His father joined the Saxon Rebellion against the ruling Salian dynasty and died on 9 June 1075 in the Battle of Langensalza, fighting troops loyal to Emperor Henry IV.
Seu pai uniuse á rebelión saxoa contra a dinastía Salia e morreu o 9 de xuño de 1075 na batalla de Langensalza, loitando contra as tropas leais ao emperador Henrique IV.