Anna Zieglerin and the Lion's Blood: Alchemy and End Times in Reformation Germany

Anna Zieglerin, an alchemist, gave her patron, the Duke of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, a recipe for lion's blood in 1573. She claimed it could stimulate plant growth, create gemstones, transform lead into the philosopher's stone, and prepare for the Last Days. Nummedal reconstructs Anna's career and historical afterlife, situating her story within Reformation Germany's religious, political, and military battles, alchemy, apocalyptic eschatology, and the position of women. Anna promised her patrons spiritual salvation and material profit but her vision brought with it a darker possibility: war, disgrace, and destruction. By 1575, her enemies had succeeded in turning her from a holy alchemist into a poisoner and sorceress, culminating in her arrest, torture, and public execution. Anna was a master of self-fashioning and her story has been continually refashioned, making her a fitting emblem for each new age.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2023
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

In 1573, the alchemist Anna Zieglerin presented her patron, the Duke of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, with a remarkable recipe she referred to as the lion's blood. She asserted that this golden oil possessed the ability to stimulate plant growth, create gemstones, transform lead into the sought-after philosopher's stone, and play a vital role in preparing for the impending Last Days. With audacious ambition, Anna portrayed herself as a Protestant Virgin Mary, proposing that the combination of the lion's blood and her own body could potentially generate life, repopulating and redeeming the corrupt world in its final moments.

Anna Zieglerin and the Lion's Blood, written by Tara Nummedal, delves into the extraordinary life and historical legacy of alchemist, courtier, and prophet Anna Zieglerin. It contextualizes Anna's story within the broader frameworks of Reformation Germany's religious, political, and military conflicts; the growing influence of alchemy; the significance of apocalyptic eschatology; and the roles of women within these contexts. Alongside her husband, the jester Heinrich Schombach, and their companion and fellow alchemist Philipp Sommering, Anna promised her patrons at the court of Wolfenbüttel spiritual salvation and material prosperity. However, her captivating vision carried a darker possibility: rather than bestowing her patrons with wealth or redemption, Anna's alchemical gifts might instead lead to war, disgrace, and destruction. By 1575, three years after Anna's arrival at court, her adversaries had successfully transformed her from a revered holy alchemist into a poisoner and sorceress, culminating in her arrest, torture, and public execution.

In her own life, Anna was a master of self-fashioning, and her story has undergone continuous retelling throughout the centuries, making her an emblematic figure for each new era. Nummedal skillfully weaves together various sources, including letters, court records, and contemporary accounts, to present a comprehensive and engaging narrative of Anna's life and times. The book sheds light on the complex social, religious, and political dynamics of 16th-century Germany, highlighting the intersections between alchemy, prophecy, and power. It also explores the gender roles and societal expectations of women during this period, challenging the notion that they were solely confined to domestic roles.

One of the key themes of Anna Zieglerin and the Lion's Blood is the intersection of religion, science, and magic. Anna and her contemporaries believed that alchemy could unlock the secrets of the natural world and achieve supernatural powers. They sought to manipulate matter and transform it into gold, believing that this could lead to eternal life and spiritual enlightenment. However, their experiments often resulted in dangerous and unpredictable outcomes, leading to accusations of witchcraft and sorcery.

Anna's personal life is also intricately woven into the narrative. She was a talented courtier and musician, known for her beauty and charisma. However, her ambitions and desires for power often led her into conflict with her contemporaries and the court hierarchy. Her relationship with Heinrich Schombach, who was both her husband and a fellow alchemist, was complex and often strained, as they struggled to balance their personal and professional lives.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding her, Anna Zieglerin remains a fascinating and enigmatic figure. Her legacy continues to inspire and intrigue scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, as her story serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions of the human condition. Nummedal's book offers a valuable contribution to the study of alchemy, women's history, and the intersection of religion and science in early modern Europe. It provides a rich and detailed account of Anna's life and work, shedding light on the social, political, and cultural contexts in which she operated.

In conclusion, Anna Zieglerin and the Lion's Blood is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the life and legacy of a remarkable woman who defied societal expectations and pushed the boundaries of science and magic. Through her extraordinary career and controversial experiments, Anna Zieglerin left an indelible mark on 16th-century Germany and continues to inspire and intrigue us today.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781512825572