Attila had many wives, with at least being named, and he likely had numerous children. However, those documented in records or accounts amounted to three, namely Ellac, Dengizich, and Ernak. Considered the queen of the Huns, Kreka bore the king these three sons who would succeed in the leadership of the Hun Empire. However, the three sons triggered the decline of the empire. Based on accounts, the three sons sought to inherit different parts of the empire individually, leading to the division of the empire.

Ellac

Ellac, also known as Ilek, was the eldest son of Attila with one of his wives, Kreka. Although his birthdate is unknown, he died in 454 AD. It also marked the end of his reign as the successor of his father’s leadership in the Hun Empire.

According to an account of Priscus, a historian, Attila wanted Ellac to succeed him. The eldest would also be said to have been seated on the king’s couch while the other children were in other chairs. 

However, Ellac died during the Battle of Nedao. Through the leadership of the King Ardaric of the Gepids, the Hunnic forces of around 30,000 troops led by Ellac lost. One account noted that Ellac’s father loved him the most that he would have wished for the eldest son’s death to happen gloriously. 

Dengizich

Dengizich, or little sea in old Turkic, was the second recorded son of Attila. His birthdate is also unknown, like his brothers though his death occurred around 468 or 469 AD. He succeeded to the throne of the empire after Ellac’s death. It is plausible that his reign coincided with Ernak, especially when the two brothers sent a diplomatic mission to Constantinople for a peace treaty because their side was on the losing end of a war. However, Constantinople rejected the peace treaty.

In 467 AD, Dengizich traversed the Danube River to gather Huns in the south. However, a battle with the Goths ensued, and it led to a war that dragged on for two years. Around 469 AD, Constantinople received the head of Dengizich, who Anagastes allegedly killed. Carried in procession, the Wooden Circus would then display the head of the dead Hunnic king.

Ernak

Ernak, the third recorded son and most favorite was the last known ruler of the Hunnic Empire. According to Hunnic prophets, Ernak would restore the fall of Attila’s kin. He also possibly ruled the empire simultaneously with Dengizich. He became sole ruler, after his brother’s passing, he became sole ruler and reigned until his death around 489 AD. 

In 469 AD, Ernak managed to preserve peace with the Huns and Romans in the Balkan region in Dobruja. There was contentment with this ruler, unlike his elder brother, who sought expansion. 

A village in Bulgaria called Irnik is named after Ernak, as well as  Irnik Point in Antarctica.

Prince Csaba

Prince Csaba, the legendary leader of the Székelys, was a son of Attila in Hungarian mythology. Known as a skilled and fierce warrior, he led the army and remained victorious in all battles. In one story, the prince rode down a pathway from the night sky to help his army against Frankish invaders.