Childeric was the half-brother of Pepin VII. He had a hunchback, as was his legacy as brother of the heir. He was destined to attempt to usurp his brother's throne. His father was a guard of the royal family, hanged for treason. Childeric (believed he) had a son whom he kept locked away in the catacombs of the palace. To protect his son from being tainted by man's speech, Childeric cut out the tongues of his wife and his servant Arnulf, who fed his son.