Odo III, Duke of Burgundy

Life

Odo did not follow his father's aggressive policies towards France and proved a worthy ally of king Philip II of France in his wars against John Lackland and the Holy Roman Emperor Otto IV of Germany. He fought bravely against the latter in the Battle of Bouvines, where he lost, according to contemporary chroniclers, two horses beneath him. Odo was also an important figure in the Crusade against the Cathars. When Philip II refused to get involved, the Odo stepped forward with the support of the local bishops and his vassals and organized the campaign of 1209 against the Cathar strongholds. Before leaving on crusade against the Cathars, Odo pledged the castle of Ile-d'Ouche and the village of Crimolois to the Knights Templar to assist them in the defense of the Catholic faith.

Marriages and Issue

He married in 1194 Teresa of Portugal (1156–1218), the daughter of Afonso I of Portugal, and Matilda/Maud of Savoy, and the widow of Philip, Count of Flanders. She was repudiated in 1195, having produced no children.

In 1199, he married Alice of Vergy (1182–1252), the daughter of Hugues, Seigneur de Vergy by Gillette de Trainel. This marriage produced:

• Jeanne (1200–1223), married Raoul II of Lusignan (died 1250), Seigneur d'Issoudun and Count of Eu.
• Alix (1204–1266) married Robert I (died 1262) Count of Clermont et Dauphin of Auvergne
• Hugh IV (1213–1272), his successor in the Duchy
• Béatrice (born 1216), married Humbert III of Thoire (died 1279)

Portrayal in the media

Odo was portrayed by actor Peter Baldwin in the 1978 BBC TV drama series The Devil's Crown.