Clotilde was born around 474 CE as a princess of the Burgundian royal house. Her father was Chilperic II, king of the Burgundians. She was raised as a Catholic Christian.

Clotilde's uncle Gundobad murdered her parents and drowned her mother with a stone tied to her neck. She and her sister were raised by their uncle, the killer of their family.

Despite living under her parents' murderer, Clotilde received a thorough Christian education. Her faith would become central to her life's purpose.

Clotilde married Clovis I, the pagan king of the Franks. The marriage united Burgundian and Frankish interests. She immediately began working for her husband's conversion.

Clotilde's first son Ingomer was baptized as a Christian but died shortly after. Clovis blamed the Christian God, but Clotilde persevered in her faith.

Clotilde gave birth to Chlodomer, who also fell ill after baptism but recovered. She continued her efforts to convert Clovis to Christianity.

After a battlefield prayer to Christ brought victory, Clovis agreed to be baptized. Clotilde's patient influence had succeeded in converting the Frankish king.

Bishop Remigius baptized Clovis and 3,000 of his warriors at Reims. This event shaped European history, aligning the Franks with Catholic Christianity.

Clotilde and Clovis founded and endowed numerous churches. She became a patron of the Church and supported missionary efforts throughout the kingdom.

Clovis waged war against Gundobad of Burgundy, partially to avenge Clotilde's parents. Though Gundobad was defeated, he was not killed.

Clotilde continued her religious patronage, supporting monasteries and churches. The Frankish kingdom became firmly Catholic under her influence.

Clovis died, and his kingdom was divided among his four sons. Clotilde moved to Tours to live near the tomb of Saint Martin.

Clotilde devoted herself to religious works and caring for the poor. She founded the Church of the Apostles in Paris.

In a brutal power struggle, Clotilde's sons Chlothar and Childebert murdered her grandsons. She tried unsuccessfully to save them, experiencing profound grief.

Clotilde attempted to mediate between her feuding sons but failed. The violence among her children caused her great anguish in her later years.

Clotilde's sons finally conquered Burgundy, avenging her parents' murder. The kingdom that had seen her family's tragedy was absorbed into Frankish territory.

Clotilde spent her final years in prayer and charitable works at Tours. She was revered for her piety and suffering.

Clotilde died on June 3, 545, and was buried beside Clovis in the Church of the Apostles in Paris. She was later canonized as Saint Clotilde, patron saint of brides and widows.