The Friesians
The Friesians are an ethnic group of Germanic people living in coastal parts of what are now The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. They are known as a tall and light-haired people and they have a rich history and folklore.Their ancestors moved into the coastal flood plains along the North Sea around 700 BC, and have since fought heroic battles against foreign invaders, cultural oppression and, their most enduring adversary, the sea.
The “Frisii” were known and respected by the Romans. After failed attempts at conquest and occupation of Frisii lands, the Romans fell back to the southern banks of the Rhine. The Frisians were farmers and herdsmen, sailors and fishermen, traders and warriors. In the centuries after the fall of Rome, the Frisians expanded their influence to the south and east, controlling the coastline from Belgium to Denmark.
During this time of unrest and opportunity, an incident occurred that would change the course of western history. Just after 450 AD, at the hall of the Frisian king Finn, a series of battles took place. In a tragic clash of mixed loyalties, honour, betrayal and revenge, Finn, and the Danish prince, Hnaef, were both killed. Of the survivors, a small army of mercenaries under Hengist found themselves exiled from the region. They soon found gainful employment in Kent, and thus began the “Anglo-Saxon” invasion of Britain. In time, the Frisian, Saxon, Jutish and Anglish settlers formed a new nation, and the old Frisian language evolved over time, to become English.
Those who remained in Frisia continued their struggles to succeed, despite the challenges of the coastal climate and the mounting threats of foreign armies and ideas. Through all this the Frisians have maintained their cultural identity over the centuries. This dogged independence is reflected in a motto etched on a monument to The Battle of Warns (1345), in Friesland. Translated, the simple message reads “better dead than slave”.
Some still call the Friesians “stubborn”. Well, after all this time, we can live with that.
