Robert I, Duke of Normandy
Robert I. (* 1002-1010; † July 22, 1035 in Nicaea, the Byzantine Empire ) was Duke of Normandy from 1027 to 1035.
Origin
Son of the Duke of Normandy, Richard II, called the Good, and Judith of Brittany ( 982-1017 ).
Life
After his brother's death, Robert was Duke of Normandy in 1027. He stood at the French King Henry I., when he defended his throne against his brother and his mother. But Robert was the territory of the Vexin.
He also interfered in the politics of Flanders one, founded monasteries and supported King Edward of England, which he later even granted temporary exile.
Marriage and issue
Robert was married to the Princess Edith of Denmark. The marriage remained childless.
From the Friedel marriage with the daughter Gerber Herleva total following children were born:
- Wilhelm II / I. (1027-1087) ∞ 1051 Matilda of Flanders
- Adelheid (1030-1082) 1st Earl ∞ Enguerrand II of Ponthieu Aumale († 1053 ) | ∞ 2 Count Lambert of Lens- Aumale († 1054 fallen) | ∞ 3rd Earl Odo III. of Aumale and Lord of Holderness († 1096 )
Herleva and her family came through the connection with Robert prestige and wealth. Shortly after the birth of her second child, she was in 1031 with Robert's friend and vassal, Count Herluin of Conteville married.
After Robert's death in 1035 in Nicaea, during a pilgrimage to his son when William II took over the throne and thus the regency of Normandy. Wilhelm should end the 1066 Anglo-Saxon rule in England and the first Norman king of the island.
Legend
To get rid of the curse, he was consecrated to the devil before he was born, suggested a holy hermit, Robert should take a vow of silence and take his food from a dog. Robert has acquired the nickname of Robert the Magnificent and also Robert the Devil during his life.
Some motifs from the legend were incorporated into the 1831 opera premiered Robert le diable by Giacomo Meyerbeer.