Otto I, known as the Redhead, was born around 1117, likely in Kelheim. He was the son of Count Otto IV of Wittelsbach and Heilika of Pettendorf-Lengenfeld. The Wittelsbach family had ruled as Counts of Scheyern in Upper Bavaria since the 11th century, and Otto's lineage included connections to the Hohenstaufen dynasty through his mother. Otto had a brother, Conrad, who became Archbishop of Mainz and Salzburg.Upon his father's death in 1156, Otto inherited the Wittelsbach possessions and succeeded him as Count Palatine of Bavaria, which was then under the control of Duke Henry the Lion of the Welf dynasty. Otto became a close ally of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, engaging in military and diplomatic efforts on behalf of the Emperor. Notably, in 1155, he led a successful assault on a strategic position near Verona, facilitating the Emperor's return to Germany after his coronation in Rome. Otto's fervent loyalty was evident during the Dominium mundi conflict, where he nearly attacked a papal legate but was restrained by Frederick's intervention.On 16 September 1180, Otto was granted the Duchy of Bavaria at Altenburg after the deposition of Henry the Lion. His ascension was met with skepticism from the Bavarian nobility, who reportedly refused to pay him homage and did not attend his first court assembly in Regensburg. Despite this initial resistance, Otto secured his rule with the support of the Emperor and his brother Conrad. The same year, Bavaria lost its southeastern territories with the separation of Styria under Duke Ottokar IV. Otto's reign established the Wittelsbach dynasty in Bavaria, which would last for over seven centuries.In 1182 or 1183, Otto purchased Dachau Castle and its associated lands from the widow of Conrad II, Duke of Merania. He accompanied Emperor Frederick to sign the Peace of Constance with the Lombard League but died unexpectedly on the return journey at Pfullendorf in Swabia on 11 July 1183. Otto was succeeded by his only surviving son, Louis. His remains were interred in the crypt of Scheyern Abbey.Otto married Agnes, the daughter of Count Louis I of Loon, around 1169. They had several children, including Otto, Ulrich, Agnes, Heilika I, Richardis, Louis I, Heilika II, Elisabeth, Mechtild, and Sophia.

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Otto I, Duke of Bavaria