Heinrich I 'the Pilgrim' Furzt zu Mecklenburg
Leo van de Pas
born circa 1230, died 2 January 1302
married circa 1259 Anastasia von Pommern
Shortly after having succeeded, he went on a crusade against the heathens
in Lithuania, one lasting almost two years. With great danger to himself,
he saved the life of a three-year-old girl, after which he had her
baptised as Catharina and placed in a convent at Rhena.
In 1271, accompanied by a small retinue, he went on a pilgrimage to the
Holy Land, appointing his wife as Regent. On the road between Accre and
Jerusalem, on 25 June 1272, he was taken prisoner by the Saracens and
brought to Cairo where he was imprisoned. It took three years before the
news reached Mecklenburg. Unrest and upheavels then followed as
Heinrich's brother, Johann, wanted to take over the Regency. It took
a further eight years before Johann could be defeated.
After twenty-six years' imprisonment, a new Sultan released Heinrich in
1297 and, in 1298, he returned to Mecklenburg where he was believed to
have had died. However, he was received with great joy, only to die
shortly afterwards, on 2 January 1302.
Best wishes
Leo van de Pas