A victory over a special enemy show that a king is truly a great ruler. In the tenth century the Hungarians were such enemies. This conflict was seen as a holy war, where on one side God's chosen Ottonians were leading their men against the heathen enemy that easily defeated all other people of what Liudprand conceived as the Europe-Empire. The Saxons’ victory shows that they are the most powerful people whose strength comes not only from military prowess, but more importantly, from God's wishes.

In Antapodosis, the Hungarians appear for the first time when Arnulf of Carinthia invites them to attack the Moravian Dux Sviatopolk. In doing so, he destroys the fortifications built against them which were called ‘closures’. Both the use of that name and the whole idea of an enclosed doorway for the mysterious enemies is reminiscent of the apocalypse-like gates Alexander the Great closed against the people of the Gog and Magog. Arnulf's allies devastate the lands of the Moravians and then Liudprand changes the subject. But before that, he leaves his reader with a forecast: ‘the Hungarians, having observed the outcome and contemplated the region, spun evil schemes in their hearts, as became apparent when events unfolded’.

Latter events prove that this is correct. The Hungarians appear again and this time they take on Germany. It is not a coincidence that in the same (second) book of Antapodosis where the Hungarians attack, there is a description of Henry's rise. In the first 16 chapters that take place before Henry's rise, 15 are concerned with them.

Henry's Victory in the Battle of Riade

Thus, before discussing Henry's military triumph the previous event have to be examined. After the death of Arnulf of Carinthia, the Hungarians decide to invade Bavaria. Louis the Child gathers an army. If someone deserts or withdraws from the battle, he will be hanged. The battle takes place near the river Lech and the Hungarians achieve victory by ambushing their German opponents. At first the Christian side has the upper hand and it seems that victory is theirs, but then the Hungarians feign a retreat. Unaware of the trap, the army begins its pursuit. There is a poem describing the battle which adapts the words of Virgil, Juvenal, and others.