关键词: 维杜金德, 《萨克森人史》, 政治世界

Abstract: Historians have discussed whether the early medieval kingdoms could be conceptualized as "state" in the past three decades,and have many different opinions.However,the specific performance of the early medieval kingdoms,rather than the nature and definition of "state",may be more helpful for historians.In this consideration,the political world in Deeds of the Saxons by Widukind of Corvey is discussed in this paper.It shows that the political world presented by Widukind is a multiple and compound category,including ethnic group as its basic composition,and empire as well as Christendom or Europe in the upper level."Saxon patriotism" reflects Widukind's ethnic identity,while the Christendom or Europe is not a political entity,but the key element in Widukind's social and political thinking and the benchmark to judge the righteousness of a transaction.His appeal for order and power is mainly placed on the Ottonian Empire where he lived.According to his historical narrative,it can be concluded that the Ottonian Empire is dependant on the bond of the personal relationship,but this personal relationship also contains order and public authority.The categories in his historical narration including Christianity and secular orientation,hereditary right and the election of dignitaries,institution and individual,and public and private are not the opposite of dual.It is not appropriate to explain the political world in Deeds of the Saxons in a series of dual opposite categories.

Key words: Widukind of Corvey, Deeds of the Saxons, political world