Louis III of France

Louis III (863/65 – 5 August 882) was King of West Francia from 879 until his death in 882. Despite questions of his legitimacy and challenges against his ascension to the monarchy, Louis would prove to be an effective leader during his reign, notable for the defeat of Viking invaders at the Battle of Saucourt-en-Vimeu in August 881 that would later be immortalized in the poem Ludwigslied. He also led a less successful military campaign against Boso of Provence with help from Charles the Fat.

The eldest son of Louis the Stammerer and Ansgarde of Burgundy, it was unclear during his early life if the young Louis had a claim on the throne of West Francia. Upon the death of his grandfather and father in 877 and 879 respectively, he ascended to the monarchy, but endured questions of his legitimacy; many refused to recognize him as the "true" King of West Francia and, as a result, he was forced to rule alongside his brother, Carloman II, following a deal in 880 at Amiens to split the throne between Neustria and Aquitania.

During his brief tenure as King, he was challenged by Duke Boso, who had ascended to King of Provence. After his victories in Mâcon and northern Provence, he unsuccessfully besieged Vienne alongside his cousin, Charles the Fat. Invasions from West Frankish rebels and Louis the Younger were peacefully decided after the cession of Western Lotharingia in 880. In August 881, Viking raiders came into Saucourt following defeats in East Francia and the sacking of several cities in West Francia. At the Battle of Saucourt-en-Vimeu, Louis and his brother were able to repel the offensive, killing roughly 9,000 of the invaders. However, the victory proved inconsequential, as Louis died nearly a year later in an accident and was succeeded by his brother. Contemporaries state that Louis was a popular King during his short reign, and describe him as "able and energetic".