Author(s): Gábor ITTZÉS

Title: UBI MORS GAUDET SUCCURRERE VITÆ BÖLCS FRIGYES SZÁSZ VÁLASZTÓFEJEDELEM (1463–1525) VÉGRENDELKEZÉSE, HALÁLA ÉS TEMETÉSE A REFORMÁCIÓ SZOLGÁLATÁBAN

Source: V. Kókai-Nagy (ed.): 17th International Scientific Conference of J. Selye University. Sessions of the Reformed Theological Faculty. Conference Proceedings

ISBN: 978-80-8122-537-6

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36007/5376.2026.06

Publisher: J. Selye University, Komárno, Slovakia

PY, pages: 2025, 6-21

Published on-line: 2026

Language: hu

Abstract: Elector Frederick the Wise of Saxony died and was buried five hundred years ago, in May 1525. He had made careful preparations for his last rites as he drew up three testaments at different times throughout his life. Nevertheless, his funeral became the first of its kind, the burial of a territorial ruler with new rites of the evangelical movement. In this paper I examine, first, Fredericks last wills and then reconstruct his last days and funeral from Spalatin’s accounts, the most important primary sources that underlie all later accounts. The analysis focuses on the shift in Frederick’s personal piety from a characteristically late medieval form to a perceptible, if understated, Reformation conviction as well as on the emerging new ritual forms in early Lutheranism. I will also draw attention to how Frederick created a space for those left behind to shape his funeral according to the needs of the renewal movement.

Keywords: burial, Castle Church Wittenberg, grave, legacy, Lochau, Luther, Melanchthon, memorial, Spalatin, testament

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