Like most of us here, I also appreciate barbarians, because, y'know, they're a big part of my ancestry. :^ ) I'm reminded once again of the finale of Herodotus' Historia:
Cyrus, who did not greatly esteem the counsel, told them, -- "they might do so, if they liked -- but he warned them not to expect in that case to continue rulers, but to prepare for being ruled by others -- soft countries gave birth to soft men -- there was no region which produced very delightful fruits, and at the same time men of a warlike spirit." So the Persians departed with altered minds, confessing that Cyrus was wiser than they; and chose rather to dwell in a churlish land, and exercise lordship, than to cultivate plains, and be the slaves of others.
If I had a choice, I'd side with Charlemagne over Widukind.