Ivan Sivec
About Bernard of Turnhout and the Free Lords of Žovne
Collection: Slovenian History, No. 7
The founders of the magnificent counts and princes of Celje were the free knights of Žovneški from the outskirts of the Savinja valley. They benefited most from tolls, a well-maintained mercenary army and money lending. Among the freemen of Žovneški was also the European-renowned poet Konrad I. of Žovneški. The chronicler Modest describes not only the lords of Žovneški, but also the exploits of Bernard and Lenart, the famous knightly tournament of Brescia, the attack at first light, the right of the first night and the double murder. Above all, the rise of an ordinary serf from page to exploit and knight. Will he even succeed?