The Genealogy of Morals · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide translator's clarifications on key German terms and allusions in the text, including the double meanings of 'Sittlichkeit der Sitte,' 'schuld' (debt/guilt), and 'Heiland' (healer/saviour), as well as references to Iheri
What happens
The endnotes provide translator's clarifications on key German terms and allusions in the text, including the double meanings of 'Sittlichkeit der Sitte,' 'schuld' (debt/guilt), and 'Heiland' (healer/saviour), as well as references to Ihering, Schiller's William Tell, Luther's stand at Worms, and other cultural touchstones.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it reaches the emotional and psychological peak of Nietzsche’s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Historical Method and Genealogy
The translator's notes on the double meanings of 'schuld' and 'Heiland' illustrate the genealogical method of tracing moral concepts back to their linguistic and historical roots.
Characters to notice
- Luther
Referenced in the note about his words before the Reichstag at Worms: 'Here I stand! I cannot help myself. God help me! Amen.'
Key passages
“The German word “ schuld ” means both debt and guilt. Cp. the English “owe” and “ought,” by which I occasionally render the double meaning.”
The German term 'schuld' carries the dual sense of financial debt and moral guilt, akin to the English words 'owe' and 'ought.'
Translator's linguistic clarification linking moral and economic concepts.
“An allusion to the celebrated monologue in William Tell.”
A reference to the famous soliloquy in Schiller's play 'William Tell.'
Cultural allusion to German literature.
“In the German text “ Heiland .” This has the double meaning of “healer” and “saviour.””
The German word 'Heiland' means both 'healer' and 'saviour.'
Translator's note on the dual religious and therapeutic connotations.
““Here I stand! I cannot help myself. God help me! Amen”—were Luther’s words before the Reichstag at Worms.”
Luther declared before the Diet of Worms: 'Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen.'
Historical reference to Luther's defiance at the Diet of Worms.
