Pribislav - Prince of the Obotrites
Pribislav is a slavic russian word meaning "multiple glories".Priebe is one of the direct variations of Pribislav.Our family, based in Ottawa, Canada, passed on a vague story about 'minor Polish aristocracy' and I have come across an interesting historical chapter.
Duke Henry the Lion, of Saxony, about 1150 a.d. partially subdued the Obotrites, one of the slavic Wend tribes living along the Baltic.Prince Niklot was a particularly fierce opponent of the invading Germans and their Christian religion.Niklot, however, eventually submitted to German rule.Niklot's son, Prince Pribislav, continued the battle but ultimately was converted by Berno, Apostle of the Obotrites, to Christianity in 1163.A year later, Pribislav fell away from Christianity and made war upon the Germans.He attacked and nearly killed the Bishop at the alter of the church.In the end, he acknowledged German supremacy and remained loyal to Christianity.
Together Berno and Pribislav built the monastery of Doberan, founded in 1171, which became a centre for Christianity in the area. When Berno journeyed to Rome in 1178 to pay his regards to the Pope, the Wends rose against the Germans, destroyed the monastery and killed the 78 inhabitants.The monastery was later rebuilt.
This information comes from The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. II, 1907.The web site is http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02512b.htmhttp://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02512b.htm
I am intrigued by this bit of history. Other information I've come across indicates that Pribislav married the daughter of the invading Henry Lion and went on to found the Duchy of Mecklenburg, the only slavic Royal house in Germany.There are several Pribislavs listed in their early family history.
Could any of us Priebe's be descendents of Prince Niklot's son?Has anyone been able to trace back before the 1600s?Perhaps we were named after Pribislav, but lack any blood link.
My last observation: Pribislav almost murdered the bishop but then became a partner with him to build a monastery.He first fought then built a strong alliance with Henry the Lion,who controlled the military forces.Pribislav showed strong determination, coupled with great flexibility. In other words, this guy was more a survivor than a martyr. These are great qualities that I like to see more of in my life.