Matilda of Ringelheim, born around 895, was the wife of King Henry the First of Germany and the mother of two future Holy Roman Emperors.
As a queen, Matilda was known for her piety, charitable works, and support of religious institutions, which contributed to her sainthood.
Matilda was born into the noble Saxon family of the Immedinger, as the daughter of Dietrich of Westphalia and Reinhild of Denmark. Her family's status and connections played an important role in her marriage to the future King Henry.
Matilda married Henry I in 909, and together they had five children.
Otto the First, who would become Holy Roman Emperor.
Henry the First, known as the Quarrelsome, who would become Duke of Bavaria.
Gerberga, who would marry King Louis IV of France.
Hedwig, who would marry Hugh the Great, Duke of the Franks, and Brun, who would become Archbishop of Cologne and Duke of Lotharingia.
As queen, Matilda was known for her piety and dedication to charitable works. She founded several religious institutions, including monasteries and convents.
Her contributions to the church and her support for religious reform earned her a reputation as a devout and caring queen.
Matilda died in 968 and was buried alongside her husband, King Henry the First, in the convent of Quedlinburg, which she had founded.
In recognition of her piety and charitable works, Matilda was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1025.