowned by Pope Leo III on 25 December 800...
, marrying him in 784. She bore him two children:
- TheodradaTheodradaTheodrada was a daughter of Charlemagne from his marriage to Fastrada. She became Abbess of the monastery of Argenteuil.-External links:...
(b. 784), abbessAbbessAn abbess is the female superior, or mother superior, of a community of nuns, often an abbey....
of ArgenteuilArgenteuilArgenteuil is a commune in the northwestern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris. Argenteuil is a sub-prefecture of the Val-d'Oise department, the seat of the arrondissement of Argenteuil.... - Hiltrude (b. 787).
She died during the synod of Frankfurt and was buried in St. Alban's Abbey, Mainz
St. Alban's Abbey, Mainz
St. Alban's Abbey, Mainz originated as a Benedictine abbey, founded in 787 or 796 by Archbishop Richulf in honour of Saint Alban of Mainz, located to the south of Mainz on the hill later called the Albansberg. It was turned into a collegiate foundation in 1442...
, long before the abbey was finalized. Due to archbishop Richulfs influence, Fastrada was not buried in the Basilique Saint-Denis, the burial site of almost all the Frankish and French monarchs, nor St. Arnulf's Abbey near Metz. After the destruction of St. Alban's Abbey in 1552, her tombstone was transferred to Mainz Cathedral
Mainz Cathedral
Mainz Cathedral or St. Martin's Cathedral is located near the historical center and pedestrianized market square of the city of Mainz, Germany...
, where it can be seen today in the wall of the southern nave.
Her stylized role was played by Leland Palmer
Leland Palmer (actress)
Leland Palmer is an American actress, dancer, and singer who has appeared on stage, in motion pictures, and on television. She appeared on Broadway in Bajour, A Joyful Noise, Hello, Dolly!, Applause, and Pippin...
in the musical Pippin
Pippin (musical)
Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto...
by Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz (composer)
Stephen Lawrence Schwartz is an American musical theatre lyricist and composer. In a career spanning over four decades, Schwartz has written such hit musicals as Godspell , Pippin and Wicked...
.