Kunolf the Brukteer (died 9 AD) was the Reik of the Germanic Bructeri tribe in 9 AD, succeeding Gernot Redbeard and preceding Golmad.
Biography[]
Kunolf the Brukteer was born in present-day North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany to the Germanic Bructeri tribe. He was the cousin of Gernot Redbeard and a first cousin of the half-Cherusci warrior Berulf. In 9 AD, Kunolf succeeded Gernot as the Reik of the Bructeri, and Berulf led the fugitive Folkwin Wolfspeer and his followers to Kunolf's village, believing that Kunolf's hatred of the Romans would mean that Kunolf would help them fight back. Kunolf allowed them refuge at his village, had them recount their theft of a Roman imperial standard, and pledged his aid to their struggle against the Romans. However, he treacherously attempted to have the fugitives seized, planning on turning them over to the Romans in exchange for gold. Berulf sacrificed his life so that his friends could escape, and, a few days later, Folkwin, now accompanied by his lover Thusnelda (whom Kunolf had heard was a seer), returned to the Bructeri to solicit their aid against the Romans with the promise of wealth. Kunolf once again attempted to seize Folkwin and sell him to the Romans, but Thusnelda threatened to unleash the wrath of the gods against Kunolf; just then, a thunderstorm broke out. Kunolf saw through Thusnelda's trickery and grabbed her, telling the others that she was no seer. In response, Folkwin grabbed a spear and charged at Kunolf, whom he impaled through the chest. Thusnelda then warned the others against incurring the wrath of the gods, and she persuaded Kunolf's successor as Reik, Golmad, to furnish warriors for an anti-Roman alliance.
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