Helmold

 Helmold of Bosau (c. 1120–1177), a Saxon priest, wrote the Chronica Slavorum in Latin around 1167–1172. It is one of the most important medieval sources about the western Slavs, especially the Wendowie (Wends), the Polabian Slavs living between the Elbe and the Oder rivers. Helmold described their pagan beliefs, political organization, and wars with the Saxons and Danes during the Christianization of the region.

The tribes he mentioned include:

• Obodrites (Obodriti), around Mecklenburg.
• Veleti / Lutici, a federation in what is today Mecklenburg and Brandenburg.
• Rani (Rujani) on the island of Rügen, known for their temple of Svantovit.
• Hevelli (Stodorane) near Brandenburg.
• Pomorzanie (Pomeranians) along the Baltic coast.
• Smaller groups such as the Drevani, Warnabi, and Linonen.

Helmold often portrays them from the Christian missionary viewpoint, sometimes hostile, sometimes admiring their bravery and customs. His chronicle is one of the few surviving accounts of Slavic pagan religion in the Baltic region before conversion.