Grifo (noble)

Grifo(726–753) was the son of the Frankishmajor domoCharles Marteland his second wifeSwanachild.

After the death of Charles Martel, power may well have been intended to be divided among Grifo and his half-brothersPepin the ShortandCarloman.Grifo, who was considered illegitimate by Pepin and Carloman, wasbesiegedinLaonby his half-brothers, captured, and imprisoned in amonastery.

On his escape in 747, his maternal great-uncle DukeOdilo of Bavariaprovided support and assistance to Grifo, but when Odilo died a year later and Grifo attempted to seize the duchy of Bavaria for himself, Pepin, who had become sole major domo of the Frankish (Merovingian) Empire upon Carloman's resignation and retreat into a monastery, took decisive action by invading Bavaria and installing Odilo's infant son,Tassilo III,as duke under Frankish overlordship. Grifo continued his rebellion, but was eventually killed in the battle ofSaint-Jean de Mauriennein 753, while Pepin became king of the Franks asPepin IIIin 751.