Der Märtyrer und die Politik: Johann Agricolas Tragedia Johannis Huss - Zur Entstehung eines protestantischen Kampfdramas 1537

Abstract

The article intends to direct the reader’s attention to a play that will soon be published in a modern edition: Johannes Agricola’s Tragedia Johannis Huss. The tragedy, that closely follows the Relatio of Peter Mladoňovicz, depicts the intrigues which led to the death of Jan Hus at the Council of Constance. There is some evidence that Agricola followed the initiative of Johann Friedrich, Elector of Saxony, who saw the need for publicity against the Council of Mantua, which was announced by Pope Paul III, and directed against Martin Luther, whose Schmalkalden Articles were heavily discussed at the time. It is obvious that the tragedy was performed in Torgau Castle, in the presence of the Elector, and of Luther and Melanchthon - and it seems to have been very effective, even though Luther and Melanchthon (for different reasons) never mention it.