Wiliesind[1] was abishop of Pamplona (floruit 848–67). His episcopate falls in a very obscure period in Pamplonan history. His predecessor,Opilano (floruit 829), is the first bishop mentioned in source after 693, and no successor of his is known beforeJimeno in the 880s.[2] Wiliesind's name isGothic in origin, although the diocese of Pamplona was predominantlyBasque at the time. It probably indicates that Pamplona still looked toToledo as its spiritual guide, rather than across thePyrenees.[3]
In 848, Wiliesind hosted the visiting priestEulogius of Córdoba, who subsequently wrote him a letter from prison inCórdoba on 15 November 851. He also sent him relics of the saintsAcisclus andZoilus.[4] The letter survives and is an important record of the monasteries of the diocese of Pamplona and their libraries during the mid-ninth century.[5] The letter also records that on account of war, Eulogius was unable to cross the Pyrenees.[5] The letter was carried to Wiliesind by Galindo Enneconis (Íñiguez), probably a son ofÍñigo Arista, the king of Pamplona, who died on 9 July 851. If this identification is correct, then Galindo was probably returning to Pamplona because of his father's death when he was asked to carry with him Eulogius' letter for the bishop.[6]
According to a document dated to 867, a bishop of Pamplona named Gulgesind, probably the same person as Wiliesind, co-founded the monastery of Santa María de Fuenfría (Fontfrida) atSalvatierra de Esca with KingGarcía Íñiguez and Abbot Fortún ofLeire.[7]
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