The
Lutici (known by various spelling variants) were a federation of
West Slavic Polabian tribes, who between the 10th and 12th centuries lived in what is now northeastern
Germany. Four tribes made up the core of the federation: the
Redarians (Redari, Redarii),
Circipanians (Circipani),
Kessinians (Kessini, Kycini, Chizzini) and
Tollensians (Tholenzi). At least in part, the Lutici were a continuation of the
Veleti. In contrast to the former and the neighboring peoples, the Lutici were not led by a Christian monarch or duke, rather power was asserted through consensus formed in central assemblies of the social elites, and the Lutici worshipped nature and several deities. The political and religious center was
Radgosc (also referred to by several other names, e.g. Riedegost or Rethra).