The Genealogy of Morals · Character

Luther

Reformer whose rebellion against priestly authority is discussed in the context of ressentiment.

minor

Also known as Luther Comedy

First appearance: first essay

Luther's tie to the Germans is one of the pressures that moves The Genealogy of Morals—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Mentioned alongside Calvin as an example of the Christian conception of gods as friends of cruelty.

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See Luther in Chapter 7: Cruelty, Suffering, and the Theatricality of Existence Book page

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With the Germans (psychological): Luther's Reformation is seen by Nietzsche as a rebellion of the German spirit that ultimately reinforced Christian slave morality. With Richard Wagner (social): Both Luther and Wagner are German cultural figures who, in Nietzsche's view, contributed to the triumph of decadent Christian values. With the German (psychological): Luther's emphasis on faith over works is a key source of the German tendency toward inner guilt and self-laceration.

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See Luther in first essay

Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Psychological
Social
Other

Character groups

German intellectual decadence
Moral and cultural archetypes

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Relationships

the Germans
psychological · negative
Luther's Reformation is seen by Nietzsche as a rebellion of the German spirit that… How this plays out →
Richard Wagner
social · negative
the German
psychological · negative
the Germans
psychological · negative
Luther's Reformation is seen by Nietzsche as a rebellion of the German spirit that… How this plays out →

the Germans
Luther's Reformation is seen by Nietzsche as a rebellion of the German spirit that ultimately reinforced Christian slave morality.
Richard Wagner
Both Luther and Wagner are German cultural figures who, in Nietzsche's view, contributed to the triumph of decadent Christian values.
the German
Luther's emphasis on faith over works is a key source of the German tendency toward inner guilt and self-laceration.
the Germans
Luther's Reformation is seen by Nietzsche as a rebellion of the German spirit that ultimately reinforced Christian slave morality.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Luther in first essay

In the story

Luther appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter 7: Cruelty, Suffering, and the Theatricality of Existence
Mentioned alongside Calvin as an example of the Christian conception of gods as friends of cruelty.
Chapter 2: The Ascetic Ideal and Richard Wagner's Transformation
Cited for his courage of sensuality ('evangelistic freedom') and as a figure who could have inspired a 'Luther Comedy' celebrating the harmony of chastity and sensuality.
Chapter 9: The Ascetic Ideal and the Birth of Philosophy
Mentioned as calling Reason 'Frau Klüglin, the sly whore,' illustrating the historical tension between reason and morality.
The Guilty Methods of the Ascetic Priest
Mentioned in the context of a hypothetical true biography by a psychologist, contrasting with the harmless accounts of Janssen.
The Ascetic Ideal and the Exploitation of Guilt
Referenced for his phrase 'greuliche thier' (gruesome beast) to describe the evil conscience.
Chapter 22: The Ascetic Priest and the Corruption of Taste
Depicted as an insolent peasant who insisted on direct, boorish communication with God, undermining sacerdotal etiquette.
Endnotes
Referenced in the note about his words before the Reichstag at Worms: 'Here I stand! I cannot help myself. God help me! Amen.'

Chapter companion notes

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See Luther in first essay

See Luther in Chapter 7: Cruelty, Suffering, and the Theatricality of Existence