ARNULF OF METZ
? - 641

Also called Arnold.

Arnulf was best buddies with Pepin the Elder.

During the lifetime of King Chlotar II, those two - Pepin and Arnulf - were rising in power and influence each day. Starting out merely as nobles, Arnulf became Bishop of Metz and Pepin royal adviser as well as mayor of one of the royal palaces.

October 18, 629, was a bad day for Arnulf and Pepin. King Chlotar died and the king's son, Dagobert I, took over. Power addict Dagobert was ready to rumble and definitely not keen on having potential competitors Arnulf and Pepin hanging about the court.

The men got the drift. Pepin took a long vacation and went to Aquitaine. Arnulf officially retired to become a hermit.

For Catholics, Arnulf is now a Saint.

THE FAMILY OF ARNULF OF METZ
Arnulf's wife was Doda. Their son was Ansegisel, who married Pepin's daughter Begga.

Another son of Arnulf's was Clodulf, who later also became a bishop of Metz.