In this work, the prevailing negative image of the Oldenburg Count Gerhard VI. as a rapacious violent perpetrator can be revised and exposed as a construct of Gerhard's ultimately victorious enemies. Instead, he is portrayed within the possible and customary scope of action for a count at that time, who pursued an ambitious yet not unrealistic policy and ultimately failed against a powerful and numerous coalition of his opponents. Not only the developments in the Oldenburg and Schleswig-Holstein territories play a significant role, but also the dynasty of the Oldenburg counts, which at that time was able to expand its power potential and gain regional significance through Gerhard's older brother Christian, the King of Denmark.