1511–1571
Queen Dorothea
Queen Dorothea was married to Christian III.
✩ 12 August 1503 ✝ 1 January 1559 ♔ 1534–1559
Christian III
Christian III had a key influence on religious development in Denmark. With the Reformation of Denmark in 1536, he changed the country from a Catholic to a Lutheran nation.
Did you know that Christian III implemented the Lutheran Reformation in Denmark and that he was behind the publication of the first Bible in Danish?
A German-born Lutheran
Christian III was the son of Frederik I and Queen Anna of Brandenburg. He was part of the Royal House of Oldenborg in Denmark. Christian grew up in Germany, while his father was the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein. The family residence was Gottorf Castle.
In his youth, Christian personally heard Martin Luther present his reformation of the Christian faith, and he became an ardent Lutheran. He implemented the Lutheran Reformation in his duchy in South Jutland, which thus became the first part of the Danish realm that changed from Catholicism to Protestantism.
In his youth, Christian personally heard Martin Luther present his reformation of the Christian faith, and he became an ardent Lutheran. He implemented the Lutheran Reformation in his duchy in South Jutland, which thus became the first part of the Danish realm that changed from Catholicism to Protestantism.
Civil war and Reformation
When Frederik I died, in 1533, no direct successor had been appointed by the Council of the Realm, and a civil war broke out in Denmark. This civil war, known as the Count's Feud, lasted until 1536, as different factions in Denmark faced each other in battle. Ultimately, Christian III won the war and was able to take the throne. As the new King of Denmark, he established Lutheranism as the state religion – a belief system that he personally embraced with passion.
After carrying out the Lutheran Reformation of Denmark, Christian III also had a new Church Ordinance passed and implemented. The Ordinance defines the teachings and ceremonies of the Danish church. In 1550, Christian III had the first Danish-language Bible published.
After carrying out the Lutheran Reformation of Denmark, Christian III also had a new Church Ordinance passed and implemented. The Ordinance defines the teachings and ceremonies of the Danish church. In 1550, Christian III had the first Danish-language Bible published.
Christian III's death and legacy
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Died at Koldinghus
Christian III died at Koldinghus, where he had resided for large portions of his life.
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Funeral
Christian III was initially interred in Skt. Knuds Kirke (St Canute's Church) in Odense, in 1559. Later, his remains were moved to Roskilde Cathedral.
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Legacy
The Reformation has had profound effect on the development of Danish society. In this way, Christian III has left a lasting legacy in Danish history.
