Chapter 12 The Moment of Death during the Thirty Years’ War
In: The Moment of Death in Early Modern Europe, c. 1450–1800Search for other papers by Sigrun Haude in
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Abstract
Approaches to death during the Thirty Years’ War reveal several cardinal characteristics evident during the early modern period in general. Being prepared for death ideally took place along two temporal trajectories: first, the long-term, i.e., life-long grounding of one’s life in prayer and in the service to Christ, and, second, the generally short-term, final period leading up to one’s death, which included perpetual prayers and songs, reading of biblical texts, and spiritual conversations. Awaiting death patiently and fully aware, the dying were to face the hour of death calmly and peacefully. The war, however, heightened anxieties around these last moments of life. The fear of a violent death on the battlefield or during an attack on civilians thwarted a dignified and well-prepared departing at home surrounded by loved ones. Importantly, it was not death itself people were afraid of, but the circumstances under which they died and whether they were worthy enough to enter the heavenly kingdom. The use of torture represented a particularly gruesome example of destroying the honor and ritual of death. Someby chose martyrdom, which immediately assured one a place in heaven. Besides fear, one can also find a profound joy among the dying. During the for many destructive years of the war, the prospect of leaving this vale of tears made some contemporaries break out in joy and laughter, while inviting those left behind to be glad for them.