Chararic (Frankish king)

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Chararic was a Frankish king from sometime before 486 until after 507. He was an adversary of Clovis I of the Salii. The primary source for his career is Gregory of Tours.

Chararic was summoned by Clovis for the war against Syagrius, but he did not partake in battle, standing off to the side and awaiting the outcome before choosing whom he would support. When Clovis finally turned against Chararic, he trapped and captured him and his (unnamed) son. They were imprisoned and tonsured and Chararic was ordained a priest and his son a deacon. According to Gregory, when Chararic complained to his son of their dishonour, his son replied with a remark suggesting that they allow their hair to grow long, which was reported to Clovis, who consequently had them killed and annexed their kingdom and treasure.

Chararic was not the only Frankish leader that was ejected from his throne. Gregory of Tours suggest that Chlodoric was murdered in the same campaign as Chararic. Earlier, Clovis had killed Ragnachar and his brothers. After all these murders Gregory tells us that Clovis lamented that he was left with no family, implying that amongst these casualties were close relatives.