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5 Episodes 1983 - 1983
Episode 1
88 mins
Episode 2
96 mins
Episode 3
93 mins
Episode 4
The German estates force the young emperor to make concessions, and there are signs of a shift in opinion in Luther's favor. In 1521, he is summoned to Worms to justify his teachings before the emperor and the empire. Spalatin advises him to show leniency in order to win allies among the estates. But when Luther refuses to compromise, the emperor is forced to place him under imperial ban. Troops of the Saxon elector kidnap Luther on his way and hide him in Wartburg Castle, where Captain Berlepsch is in command. Although impatient, Luther complies with Melanchthon's requests and works on the German translation of the New Testament. Meanwhile, the citizens of Wittenberg, incited by Luther's former friend Karlstadt, fall into religious frenzy. Their contempt for science and humanism culminates in the burning of holy images and relics. Cranach laments the destruction of his life's work. Luther hastily returns to Wittenberg in 1522. Although he remains under ban and excommunication, the Pope and Emperor spare him because he opposes the impending anarchy of the dispossessed.
Episode 5
95 mins