Richard II, "The Good" Duke of Normandy

Richard II, known as the Good, was the Duke of Normandy from 996 to 1026. He was the eldest son of Richard the Fearless and Gunnor, and ascended to the ducal throne after his father’s death. During the initial years of his reign, his uncle Count Rodulf of Ivry acted as regent and quelled a peasant insurrection. Richard II was deeply religious and shared a rapport with King Robert II of France, supporting him militarily against Burgundy. He also established marriage alliances with Brittany through his sister Hawise and his own marriage to Judith of Brittany.

Despite a previous treaty, Richard II offered sanctuary to Vikings, which led to conflict with England. He repelled an English attack and sought to improve relations through his sister Emma’s marriage to King Ethelred II of England. Richard II had dealings with Scandinavian Vikings and allied with King Sweyn Forkbeard of Denmark. He commissioned Dudo of Saint-Quentin to write a history of his ancestors, aiming to legitimize Norman rule. Richard II made several donations to monastic houses, indicating his control over various regions in Normandy. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Richard III, upon his death in 1026.