In 850 Velnias of Žemaiteje, better known as King Velnias the Magnanimous, became the High Chief of Zemaitija as well as the Chief of Trakai. Almost twenty years later he started a series of wars that would last the rest of his life.
He became known as the Magnanimous in the early 870s after he had doubled the size of his Chiefdom. It is often argued by scholars that the title was used sardonically later in his life, however this author does not subscribe to that. While he eventually became known for being firm in his rule there is no sign that he did not continue to help his people as he became known for early in life.
Velnias declared himself King of Lithuania in 879 after carving out a kingdom between the Vistuia and the Daugava. Later that year he sowed the seeds that almost ended his kingdom when he made his second son, Patelas, High Chief of Prussia. In 880, just five years before he would die, he would start the last major war of his life in which he added the High Chiefdom of Lithuania to his kingdom. His last war would be in late 884, and would be ended by his son almost exactly four months after his death, adding the island of Ösel to the kingdom.
The last fifteen years of his life have been elevated to myth in the minds of Lithuania to this day, just as the life of Rurik the Just has to the people of Rus. This status of myth was helped by the fact that his later life was one of expansion and great wealth for his people while soon after he died the kingdom was shaken by several civil wars and attempted wars of independence. This image of his later years being a golden age followed by years of uncertainty and doubt was cemented by the scribe Arelis the Prussian, who was hired by King Bubilas the Holy to write the family chronicle only to have the king dethroned, imprisoned, released, impoverished, and reduced a High Chief within two years of the start of Arelis’ writing.
-Traidenis Liudason, A History of Medieval Lithuania
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Velnias paced nervously, his slender fingers tapping at the rail surrounding the platform around his hall’s entrance, watching the servants build the effigy of winter, he was determined that this year the festival of Užgavenes would be one to remember for years to come. Not only would it be a festival to ensure the summer of this year, but it would bring the summer of his rule. Recently he had added to his realm with the Chiefdom of Zemgale and the holy site that was located in their lands. He was sure that the Gods favored him, at least of all his neighbors.
“Good evening, my Chief. How are the preparations going?” A deep voice asked behind him. Looking to his side, Velnias saw Lammekinus, the mayor of Selpils and his best advisor on military matters, walk up to him.
“It appears that it is going well as you can see. I didn’t expect to see you here so soon. Not many have farther to come than you.” Velnias greeted him warmly as they turned back to watching the construction.
“Selpils is a small town and most matters before me and my council are that of rebuilding after your army sacked the town. That is an area best left to other men.”
Velnias nodded, “I can see that. I am sorry you were on the side of the battle that you were; however soon you will be on the side that is doing the sacking not the side that is being sacked.”
Lemmekinus chuckled, “A few months ago I was watching a horde of men surround my town and wait us out, now I am getting ready to celebrate Užgavenes with the man who led that horde.” As he talked Velnias noticed that Lemmekinus’ face bore testament to his trials during that war, his cheeks were sunken and he had large bags under his eyes. His eyes seemed more weary than Velnias had ever seen them, even when he had marched proudly out of his town holding his banner of a golden longboat on red and green to surrender it to Velnias.
“And what a celebration it will be.” Velnias responded quietly, almost afraid to break the suddenly solemn air around the two men.
“And what a celebration it was.” Girdenis said overly loudly as he clapped Velnias on the back so hard the High Chief had to take a step forward to not stumble. Girdenis had been deep in his cup all night drinking thick beer and from the looks of it; he was still deep in it. “I am glad I came, the gods showed their favor tonight, that is for sure.”
Jaunule looked on disapprovingly as he stood nearby, his hunch clearly visible. “Girdenis, you are a priest, it would not hurt if you acted like one from time to time.”
Girdenis laughed, “Jaunule, you are much too stuffy, I hope you know that. It is clear you spend too much time in your temple divining things and not enough time among the people.” The slight slur in his voice was quite evident as he went on, “Its all good that you try to read the stars and you are entrusted with watching over one of our most holy sites, but there is more to life and you should know that.” With that he started staggering off toward home before Jaunule had a chance to respond.
Velnias made his way over to the scholarly priest, “Don’t let his words affect you too much. Remember he is quite a few years younger than you, and you yourself are not an elder.”
Jaunule looked up; “Oh?” he said blinking for a second, “Of course, I don’t let his words get to me at all. He is currently a drunken priest who has much learning before him.” He paused for a moment and pointed at the palisade going up not too far from where the effigy was still glowing embers, “Is that because of how easy it was for you to add to your realm?” He asked in a slightly pained tone.
Velnias groaned inside, the problem with having former enemies come to your celebrations so soon after conquering them was they made the mood too somber. “Partially.” He said truthfully, “And partially because right now I have a hall that happens to be on a hill. With a palisade I will have a hillfort, something that can be defended well.”