Leopard Brothers

{{{title}}} Leopard Brothers

Career {{{position}}} Tenure: {{{tenure}}} Biographical Information Born: {{{born}}} Place of Birth: {{{birthplace}}} Political affiliation: {{{pol aff}}} Spouse(s): {{{spouse}}} Awards: {{{award}}} Nationality: Valtian / Francian Allegiance: {{{allegiance}}} Rank: Mercenary leaders, nobles Signature:[[Image:{{{signature}}}|160px]]

The Leopard Brothers were twin brothers, Horik Rognvaldsson (1078–1134) and Hyngwar Rognvaldsson (1078–1144), who lived during the late Days of Valtia. They are primarily known as the founders of the Duchy of Normandie.

Early life and career

Horik and Hyngwar were born on the island of Valtia as the twin sons of Rognvald of Valtia. Contemporary accounts describe them as unpredictable and controversial figures, noted both for their military ability and for their reputation for manipulation and psychological tactics.

They led a mercenary company known as the Leopard Legion, which was composed of outcasts and captives. The Legion became notorious in Valtia for carrying out assignments on behalf of the Althing of Valtia, regardless of their nature. Over time, the brothers fell out with the chieftains of Valtia, who regarded them as low-born and unsuitable for noble rank. Following a period of intrigue and strained relations, Horik and Hyngwar were expelled from Valtia.

Service in Franciana

After their exile, the brothers travelled to the Kingdom of Franciana, where they became involved in the War of the Hands of Hallvarður. King Clovis VII of Franciana, facing internal and external threats, accepted their allegiance. In return, he granted them the Isle of Quercy as a fief under the Treaty of Pont l'Évêque.

The Leopard Legion assisted the Francian crown in expelling hostile forces, including the Vermandois and Noyon armies, as well as various privateers and warbands. Their campaigns contributed to the eventual peace agreement between Franciana and Valtia, known as the Treaty of Fyrisvellir.

Establishment of Normandie

Following the war, the brothers consolidated their position in Quercy. Both married into local noble families: Horik wed Lady Mathilde of Anjou, while Hyngwar married Lady Gisela of Bayeux. Members of the Leopard Legion also intermarried with the local population, which contributed to the origins of the Duchy of Normandie.

As Counts of Quercy, the brothers distributed land among their captains and established a twin castle in the city of Quercy, their capital. Their rule laid the foundations for what would later become the Duchy of Normandie.

Legacy

The Leopard Brothers are remembered as the founders of Normandie and for their role in the political and military history of both Valtia and Franciana. Their descendants and those of their followers formed the early noble class of the region.

Since 1744, under the management of Theodoric van Orton, the Loepard Brothers were frequently commemorated and their births were declared a holiday every year.

See also

• Duchy of Normandie
• Valtia
• Kingdom of Franciana

References

• Aoife the Celt. "The Leopard Brothers". The Duchy of Normandie, High Realm of Stormark Forums (20 July 2015). [Archived 2 December 2020].