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Slavic rebellion of 1066The Slavic rebellion of 1066 was a pagan reaction to the spread of Christianity among the Obodrites. It began with the assassination of Prince Gottschalk on 7 June 1066.[1] This took place in Lenzen.[2] According to Adam of Bremen, a priest named Yppo was "sacrificed on the altar". Several other clergy and laity were also killed. At Ratzeburg on 15 July, a monk named Ansver was stoned to death.[3] Gottschalk's widow, Sigrid, was forced out of Mecklenburg naked along with the other Christians. She and her son, Henry, took refuge at the court of her father, Sven Estridsen.[1] Bishop John of Mecklenburg was captured in that city and held for a special triumph. He was beaten and led through various cities to be mocked before, in Rethra, his hands, feet and head were cut off.[3] According to Adam, his body was thrown into the street or perhaps into the square in front of the temple.[4] His head was affixed to a pole and offered to the god Radigast on 10 November 1066.[1] The rebels rejected Gottschalk's eldest son, Budivoj, as prince and chose instead Kruto. Budivoj regained his throne with the help of the Saxon duke Ordulf.[1] Notes
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