Later perception Widukind

1 later perception

1.1 medieval
1.2 in german nationalism
1.3 present

later perception
medieval

since 9th century, widukind had been idolized mythical hero. around 1100, tomb him made in enger; recent excavations have found contents of tomb indeed medieval, remains of young woman. in 1971, archaeologists discovered 3 graves in prominent place in front of altar. remains of 3 men had died in 9th century, 2 of them sixty years old warriors, third young man, were, after dna- analysis in 2002, identified half-brothers or maternal cousins , nephew. man buried in front of altar assumed widukind. when in 10th century saxon kings (of ottonian dynasty) replaced frankish kings in east francia (the later holy roman empire), these kings proudly claimed descent widukind: matilda, wife of king henry i, apparently great-great-great-granddaughter of widukind. house of billung, several dukes of saxony belonged, had matilda s sister among ancestors , claimed descent widukind.

in german nationalism

widukind became hero german nationalists in 20th century. german neo-pagans saw him heroic defender of germany s traditional beliefs , gods, resisting middle eastern religion of christianity. christian nationalists lauded him, linking charlemagne humiliation of french domination after world war i, occupation of rhineland, portraying charlemagne french invader.

after national socialists came power in 1933 many plays , other works written widukind there complaints becoming cliché. alfred rosenberg praised him hero of german freedom, joined founder of german reich (charlemagne). 2 important plays saxon leader produced in 1934, der sieger (“the victor”) friedrich forster , wittekind edmund kiss. first celebrated conversion of widukind, second caused controversy because of explicit anti-christian message. in play after massacre of verden saxon leaders christians have done; feign love, bring murder! , line led protests audience. play portrays catholic church leaders planning destroy german freedom forcing racial mixture on them, turning them pliable untermenschen . thousands of german maidens captured , forced mate jews, greeks, italians , moors unless widukind converts, avoid horrifying prospect. gives speech saying survival of german race principal concern, , future generations praise him when true spirit of german people arises once more.

present

many buildings named after him in area of enger, including widukind-gymnasium enger.