Tracing My Roots to Royalty and a Storied Past
As I delved into my family’s history, I was utterly astounded by the remarkable discoveries that unfolded before me. What began as a casual exploration of my ancestral roots soon blossomed into an incredible journey through the annals of time, revealing a tapestry of royal lineages, legendary warriors, and transformative figures that have indelibly shaped the course of human civilization.
From Vikings to Conquerors
My journey into the past began with the intriguing tales my grandmother, Leona Rigg née Parr, would share about our family’s royal heritage. Growing up, I must admit that I didn’t put much stock in these claims, chalking them up to the fanciful musings of an older relative. However, as I grew older and embarked on my own research, I found myself utterly captivated by the revelations that came to light.
Through my investigations, I was able to trace my lineage back to the legendary Rollo, the 36th great-grandfather who founded the Duchy of Normandy in the early 10th century. Rollo, a Viking ruler hailing from Norway, led an army of 20,000 men and organized a fleet of 350-400 ships to establish a strong Scandinavian presence on Frankish soil. His strategic prowess and organizational skills were nothing short of astounding, especially considering the logistical challenges of his time.
Rollo’s son, William Longsword, succeeded him as the 2nd Duke of Normandy, and it was through William’s descendants that my family’s connection to the English royal lineage emerged. My 31st great-uncle, William the Conqueror, famously defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, becoming the first Norman king of England and forever shaping the course of European history.
As I delved deeper into my family’s past, I discovered even more remarkable connections. Through Rollo’s descendants, I was able to trace my lineage back to the legendary Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor who united much of Western Europe, as well as the Merovingian King Charibert I of Paris. It’s truly astounding to think that the blood of such iconic historical figures flows through my veins.
ADHD, Royalty, and the Trailblazers of History
But the revelations didn’t stop there. As a historian, I’ve always been fascinated by the interplay between personality traits, genetic predispositions, and their influence on the course of history. And in exploring my family’s past, I couldn’t help but notice a striking pattern – many of my illustrious ancestors, including Rollo, Charlemagne, and even William the Conqueror, exhibited characteristics that are often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
According to leading ADHD expert Dr. Thom Hartmann, the impulsiveness, risk-taking, and out-of-the-box thinking that are common in individuals with ADHD were often the very traits that propelled our ancestors to greatness. Rollo’s ability to organize a massive military campaign, Charlemagne’s visionary leadership in unifying Europe, and William the Conqueror’s bold conquest of England – all of these feats bear the hallmarks of the ADHD mind, a mind that sees the world differently and is unafraid to challenge the status quo.
As I delved deeper into the lives of my royal forebears, I couldn’t help but wonder if the ADHD-like qualities that defined their lives might also be present in my own. After all, as Dr. Edward M. “Ned” Hallowell, a leading ADHD expert, has noted, “Many who don’t have ADHD are charter members of the Society of the Congenitally Boring.” And if my ancestors are any indication, it’s the ADHD-types who are the true agents of change, the visionaries and trailblazers who push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
As I reflect on the rich tapestry of my family’s history, I am both humbled and inspired. The thought that I am connected, through an unbroken chain of ancestry, to some of the most influential figures in human history is truly mind-boggling. And yet, I can’t help but wonder – what legacy will I leave for my own descendants?
Will they one day visit my tomb, as I have visited the resting place of my 36th great-grandfather, Rollo, in the Cathedral of Rouen, France? And will they, like me, be able to trace their roots back to the great conquerors, visionaries, and leaders who have shaped the course of civilization?
These are the questions that linger in my mind as I continue to explore my family’s past. But more than that, they inspire me to strive for greatness, to embrace the unique traits and talents that may have been passed down to me through the generations. After all, if Rollo, Charlemagne, and William the Conqueror could leave such an indelible mark on history, who’s to say that I, or any of us, cannot do the same?
So, as I continue my journey of self-discovery and exploration, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to the past, and a renewed determination to forge a future that will make my ancestors proud. And who knows – perhaps one day, a descendant of mine will stumble upon this very article, and be inspired to continue the legacy of our family’s storied past.
After all, as the saying goes, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” And in my case, that past is very much alive, pulsing through my veins, and guiding me towards a future filled with the same boundless ambition, unwavering vision, and unshakable determination that have defined the lives of my royal forebears.
So, the next time you find yourself in Seoul, South Korea, I encourage you to embrace the rich history and cultural heritage that permeates this vibrant city. And who knows – you might just find yourself on a journey of your own, uncovering the extraordinary stories that lie buried within your own family tree.
