Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) was a German friar, priest, professor of theology, and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation.

Biography

Luther's reformation

In 1512, the Dutch scholar and North European Assassins' leader Desiderius Erasmus began noticing Luther's new views on Christianity and realized that the church would enter a state of chaos. Erasmus wrote a letter to the Italian Assassins' temporary leader Claudia Auditore and informed them all of the young priest.

Excommunication

In 1517, Luther nailed his 95 theses to a church door, and in them, Luther disputed the claim that absolution from sin could be paid for. Pope Leo X excommunicated him and had the man condemned as a heretic. Despite this, Luther was said to have celebrated Mass in Santo Stefano.

Leonardo da Vinci's research into the havens

At some point prior to May 1519, Luther met Leonardo da Vinci and became the artist's friend and ally. When Leonardo became afraid of possible interception of his research on havens, he contacted the theologian and gave him encoded information that he was to give to the Assassins who approached him or to destroy it if none arrived within a month of Leonardo's death. As an additional test, the Assassins were meant to convince Luther that one of the 95 theses could correspond to the Creed.

They tracked down Luther to Die Fuggerei, a recently-opened public housing complex, and paid him a visit. Luther had been aware of the Brotherhood, but seemed surprised to hear that their philosophies were compatible, requesting proof that the Creed could be conciliated with his Reformation. By arguing that his 44th thesis ("By the very exercise of benevolence, benevolence grows and man becomes better.") and an old Assassin inscription found following the water towers ("By protecting the weakest, we become stronger.") were in agreement, the Assassins were able to convince the theologian that the modern preocupations of the Reformation and the Creed were compatible, and he handed them the translucid sheet with a line Leonardo had given him for safe keeping.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed II (mentioned in Database entry only)
• Assassin's Creed: Revelations novel (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed film (promotional material only)
• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: The Last Quest of Leonardo da Vinci (first appearance)