Who was the real Guiscard (Robert) who lived 1015-1085 AD? And what does his name actually mean?

Kainantu

Robert Guiscard (i.e. "the resourceful") (c. 1015 - 1085 ) was a Norman adventurer who conquered southern Italy between 1016 to 1030 . http://www.tutorgig.com/encyclopedia/getdefn.jsp?keywords=Robert_Guiscard Jan 25 04, 12:13 AM

peasypod

I haven't heard him called "the resourceful" have you guiscard? I have heard him called another slightly animated name...perhaps it is in the translation. Jan 25 04, 6:32 AM

wrussle

This is interesting. http://www.wishart.org/guiscard.html The name Guiscard, or Wiscard, was a Norman epithet used to designate an adroit or cunning person. One theory is that it was conferred on a Danish soldier named Tancred Visk Hard, probably for distinguished service in Rollo's army in the 11th century. He took a fief at St. Lo and married twice into the French nobility, and thereafter he was known as Tancred de Hauteville La Guichard of St. Lo. Another theory is that he was born in Normandy about 955 and died about 1041. He married Fredistina de Normandie who was born about 960 in Normandy. Jan 25 04, 8:37 AM

peasypod

I guess it depends on the translation. I have heard it translated as "the weasel", which fits what you all are saying. wrussle, I am fairly certain that Robert is one of the sons of Tancred de Hauteville (there were a few, many of whom ended up in Apulia). Jan 26 04, 7:00 AM

guiscard

I am disappointed that the pea has blown my cover. I thought that "guiscard" would be sufficiently obscure. Knowing the Normans I would think that "the weasel" was what they had in mind. Wrussel's answer seems to imply that the name was not originally conferred as a nickname, but rather was a Norman rendering of a Danish name. Either way, Robert Guiscard certainly deserved the epithet. Jan 26 04, 8:57 PM

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