Rollo

Rollo Historical Figure Nationality: France, probably born in Denmark Year of Birth: c. 860 Year of Death: c. 930 Cause of Death: Unknown Religion: Norse polytheism, later converted to Catholicism Occupation: Soldier, monarch Spouse: Poppa of Bayeux, later Gisela of France (identities and fates of both wives disputed) Children: At least two Relatives: Charles the Simple (alleged father-in-law) Political Office(s): Count of Rouen, Duke of Normandy Fictional Appearances: "The Old Grind" by Laura Frankos Fantasy set in OTL Type of Appearance: Direct

Rollo or Gaange Rolf (Rolf the Walker, (c. 860 – c. 930 AD) was a Viking who invaded France and became the first ruler of Normandy. He is sometimes called the first Duke of Normandy. He was an unusually large man for his time, too heavy for a horse to carry, resulting in the nickname Rolf the Walker. Although the French King Charles the Simple defeated Rollo at the Siege of Chartres in 911, Charles realized that he could not keep Rollo out indefinitely, and soon made treaty with him, establishing Normandy. From Rollo's genetic lineage came William the Conqueror and all henceforth monarchs of England and the United Kingdom, as well as those of numerous other European countries.

Many details about Rollo's life remain a mystery. He is generally believed to have come from Denmark, although a Norwegian origin is not out of the question.

Rollo in "The Old Grind"

When Fenia the Orcadian giantess traveled to England, she met a band of Danish raiders. Their leader introduced himself as Ganga-Hrolf, Rollo for short. Fenia decided to accompany Rollo to Francia, where they arrived after a brief stop to replenish supplies in Denmark. Fenia fought alongside Rollo in several battles in northern Francia, until his unsuccessful Siege of Chartres. At this point, Fenia was separated from Rollo's army and taken on a visit to Valhalla, due to a supernatural mix-up. King Odin consulted with the ravens Huginn and Muninn, and assured Fenia that Rollo was fated to do well for himself and establish a rich family line.

References

Royal offices (OTL)
New title	Count of Rouen (retroactively regarded as Duke of Normandy) 911–927 (dates estimated)	Succeeded by William Longsword