Alpaida

Alpaida, a notable Frankish noblewoman from the Liège region, played a significant role in the early medieval period as the second wife, concubine, or mistress of Pepin of Herstal. Her relationship with Pepin was pivotal, as she became the mother of Charles Martel, a key figure in Frankish history, and possibly another son, Childebrand I.

Despite her importance, Alpaida's union with Pepin was not without controversy. Saint Lambert of Maastricht, a prominent ecclesiastical figure, openly criticized their relationship, highlighting the tensions between the church and the emerging power of noble families. This criticism would echo through history, as Lambert's fate became intertwined with the political machinations of the time.

A tradition emerged suggesting that Dodon, Pepin's domesticus, who was implicated in the murder of Lambert, was actually Alpaida's brother. However, the veracity of this claim remains uncertain, illustrating the complexities of familial ties and political alliances in the Frankish realm.