A near-death experience changed his destiny

Martin Luther, the son of Hans and Margarethe Luther, was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Saxony. Luther, the eldest child in a big family, received a rigorous education. Martin Luther earned a master's degree at the University of Erfurt in 1505. He might now follow one of three "higher" disciplines: law, medicine, or theology. He finally decided to enroll in studying law since his father expected him to become a lawyer.

Around this period, an event occurred that forever altered Luther's life. When he was cycling back to university from a trip home, he was caught in a sudden powerful thunderstorm near the village of Stotternheim and was almost killed by lightning. Luther was so horrified by the weather that he cried out for protection to St. Anne, "Save me, St. Anne, and I'll become a monk!" Martin was determined to keep his word after escaping safely. Many historians argue that this episode was merely a stimulant and that Luther's desire to become a monk was already formed in his mind. Furthermore, his friends thought that the recent deaths of two friends may have played an important role in his decision to become a monk.