Widukind

Widukind
dux Saxonum
Modern statue of Widukind in Herford, North Rhine-Westphalia
Reign?–785
PredecessorTheoderic
SuccessorEgbert
Born?
Died807 or 808
possibly Enger, near Herford
Buried?
Stiftskirche, Enger
Noble familyHouse 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]

  1. ^ "ALL SAINTS: ⛪ Blessed Wittikund of Westphalia". ALL SAINTS. 2019-01-07. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  2. ^ "ALL SAINTS: ⛪ Blessed Wittikund of Westphalia". ALL SAINTS. 2019-01-07. Retrieved 2023-10-11.