Most of what we know about Theudebert comes from the Histories
or History of the Franks written by Gregory of Tours in the
second half of the sixth century. In addition, we have
diplomatic correspondence composed at the Austrasian court
(known as the Austrasian Letters), the poems of Venantius
Fortunatus, an account from Procopius' work and a small number
of other sources. During his father's reign, the young
Theudebert had shown himself to be an able warrior. In about 516
he defeated a Danish army under King Chlochilaich (Hygelac of
Beowulf) after it had raided northern Gaul. His reputation was
further enhanced by a series of military campaigns in the south
of Gaul against the Visigoths. Upon his father's death,
Theudebert had to fight both his uncles Childebert and Clotaire
to inherit his father's kingdom. In the end, his military
prowess persuaded Childebert to abandon the dispute and adopt
Theudebert as his heir. Together they campaigned against
Clotaire but sued for peace after their armies were hit by s