Luther & companions

Katharina von Bora was a central figure of the Reformation period and closely connected with Luther. Originally a nun in the Saxon Cistercian convent in Nimbschen, she fled to Wittenberg in 1523 together with other nuns, inspired by Luther's writings.

There, she first lived and worked in the home of the painter Lucas Cranach. In 1525, she married Martin Luther, with whom she had six children. Her influence was not limited to household and family; she also supported her husband in theological matters and offered him insightful advice.

After Luther’s death, she left Wittenberg in 1552 and died shortly afterward in an accident in Torgau. Her tombstone can still be seen today in the Marienkirche in Torgau.

Philipp Melanchthon was one of Martin Luther’s closest companions and played a key role in shaping the Reformation as a scholar, humanist, and theologian. As a professor at the University of Wittenberg, he advocated for a comprehensive reform of education and laid the foundation for a new education system shaped by humanist ideas through the expansion of schools and universities.

With writings such as the *Confessio Augustana*, he formulated the central principles of the young Protestant Church. He is also said to have encouraged Luther to translate the Bible into German that ordinary people could understand.

When Luther was no longer able to move freely due to the 1521 Church ban, Melanchthon increasingly took on the role of spokesperson for the Reformation—and remained so even after Luther’s death. His deep bond with Luther is reflected in his well‑known statement: “I would rather die than be separated from this man.”

Lucas Cranach the Elder was one of the most important artists of the Reformation period and a close friend of Martin Luther. As court painter to the Saxon electors in Wittenberg, he not only created impressive portraits of Luther and other reformers, but also played a key role in spreading Reformation ideas through his art.

His workshop produced leaflets, book illustrations and altarpieces that visually conveyed the new religious ideas. Cranach mastered the art of translating theology into images — striking, accessible and full of symbolism. In this way, he became one of the most important ambassadors of the Reformation and shaped its appearance to this day.

Elisabeth of Rochlitz was one of the most remarkable women of the Reformation period. As Landgravine of Hesse and Duchess of Saxony, she held an important political and religious position. Contrary to the expectations placed on noblewomen at the time, she actively supported the spread of Reformation ideas and supported both Martin Luther and other reformers.

Under her influence, Rochlitz Castle became a centre of intellectual and religious development. She enabled Reformation sermons, promoted the establishment of Protestant congregations, and played a decisive role in helping the Reformation take root in central Saxony. Elisabeth of Rochlitz was regarded as an educated and dedicated princess whose initiatives left a cultural and religious legacy.

Georg Spalatin was one of Luther’s closest confidants. As court chaplain and secretary to Elector Frederick the Wise, he acted as a liaison between Luther and the Saxon court and played a key role in ensuring that Luther’s writings and ideas gained political support.

As a skilled diplomat, he negotiated both Luther’s appearance before the Emperor in Worms and his refuge at Wartburg Castle after the imperial ban was imposed. Spalatin was not only a diplomat, but also a scholar, translator, and chronicler of his time. Through his close friendship with Luther and his work as an advisor, he became a key figure in the Reformation movement. After the death of Frederick the Wise, he distinguished himself as an important historian of the new Protestant church.

Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, played a decisive role during the Reformation. In 1502, he founded the University of Wittenberg, where Luther and Melanchthon would later study and teach. As a supporter of education, art, and science, he enabled Martin Luther to develop and spread his theological ideas freely. Although Frederick himself was not a follower of Luther’s theology, he was considered his patron and protector.

He became famous mainly for his decision to protect Luther after the Diet of Worms in 1521 and to have him taken to Wartburg Castle. There, Luther translated the Bible into German — a work of great significance for the Church and society. Frederick combined political skill with a strong sense of justice and freedom of belief and contributed significantly to allowing the Reformation to take root in Saxony.

Despite his support for the reform movement, he did not profess the Protestant faith until his deathbed. For diplomatic reasons, he had never met Luther personally.

Bucer was one of the most influential reformers of the 16th century and helped shape the spread of the Reformation far beyond Strasbourg. As a theologian, he worked to implement Reformation ideas within the church and society. Community, education, and well‑structured parish work were especially important to him.

Bucer was regarded as a skilled mediator between different Reformation movements and played a key role in unifying and stabilizing the young Protestant movement.

In close exchange with Martin Luther and other reformers, he promoted the spread of the Reformation beyond Germany to Switzerland and France. His work had a lasting impact on Protestant church order and left a permanent legacy in the history of Protestantism.

Johannes Bugenhagen was one of the most important reformers in northern Germany and a close ally of Martin Luther. As a theologian and pastor, he played a key role in putting the ideas of the Reformation into practical action in congregations and cities. He developed church ordinances for numerous northern German cities, helped translate the Bible into German, and was directly involved in shaping the new religious order. Later, he crowned Christian III of Norway and Denmark as the first Protestant king, thus helping to spread the Reformation beyond the borders of Saxony.