Bertha Of The Big Feet.

When Pepin the Short, 714-768 lost his wife in death, he cried for a long time. Late when he decided to remarry, one of the courtiers said “Sire, I know a princess that would suit you. She is the daughter of the King of Hungary. She is very beautiful.” Nobles were sent with expensive presents, and, as was the custom of the day, a match was made for Bertha, 16 years old and the daughter of Queen Blanchefleur and King Flore. Blanchefleur and Bertha set out for Paris, the Queen going as far as possible; and then she had to say her farewells. She said ''I feel as if a sword has pierced my heart” as they parted.

On arrival in Paris, there were flags and great rejoicings to meet the beautiful Princess. The chief magistrate, Tybert, noticed the likeness of Bertha to his daughter, Aliste. The result was that he substituted Aliste while he and three men on horseback took Bertha into the forest near Le Mans. Tybert was about to kill the girl when one of the men said, “If you kill her I will kill you”. Tybert paused, then he ordered his men to leave, and so Bertha was alone in Le Mans, the prey of wild beasts, wolves, bears, and wild pigs. All she could do was to pray. Eventually she came to the abode of Simon, the woodcutter and his family. With them she lived for nine years, and had to work as the rest of the family did. She told no one of her former life.

Meanwhile Aliste was not liked; it was said that she was shrewish. When Blanchefleur decided to pay a visit to her daughter, Aliste was terrified. She took to her bed and refused to see the Queen mother. This puzzled that lady who insisted on going into the bedroom. She tore the blankets from the bed, to expose the tiny feet of Aliste, for Bertha had big feet. “You are a traitor” cried Blanchefleur, Tybert was called. He admitted that he had taken Bertha into the forest at Le Mans but had not killed her.

Pepin’s anger followed, and the search was on for his sweet princess. He went into the forest but no sign could he see of his fiancee. However, one day whilst hunting in Le Mans, he saw a pretty woman drawing water at a well. They began to talk. He could tell she was not anxious to be in his company. ''Madame, do not be afraid. I rather like you. I have lost someone dear to me and I am alone. I can give you riches if you follow me to Paris”. Now Bertha spoke up. “Stop '' she demanded ''I am affianced to the King of France”, and she burst into tears. Pepin was delighted to have found his match after so long, and he brought her back to the court. And later, King Flore and Queen Blanchefleur came to stay.

Beautiful Bertha became the mother of the great Charlemagne A D 742-814, the most powerful ruler, general and statesman of his day. Charlemagne ruled much what we now call France, Germany. Italy and Spain.

Rose Lynch 17-Mar-2005