Willemer, also known as Vilmerius, was an archpriest from Vizima and a sitting member of King Foltest of Temeria's Royal Council.[1] He did not like mages in the least, and was a provocateur during the witch hunts in the 1270s.[2]
Biography
Second Northern War
In July 1267, after receiving an envoy from Emperor Emhyr var Emreis, Foltest held a council meeting to discuss Nilfgaard's advances in the Second Northern War, including details of the fall of Aedirn, and Verden's new sworn loyalty to Emhyr. Duke Bronibor believed hanging the envoy and a full frontal assault on the Imperials at Aedirn, with support from Kaedwen and Redania would force them back beyond the Marnadal Stairs, though Willemer disagreed with his threats against the envoy. Afterwards, Foltest announced to them he had accepted the envoys proposition of peace.[1]
Witch Hunts
Sometime between 1272 and 1276, during the witch hunts, he was responsible for the capture, torture, and death of Philippa Eilhart. Ironically, many years later, it was he who went down in history as a heretic and sectarian, while Philippa was remembered as one of the Martyr Saints.[2]
Notes
- In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, there's a hospital in Novigrad called Vilmerius Hospital. It's not named after him however.[3]