Elizabeth of Denmark, Electress of Brandenburg
A 16th-century Danish princess whose bold embrace of Lutheran reform sparked a dramatic flight from her Catholic husband.
1485–1555 (age 70)·Electress of Brandenburg from 1502 to 1535·Birthday: June 24
Biography
Elizabeth of Denmark was far more than a diplomatic marriage; she was a woman of profound conviction who took a staggering personal risk for her faith. Married to Joachim I, Elector of Brandenburg, she initially played her expected role as a royal consort. However, the spread of Martin Luther's teachings found a fervent adherent in Elizabeth. Her conversion to Lutheranism placed her in direct, dangerous conflict with her staunchly Catholic husband, who forbade the new faith in his lands. In 1528, she made a daring escape, fleeing to the safety of her Lutheran brother, the King of Denmark. Her flight became a cause célèbre in the Reformation, a powerful symbol of personal faith challenging political and marital authority, and she spent the rest of her life in Saxony, a protected patron of the new church.
#1 When Elizabeth Was Born
The biggest hits of 1485
Elizabeth's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1485Born
1490Started school
1498Became a teenager
1501Could drive
1503Could vote
1506Turned 21
1515Turned 30
1525Turned 40
1535Turned 50
1545Turned 60
1555Turned 70
Key Achievements
- Her public conversion and escape significantly bolstered the cause of the Protestant Reformation in Northern Europe.
- Successfully fled her husband's territory to secure her right to practice Lutheranism, a rare act for a woman of her station.
- Acted as a protector and patron for Protestant clergy and thinkers in her court-in-exile.
Did You Know?
She was the sister of King Christian II of Denmark and King Frederick I.
Her husband, Joachim I, died allegedly of a broken heart after her departure, according to some chronicles.
She is a direct ancestress of many modern European royals, including the British monarchs.
“I have received the holy sacrament in both kinds, according to Christ's institution.”
