Walthari, born in the year six hundred, was a notable figure in the history of the Lombards, serving as their king from five hundred thirty-nine until five hundred forty-six. He was the son of Wacho, the Lombard king, and his third wife, Silinga. Despite his royal lineage, Walthari's reign was marked by his infancy, which necessitated the governance of the kingdom by Audoin, a powerful noble.
As a young king, Walthari's life was fraught with uncertainty. The political landscape of the Lombards was tumultuous, and Audoin's ambitions led to a tragic fate for the young sovereign. It is believed that Audoin orchestrated Walthari's demise, likely through foul play, to secure the throne for himself. This act of betrayal not only ended Walthari's life but also marked a significant turning point in Lombard history.
Walthari's death, attributed to disease according to the historian Procopius, signified the end of the Lething Dynasty. His brief and troubled reign serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of power and the often perilous nature of royal succession in the early medieval period.