Editing Widukind (section)

==Legend==
[[File:Charlemagne, empereur d'Occident, reçoit la soumission de Wittekind, 785, por Ary Scheffer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''[[Charlemagne]] (742–814) receiving the submission of Witikind at [[Paderborn]] in 785'', by [[Ary Scheffer]] (1795–1858). [[Palace of Versailles|Versailles]].]]
Numerous legends developed around Widukind's life; he eventually appeared as a saintly figure (becoming "Blessed Widukind") and the builder of many [[Church (building)|churches]]. He was later assumed to have died in 807{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}} or 808{{fact|date=February 2025}}; his [[feast day]] is commemorated on January 7.

According to legend, Widukind experienced a vision that led to his [[Conversion to Christianity|conversion]]. Disguised as a beggar, he was spying on Charlemagne's troop camp during [[Easter]]. He witnessed a priest performing a Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the priest was holding a beautiful child during the consecration. To his astonishment, people would receive [[Communion rite|communion]] and the priest would give the same child to each person. Widukind was dumbfounded by this scene and went to beg outside after the mass. One of the emperor's servants recognized Widukind behind his disguise—due to an odd formation of one of his fingers—and Widukind was captured. He was interrogated and confessed to spying on Charlemagne's camp for the purpose of becoming better acquainted with the Christian faith. He later confessed the divine vision he had seen. The emperor concluded that God had given Widukind the grace of witnessing the divine child, Jesus, behind the Sacred Host of the Mass. Widukind then renounced his worship of pagan idols.<ref>Martin Von Cochem, ''Cochem's Explanation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass'' (1896)</ref>