[134] [On one of these forays in 772, Charles cut down the sacred idol Irminsul, symbolic of the column which in the Odinic cosmogony supported the world; his army was threatened with destruction by thirst, which the Saxons took as a proof of sacrilege; when a cloudburst however saved the army, many of the Saxons were converted to the more potent deity. Another account states that the army obtained water from the sudden starting of an intermittent spring. There is no doubt that the destruction of the Irminsul cast a great gloom over the Saxon army. Deputies were sent to Charles’ camp with promises that Christian priests would be received and with offers to send twelve hostages for their safety. Charles treated them with great moderation, hoping they would remain quiet under the great blow he had dealt until he could attend to other pressing matters.]
[135] [He was tried the same year, his royal locks shorn, and his person immured in a convent. With him end the Agilolfings.]
[136] [Also spelled Godefrid or Göttrick.]
[137] [Aix-la-Chapelle, the Aquisgranum or Civites Aquensis of the Romans.]
[138] [Hodgkin[c] calls him the son of Charles’ wife Himiltrud. But this conspiracy took place in 972. See the later remarks on the state of concubinage.]
Cathedral at Aachen, where Charlemagne was buried
