Widukind

For the tenth-century Saxon historian, see Widukind of Corvey.
Widukind
dux Saxonum
Modern statue of Widukind in Herford, North Rhine-Westphalia
Reign?–785
PredecessorTheoderic
SuccessorEgbert
BornUnknown
Died807 or 808
possibly Enger, near Herford
BuriedStiftskirche, Enger
Noble familyHouse of Odon, possibly progenitor of Immedingians

Widukind, also 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. 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.

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