The Book of Emperors: A Translation of the Middle High German Kaiserchronik

XII. Vitellius (Odnatus Legend)

151 XII Vitellius (Odnatus Legend) A favorite of emperors from Tiberius through Nero, Vitellius was appointed by Galba to command the legions of the Lower Rhine, where he was hailed as emperor in Cologne in 69 by some commanders of his troops. He put an end to Otho’s rule in Rome, but when Vespasian was acclaimed emperor in Alexandria and gained support in other parts of the empire, many of Vitellius’ troops deserted to him. After losing two battles and most of his support, Vitellius was dragged through streets in Rome and murdered. The story of the hero who burnt his hand off to intimidate a king is an adaptation of the story of Caius Mucius, as recorded by Titus Livy in his History from the Founding of the City. In the original version, after Rome expelled the Tarquins, King Lars Porsena of Clusium attempted to help them regain power by leading an invasion of Rome on their behalf. Mucius intended to stab Porsenna but was confused and killed his paymaster instead. Subsequently he burned his right hand off in front of Porsenna. He told him the act was a token of the indifference of many young Romans to pain when it was a matter of defending Rome from takeover by royal tyranny. He also told him there was a conspiracy of 300 men who would draw lots—as he had drawn the first one— to determine who would have a turn at assassinating the offending king. The conspiracy was a fiction, but Porsenna believed the story sufficiently to make peace with the Romans. 152 Chapter Twelve t the time Vitellius took over the Empire, the Book tells us that Otto had many kinsmen who were unwilling to see him running it. They really wanted to have him killed. Once he just barely escaped with his life at night. The king had to cope with many challenges. He shared with his vassals what was weighing upon his heart. His followers all advised him to ride before [the gates of] the city of Rome. He quickly agreed and did so, winning over many headstrong heroes. Rome was occupied with a great display of force. His adversaries had many chivalrous knights among them, who defended the Roman fortress with spears and with swords. Inside was many a valiant hero who was determined that he would run a spear through anyone wanting to take his life with a sword. That is the way the Roman heroes wanted it. In whatever way a man wanted to challenge another he found a willing adversary. Owî! What lethal blows they struck! Many a helmet was split then, and those whose time to die had come fell in great numbers. The king was sorry about all the Romans killed. With grim determination the Romans defended themselves until hunger began to take its toll among them. Those who had nothing and were just barely surviving went to the Senate, and, full of passion, they pleaded for the surrender of the fortress to the king. The rich and powerful did not like that idea, however. They did not want to yield to him ever, for they had many good knights who wanted to fight, and they thought the king must surely flee. What honors could he possibly win at Rome? Finally one man came forward: his name was Odnatus. He asked for silence, then he spoke. “If you agree and are willing to make it worth my while, I will liberate this city of Rome. I will give you my promise that neither sword’s blow nor spear’s thrust will be needed to make this happen. I will see to it that you keep all your honors and that the enemy must flee.” The people answered that—by the love they had for their wives and children—whatever sort of thing he might want in return, they would see that he got it. That is just what the Romans said. Odnatus spoke. “Hurry now and choose twelve men as my comrades, so that I may begin to put my plan into action.” Vitellius 153 As soon as they understood what he wanted, they hurried about among one another, several of them saying to him, “I pledge you all my trust. Since I am of your clan it is only right that I stand with you.” “Of course, you should have me with you,” said another...