Part of a wing of the former high altar from the church St. Columba in Cologne (1473) by Master of St. Mary's lifeGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Human beings tell stories, and need stories. Through stories myths are born, and in them heroes become immortal.
For recounting great heroic deeds a consistent basic pattern has developed, known as the "hero's journey": the hero follows a call, prevails in difficult trials, and must banish a threat at the risk of his own life.
Rosary plate Rosary plate by Workshop of Veit StoßGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Rosary plate Image of Adam and Eve (1518)Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
The Biblical account of human history begins in paradise, where Adam and Eve live in blessed immortality.
Rosary plate The expulsion from paradise (1518)Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Their transgression against God's command not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge brings sin into the world. Adam and Eve are banished from paradise, and humanity is henceforth separated from God.
Christ on the Palm Sunday Donkey (1505) by Pupil of Veit StoßOriginal Source: permanent loan of the City of Nuremberg
To bring this state of discord back into harmony, God sends us his son Jesus Christ. His life becomes a hero's journey: he is the chosen one who enables humankind to return to paradise through his self-sacrifice.
The Annunciation (ca. 1437/40) by Konrad WitzGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Beginning with his birth, Jesus's life is marked by signs identifying him as a chosen one. His story thus follows the classic pattern of a hero's journey, which often begins with a prophecy.
Christ on the Mount of Olives (1488/89) by Workshop of the master of the Augustiner altarOriginal Source: permanent loan of the Gunther Oschmann-foundation
Jesus is born to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. He passes first trials and tests, doubts, but finally chooses to accept his fate.
Calvary (1440/50) by Master of the Tegernsee main altarOriginal Source: permanent loan of the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen Munich
The greatest test he must face alone: Christ dies on the cross.
Winged Altarpiece (1515) by unknownGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Three days later, however, Christ is resurrected, ascends to heaven, and is rewarded with eternal life.
With his hero's journey Christ becomes a model for his followers.
Votive tablet with 16 scenes from legends and Saints Votive tablet with 16 scenes from legends and Saints by Hans Murer the OlderGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Until Christianity was granted official religious tolerance in 313, Christians were persecuted. This explains the large number of martyrs from this period.
Part of a wing of the former high altar from the church St. Columba in Cologne (1473) by Master of St. Mary's lifeGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Christian martyrdom is considered a divinely ordained voluntary act following in Christ's footsteps. Some Christians even actively sought martyrdom in order to ascend directly into paradise.
Left predella wing of the high altar of the former Augustiner church in Nuremberg (1487) by Hans TrautGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Charlemagne confesses to Saint Giles (around 1480) by Master of the Pallant-AltarGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Because of their self-sacrifice martyrs became saints, but others could also achieve this sacred status. Along with an virtuous and exemplary life, enacting miracles was a decisive requirement.
Young Tobias (1487/1516) by Veit StoßGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
The many saints served as vivid role models for a Christian life. They provided orientation for the faithful, and also promised protection.
Saints Marinus and Theklanus (1483) by unknownGermanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
Prayers, vows, pious donations, and pilgrimages were believed to win the saint's favour. Countless images in churches, town streets, and private houses also served to venerate the saints.
Last Judgement (around 1485/1500) by Workshop Michael WolgemutOriginal Source: permanent loan of the City of Nuremberg
In the late Middle Ages ideas about what would happen in the world to come followed a complex theological system. On Judgement Day it is thought Christ will return to earth, resurrect the dead and reunite them with their souls, to judge them one last time.
Those who are freed of sin will ascend to heaven for all time.
Sinners, however, must face eternal damnation in hell.
The Last Judgement at the End of Days thus ends the hero's journey that all humanity has embarked on.
Heroes, Martyrs, Saints. Routes to Paradise. Catalogue accompanying a temporary exhibition in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. Ed. by Daniel Hess and Markus Prummer. Nuremberg 2019 - available in German only.
