the Danube and march across the Alps into Italy was dashed by the death of his main retainer, Count Otto of Nordheim. When Emperor Henry IV came into Saxony with a large army in 1085, Hermann fled to Denmark. Little is known of what happened to Hermann after this other than he served as an anti-king under Gregory's rule. During the revolt of Margrave Egbert II of Meissen, Hermann was able to return to Germany. Once again in alliance with Duke Welf I, he defeated the emperor at the 1086 Battle of Pleichfeld on the river Main, taking Würzburg. Soon after his victory, however, he had to witness Egbert's reconciliation with Emperor Henry and the killing of his ally Bishop Burchard II of Halberstadt. Tired of being a pawn in the hands of the grandees, he retired to his familial estates. King Conrad (III) began his rule after Hermann's death. He died near the Imperial castle of Cochem later that year of 1088 in a skirmish with his relative Count palatine Henry of Laach, ending the Great Saxon Revolt. His wife, Countess Sophia of Formbach, left him a son, Otto, who succeeded him in Salm. According to a legend perpetuated by the Brothers Grimm, Hermann was mocked as "King Garlic" by his opponents. First celebrated by local Kalands Brethren, an annual "Garlic Wednesday" is held after Pentecost in the region around Halle up to today. References 1030s births 1088 deaths Year of birth uncertain 11th-century Kings of the Romans Anti-kings Salm family Counts of Salm Investiture Controversy Pretenders 11th-century people of the Holy Roman Empire 11th-century rulers in Europe Great Saxon Revolt