Two Strong Wills

Freely Given

In part 3 of Gretchen Ronnevik's conversation with Amy Mantravadi, they discuss specifically the unusual marriage of Martin Luther and Katharaina Von Bora. There were many who did not like Katie, and didn't like the dynamic within their marriage. She was a very opinionated person, and many people did not consider her an ideal wife.

Much of what we know about their marriage are from the "Table Talks" recorded by students and scholars who ate at Martin and Katie's dinner table. Each person who recorded these table talks had differing opinions on Katie, and they must have taken great pleasure in recording the spats and one liners that they slung at each other.

She held a lot of sway with Luther, which made a lot of people uncomfortable. He would endlessly tease her, and she would tease him right back. When he fell into massive spells of depression and anxiety, unable to leave bed, she would lay next to him, and speak encouragements to him until he was able to get up again.

They dealt with child death together, they had foster kids together. Their house was recorded as being chaotic, full of young boys and older widows staying with them. Luther's health and her ability to nurse the sick ended up being a huge part of their marriage as well.

Amy reads one of Katie's letters after Luther's death, and we discuss the sad ending to her life and what we can consider that sadness.

Show Notes:

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More from the hosts:

• Gretchen Ronnevik

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