Denmark was the first nation in Europe to make Lutheranism the state religion, in October of 1536, an historical fact which Shakespeare must have known, since there was a direct connection with Martin Luther and Wittenberg. The inclusion of Wittenberg in the play is enough to carry the implication of Shakespeare's knowledge, and intent. Historically, Denmark's break with the Catholic church was a notable precedent for England later to do the same, under Henry VIII. | Denmark was the first nation in Europe to make Lutheranism the state religion, in October of 1536, an historical fact which Shakespeare must have known, since there was a direct connection with Martin Luther and Wittenberg. The inclusion of Wittenberg in the play is enough to carry the implication of Shakespeare's knowledge, and intent. Historically, Denmark's break with the Catholic church was a notable precedent for England later to do the same, under Henry VIII. |