Otger Cataló

Otger Cataló (or Otger Catalon, Otger Cathaló, Otger Gollant, Otgerius Gollantes Cathelon, Otger Katzalot, Otho Katzalot, Germano Cathelon) is a fictional historical character who, according to legend, fought to free Catalonia from the Saracens, alongside the Nine Barons of Fame, sometime in the 8th century AD. The first sources mentioning him, dating to the 15th century, use his name to provide an explanation for the origin of the name "Catalonia". The legend spread from 15th century, becoming associated with a Catalanist cultural perspective during the 19th century Catalan Renessaince, due to the works of the authors Víctor Balaguer, Antoni Ferrer i Codina and Jacint Verdaguer.

There have been many versions of the legend, but all agree that Otger came from outside Catalonia, most chroniclers stating he was from southern France, but a minority describing him as German. The legends have him entering Spain to fight a non-Christian enemy, usually the Saracens but occasionally the Goths, assisted by nine barons, who were either Catalans or servants who accompanied him from his homeland. After many victorious battles, Otger died, with his death often said to have occurred while he was besieging Empuries. After his death, the legend states that the nine barons fled to the mountains and awaited the liberation of Catalonia by Christian forces under Charlemagne.

Otger's name is influenced by the name of Ogier the Dane.