Waffensport, Rauba und Dietrichs Schatten Chud Chonnem Mannum – δοξανεπι τωδραστηριωδιαρκωςεχων(Prokop, Got. IV, 31)

Abstract

In his 'Gothic War' the historian Prokopios tells of brave soldiers approaching the enemy front before the beginning of the battle, 'provoking' whoever should have the courage to accept the invitation to a duel on horseback, the prize being the dead opponent's armour and the glory of the victor and a raise in salary. In this way Hildebrand, well known for his bravery and a mercenary in the Byzantine army invading Italy after Theoderic's death, meets his opponent, a Gothic soldier, equally bent on glory: Hadubrand. Deriving from the Indo-European 'Fight between father and son' narrative type, the anecdote has been linked by the (Gothic?) poet to 'Theoderic's Flight to the East' in order to provide Hildebrand with an honourable reason for leaving his family in poverty. His tragic return to Italy thirty years later is not linked to Theoderic's return to his realm (Rabenschlacht), nor has the struggle between father and son any other purpose but the thirst for glory.