Widukind | |
|---|---|
| dux Saxonum | |
 Modern statue of Widukind in Herford, North Rhine-Westphalia | |
| Reign | ?–785 |
| Predecessor | Theoderic |
| Successor | Egbert |
| Born | ? |
| Died | 807 or 808 possibly Enger, near Herford |
| Buried | ? Stiftskirche, Enger |
| Noble family | House of Odon, possibly progenitor of Immedingians |
Widukind, also known as Wittekind and Wittikund,[1] was a leader of the Saxons and the chief opponent of the Frankish king Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars from 777 to 785. Charlemagne ultimately prevailed, organized Saxony as a Frankish province, massacred thousands of Saxon nobles, and ordered conversions of the pagan Saxons to Christianity. In later times, Widukind became a symbol of Saxon independence and a figure of legend. He is also venerated as a blessed in the Catholic Church.[2]
- ^ "ALL SAINTS: ⛪ Blessed Wittikund of Westphalia". ALL SAINTS. 2019-01-07. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ^ "ALL SAINTS: ⛪ Blessed Wittikund of Westphalia". ALL SAINTS. 2019-01-07. Retrieved 2023-10-11.