Radegund was born into the royal family of Thuringia as the daughter of King Berthachar. She grew up in an era of violent conflicts between Germanic kingdoms, unaware that her peaceful childhood would soon be shattered.

The young princess received an education befitting her royal status, learning the customs and traditions of her people. Her intelligence and gentle nature were apparent even at this young age.

The Frankish kings Clothar I and Theuderic I invaded and destroyed the Thuringian kingdom, killing most of Radegund's family. She was taken as war booty along with her young brother, beginning her captivity.

Radegund was educated at the royal villa of Athies to prepare her as a future queen. She learned Latin, studied scripture, and received training appropriate for Frankish nobility.

During her education, Radegund embraced Christianity with deep devotion. Her faith became the center of her life, providing comfort during her captivity and shaping her future path.

Despite her reluctance, Radegund was forced to marry King Clothar I, becoming one of his several wives. She found the violent court life repugnant and spent her time in prayer and charitable works.

As queen, Radegund became famous for her devotion to the poor and sick. She personally cared for lepers, washed beggars' feet, and distributed food to the hungry, scandalizing the court.

Clothar I murdered Radegund's remaining brother, the last survivor of her family. This tragedy became the catalyst for her to finally seek escape from her marriage and worldly life.

Radegund fled from Clothar and sought refuge with Bishop Medard of Noyon. Despite the king's threats, she persuaded the bishop to consecrate her as a nun, ending her marriage.

Radegund was ordained as a deaconess, a rare honor for women at the time. She settled near Tours and began living an ascetic life of prayer, fasting, and service to the poor.

Radegund founded the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Poitiers, which became one of the most important religious houses in Gaul. She adopted the strict Rule of Caesarius of Arles for her community.

Radegund maintained correspondence with leading intellectuals of her age, including the poet Venantius Fortunatus. Her monastery became a center of learning and literary culture.

After years of diplomacy with the Byzantine Emperor Justin II, Radegund obtained a piece of the True Cross for her monastery. Its arrival was celebrated with the hymn 'Vexilla Regis' composed by Fortunatus.

Under Radegund's guidance, Holy Cross Monastery grew in wealth and prestige. She accepted noble women as nuns, providing education and refuge for women seeking religious life.

Radegund used her influence and royal connections to mediate between warring Frankish kings. Her letters pleading for peace reveal her deep concern for the suffering caused by civil wars.

In her final years, Radegund withdrew from administration of the monastery, spending her days in prayer, contemplation, and spiritual writing. She prepared for death with characteristic serenity.

Radegund died at Holy Cross Monastery, surrounded by her spiritual daughters. She was immediately venerated as a saint, and her tomb became a site of pilgrimage and miracles.