The Duke of Ardennes is the personal friend and tutor of Charlemagne. Thierry’s shield is three black boars’ heads on a silver field, hence his nickname. He is an old-fashioned, no-nonsense warrior. A bold knight, he is loyal to the death and renowned for the expert hunting parties he frequently organizes on his domains, often in the company of Charlemagne.

The duke and his wife have three children: a daughter, Rissende (762); a young healthy boy, Berard (764); and a sickly baby, Galopin (766).

The Duke’s Retinue

At Bastogne, the duke commands five Knights of the Gates: Egier, Garin, Grimold, Radehart and Yvorin. In the count’s absence, old Sir Garin acts as the marshal of the town castle. The ten Tower Knights are Adalhart, Baldric, Bernier, Chrodemond, Egduin, Guidolf, Odo, Radehelm, Thurold and Widochar. Father Jerome, the elderly chaplain, is in charge of the duke’s treasury. Thierry’s retinue is completed by his squires Amalwin and Onfroy, the horse groom Fremund and wise Master Salonius, a healer from beyond the Alps.

All in all, Duke Thierry’s army strength totals around 70 knights.