Henry I Künkel
| Henry I Künkel | |
|---|---|
| King of Münich | |
 | |
| Petty King of Münich | |
| Reign | 15 February 975 - 16 August 995 |
| Predecessor | Gunthard I |
| Successor | Klara Künkel |
| Born | Eschenlohe Keep, Kingdom of Münich |
| Buried | Eschenlohe Keep, Kingdom of Münich |
| Noble family | Künkel |
| Spouse(s) | Anna de Busca |
| Father | Gunthard I Künkel |
| Mother | Adelheid von Bamberg |
| Religion | Catholic |
Henry I was king of the petty kingdom of Münich from 15 February 975 until his death in 16 August 995. Succeeding his father, Henry showed great promise early into his reign, but as he aged he became less and less interested and active in the actual administration of his realm. A lot of the real work was left to his council.
Henry was known for being reclusive. He would sequester away for extended lengths of time leaving many wondering or concerned about the mental and physical health of their king. As a result, Henry’s privy council had taken it upon themselves to make most of the decisions for the realm. When Henry was present, it was said that he was far too principled, and had a strong sense of justice, but it got to the point where it was hindering him from making decisions. Henry had repeated that he only wanted what was best for the realm.
Henry had only three daughters to succeed him. His first daughter was married to a cispaline king and converted to catharism, and as a result Henry had disinherited her, legally removing her from the line of succession. Henry’s second daughter and heir Klara was matrilineally married to the lowborn Court Physician Eanhere, who Henry had taken a great liking to and awarded the Lordship of Münich as well as the privilege of marrying into the family. The couple went on to have several children, all of which carried the Künkel name. Henry’s youngest daughter Clementia was married to a low noble named Rothard Gross.
As the years went on, Henry became less and less active. He went months without seeing anyone but servants. His health started to degrade, he was constantly depressed and melancholic. By the final years of his reign, all day to day administration was in the hands of the council, as Henry was too infirm to take part anymore. A shell of his past self, Henry died alone in Eschenlohe keep on the 16th of August, 995.