Battle of Messac

The Battle of Messac, was fought on 24 May 843 by the forces Erispoe , prince of the Bretons, against Renaud, the Frankish Count of Nantes.
The conflict arose from resistance to Frankish power within Breton lands and disputes over control of the County of Nantes.

The Conflict

Prelude

Following the break-up of the Carolingian empire, Nominoë, Duke of the Bretons, rebelled against the authority of Charles the Bald and attempted to expand into Frankish territory.

Charles placed Renaud in command of the Frankish border zone as Count of Nantes. However, when Renaud heard that Nominoe was incapacitated due to an illness he decided to strike first against the Bretons, who were now under the command of Nominoe's untested son, Erispoe.

Deployment

Frankish forces advanced from Nantes to the river Vilaine, hoping to take the Bretons by surprise. Erispoe's troops had arrived at Messac and were in the process of crossing the Vilaine when Renaud launched his surprise attack.

The Engagement

Erispoe's advance force was almost completely routed, and his main army dangerously weakened. Sources differ about what happened next, though all agree that the tables were turned on Renaud by the timely arrival of a force of irregulars led by a mysterious warrior woman, known only as "the Red Lady".

Clad and armed as their ancestors fought in long distant times, they completely surprised the Franks, and made a great slaughter.

Outcome

Renaud was killed and his troops surrounded and destroyed. A Viking force under the young Haesten also joined the Bretons late in the engagement, looking for plunder.

Aftermath

Bretons took control of Nantes, but were unable to hold it in the short term. The Norse plundered the city and murdered its Bishop.

Historical Significance

Legacy

Erispoe's first real test was a prelude of battles to come. Who was or what became of the Red Lady is not recorded.

"The Red Lady" at Messac

Conflict Type

Battle

Battlefield Type

Land

Ending Date

24 May 843

Conflict Result

Hard fought Breton victory