William of Gellone

About William of Gellone

William of Gellone was a Frankish count, military commander under Charlemagne, and monk. A cousin of Charlemagne, William distinguished himself fighting Muslims in southern France. Around 804, after his wife's death, William renounced worldly honors and founded the monastery of Gellone (Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert), where he lived as a simple monk. He gave his wealth to the poor and the monastery. William became the hero of medieval epic poems celebrating Christian knights. He exemplifies the warrior who becomes a monk, seeking God after military glory.