The Exclusion of Charles the Simple and the Rise of Odo (888)

Charles the Simple, the third and posthumous son of Louis the Stammerer, is denied the throne of West Francia as a child, despite being the legitimate Carolingian heir. His exclusion from power coincides with the decline of the Carolingian Empire and the rise of a new, non-Carolingian dynasty in West Francia.

Why Was Charles the Simple Denied the Throne?

1. His Youth and Lack of Support (884–888)

   • When his half-brother Carloman II dies in 884, Charles is too young to rule.
   • The Frankish nobles invite Charles the Fat, a distant Carolingian cousin, to become king instead.
   • Charles the Fat’s rule ends in disgrace when he is deposed in November 887 and dies in January 888, but Charles the Simple is still not recognized as king.

2. The Rise of Odo (888)

   • After Charles the Fat’s deposition, West Francia’s nobles reject Charles the Simple, turning instead to Odo, Count of Paris.
   • Odo had gained immense prestige for his leadership during the Viking Siege of Paris (885–886).
   • On February 29, 888, Odo is crowned king at Compiègne by Walter, Archbishop of Sens.
   • His election marks the end of Carolingian rule in West Francia—at least temporarily.

3. Alternative Claimants: Guy III of Spoleto and Ranulf II of Aquitaine

   • A faction of nobles opposes Odo and supports Guy III of Spoleto, an Italian noble who also claims the throne.
   • Ranulf II, Duke of Aquitaine, takes Charles under his protection, possibly hoping to secure the throne for him.
   • Ranulf later claims the royal title himself, but eventually makes peace with Odo, recognizing his kingship.

Significance of Odo’s Coronation in 888

• Odo is not a Carolingian, making his coronation the first true break from the dynasty of Charlemagne.
• This marks the effective end of the Carolingian Empire, as West Francia now has a non-Carolingian ruler.
• The exclusion of Charles the Simple sets up a future power struggle, as many still view the Carolingians as the legitimate rulers of West Francia.

Though Charles the Simple is denied his birthright in 888, his supporters will eventually restore him to the throne in 898, initiating a Carolingian revival—but by then, the Carolingian dynasty’s political power is already fading, paving the way for the eventual rise of the Capetians in 987.