Gerard of Clairvaux was the older brother of Bernard of Clairvaux. He was the son of Tescelin le Roux and Aleth de Montbard. When Bernard entered Cîteaux with a group of young relatives and friends in 1112, Gerard did not join him. Instead, he participated in the military life, but was injured during a siege of Grancy and was also imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he decided to enter the monastic life and went to Citeaux after his release.