Enger - Stiftskirche Widukind Epitaph

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) in the town of Enger in northeastern
Westphalia. Here is the epitaph of Widukind, the pagan Saxon leader and
the chief opponent of Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars. Widukind was
first mentioned 777, being the only saxonian leader not appearing to
Charlemagnes court Paderborn. Upto 784 the Saxons battled the Franks,
785 Widukind surrendered and got baptized in (today french) Attigny.
Charlemagne being the godfather. Many legends have developed around
Widukind´s life. One tells, that he came to Enger, founded a church and
lived here. There is no proof for that.
Many historians assume, that Widukind was imprisoned after his baptism,
as Charlemagne used to deal with "old opponents" that way. But there
is no proof either. The first mentioning of Widukind´s grave in Enger dates
back to 1216.

The romanesque carved slab tops the Widukind-epitaph. It shows the
lifesize carving of a laying male person, wearing a crown and holding a
sceptre. This carving was done around 1100 - and it is one of the oldest
of its kind in Germany. The slab now is covered and secured by a plastic
box. I could not get in a distance for a better shot.