Eala Freya Fresena

Quick Facts: Who was Eala Freya Fresena?

Subject:

Eala Freya Fresena

Known for:

The motto for the coat of arms of East Frisia, meaning "Stand up, free Frisians!"

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Eala Frya Fresena (East Frisian Low Saxon IPA: [ˈeːla ˈfrɪja ˈfreːzəna]) is the motto for the coat of arms of East Frisia in northern Germany. The motto is often mistranslated as "Hail, free Frisians!", but it was the reversal of the feudal prostration and is better translated as "Stand up, free Frisians!". According to 16th-century sources, it was spoken at the Upstalsboom in Aurich where Frisian judges met on Pentecost and it is traditionally answered with Lever dood as Slaav, or in English, "better dead than a slave". The motto refers to the legendary "Frisian Freedom", a polity and right to accept no rule besides the Holy Roman Emperor and the Christian God. The right was in the Middle Ages supposed to have been granted by Charlemagne for Frisian support of Pope Leo IV (who was not contemporary with Charlemagne).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

It was said to have been renewed by Charles the Fat in 885 for saving him from Normans. The Frisian freedom basically meant a claim of freedom from tax and fief, to defend themselves against the Normans, Vikings and the northern sea. Friesland offered unclaimed land for everyone, however the unclaimed land of the country was under water half of the day. The daily fight against the northern sea ensured equality of the people who were living on warfs during this time. Tax and fief was therefore replaced by the duty to build dikes.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The number of Frisian sealands grew from the original seven up to 27 at their height in the early 14th century. Each Frisian sealand sent two judges during Pentecost to an annual meeting at the Upstalsboom, to discuss disputes between the tribes. Friesland had a nearly democratic government, unlike most of Europe during Middle Ages. While the judges had been delegated to rule legally, later on the hovedlinge had been self-elected by their wealth to rule the military. Several of them became known for supporting pirates to refinance their wealth.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Eala Freya Fresena

True or False: “The motto Eala Freya Fresena was originally spoken at the Upstalsboom in Aurich during Pentecost.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): According to 16th-century sources, it was spoken at the Upstalsboom in Aurich where Frisian judges met on Pentecost.

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