Chararic can refer to two early Germanic kings, both mentioned by Gregory of Tours:

In the 7th century the Germanic kings of these regions were being converted to Christianity.

But already by the late eighth century, Germanic kings, though still war-leaders, had come to think of themselves as much more.

There were other terms for the Germanic king in early Germanic languages, derived from the word for "the people, the nation" rather than "kin".

The Germanic king originally had three main functions:

The Germanic tribes were each politically independent, under a hereditary king (see Germanic king).

A Germanic king was not only a political ruler, but also held the highest religious 'office' for his people.

At the time of his birth, Germanic kings governed Burgundy.

The baptism of Clovis I also highlights the sacred role of the Germanic king.

A Germanic king held the highest religious office for his people.