1. Widukind, known as Wittekind and Wittikund, was a leader of the Saxons and the chief opponent of the Frankish king Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars from 777 to 785.
12 Facts About Widukind
1. 2.
In later times, Widukind became a symbol of Saxon independence and a figure of legend.
3.
Widukind is venerated as a blessed in the Catholic Church.
4.
Widukind was first mentioned by the Annals in 777 when he was the only one of the Saxon nobles not to appear at Charlemagne's court in Paderborn.
5.
Charlemagne, leading an expedition towards the mouth of the Elbe, learned that Widukind was in the land of the Nordalbingians, on the right bank of the river.
6.
Widukind thereby reached a peace agreement and the acknowledgement of the Saxon noble rank by their Frankish overlords.
7.
Widukind witnessed a priest performing a Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the priest was holding a beautiful child during the consecration.
8.
Widukind was dumbfounded by this scene and went to beg outside after the mass.
9.
Widukind was interrogated and confessed to spying on Charlemagne's camp for the purpose of becoming better acquainted with the Christian faith.
10.
Since the 9th century, Widukind had been idolized as a mythical hero.
11.
Widukind became a hero for German nationalists in the early 20th century.
12.
Widukind gives a speech saying that the survival of the German race was his principal concern, and that future generations will praise him for this when the true spirit of the German people arises once more.