Who was Dorothea Wyss, and what is her primary familial connection?

Dorothea Wyss, also known as Dorothea von Flue, was born around 1430/32 and died after 1487. She is primarily known for being married to Niklaus von Flue, who is revered as the patron saint of Switzerland, and for being the mother of their ten children.

What is the approximate lifespan of Dorothea Wyss?

Dorothea Wyss was born around 1430 or 1432 and lived until sometime after 1487.

Where was Dorothea Wyss born and where did she die?

Dorothea Wyss was born in the region of Obwalden and passed away in the town of Sachseln.

What was Dorothea Wyss known for, according to the biographical infobox?

According to the infobox, Dorothea Wyss was known for being married to Niklaus von Flue and for being the mother of their ten children.

What is the significance of Dorothea Wyss's husband, Niklaus von Flue?

Niklaus von Flue, Dorothea Wyss's husband, is recognized as the patron saint of Switzerland. He was a historical figure known for his piety and spiritual leadership.

What can be inferred about Dorothea Wyss's family background?

While specific details about her family background are scarce in the provided text, it is most likely that Dorothea Wyss was born into a relatively affluent family that made its living through farming.

At what age did Dorothea Wyss marry Niklaus von Flue, and what was the approximate age difference between them?

Dorothea Wyss married Niklaus von Flue when she was approximately 15 years old. Niklaus was about 15 years older than Dorothea.

What roles did Niklaus von Flue play during the 1450s and 1460s?

During the 1450s and 1460s, Niklaus von Flue often served as an advisor and also acted as a warlord in the context of the Swiss wars.

What significant life change did Niklaus von Flue decide to make after twenty years of marriage?

After twenty years of marriage and fathering ten children, Niklaus von Flue felt a divine calling, stating that 'God calls him,' and decided to leave his family life to become a pilgrim.

How did Dorothea Wyss initially react to her husband's decision to leave their family?

Dorothea Wyss initially rejected her husband's request to leave their family life. This was particularly sensitive as their youngest child, referred to as 'Kläusli,' had been born only a few months prior.

What led Dorothea Wyss to eventually consent to her husband's spiritual calling?

Over time, Dorothea Wyss gradually came to accept and participate in her husband's spiritual vocation. This gradual acceptance eventually led her to give her consent for him to pursue his path.

On what date did Niklaus von Flue depart from his family to become a pilgrim?

Niklaus von Flue left his family on October 16, 1467, to embark on his journey as a pilgrim.

Where did Niklaus von Flue settle after his pilgrimage, and what was its proximity to his family home?

Following divine visions, Niklaus von Flue settled in the nearby Ranftschlucht, a gorge along the Melchaa river. This location was situated a very short distance, described as a stone's throw, from his family's home.

How did Dorothea Wyss interact with her husband after he became a hermit?

Dorothea Wyss occasionally visited her husband, who was then known by the popular name 'Bruder Klaus,' at his hermitage. Their conversations typically revolved around domestic matters or the education of their children.

What did Dorothea Wyss observe about her husband during her visits to his hermitage?

During her visits to his hermitage, Dorothea Wyss personally observed that her husband had found inner peace in his new life as a hermit.

When did Niklaus von Flue die, and was Dorothea Wyss present?

Niklaus von Flue died in 1487. The text suggests that Dorothea Wyss was likely present at his passing.

What does the image in the 'Life' section depict?

The image in the 'Life' section depicts the house where Dorothea and Niklaus von Flue lived in Flüeli-Ranft.

What do contemporary sources say about Dorothea Wyss's character?

Contemporary sources, including the oldest biography of Bruder Klaus written in 1488, describe Dorothea Wyss as a 'godly and extremely pious woman.'

When were Dorothea Wyss's first name and surname first documented?

Dorothea Wyss's first name was first mentioned in historical records in 1501, and her surname, in the female form 'Wyssin,' was first documented around 1529.

What is the title and publisher of the book mentioned in the 'Literature' section?

The book mentioned in the 'Literature' section is titled 'Dorothea: Die Ehefrau des heiligen Nikolaus von Flue. Auszüge aus dem Quellenmaterial über Bruder Klaus aus dem 15. Jahrhundert bis heute.' It was published by the Bruder-Klausen-Stiftung in Sachseln and distributed by Academic Press, Fribourg.

What is the ISBN for the publication by Werner T. Huber listed in the 'Literature' section?

The ISBN for the publication 'Dorothea: Die Ehefrau des heiligen Nikolaus von Flue...' by Werner T. Huber is 978-3727809859.

Which historical dictionary is cited as a source for information on Dorothea von Flue?

The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (HDS) is cited as a source for information on Dorothea von Flue, with a specific entry by Roland Sigrist dated January 26, 2005.

What is the title of the SRF article referenced in the 'References' section, and who is its author?

The SRF article referenced is titled 'Dorothea von Flue, verheiratet mit einem Heiligen' (Dorothea von Flue, married to a Saint), and it was authored by Norbert Bischofberger, published on November 2, 2013.

What is the subject of the PDF document cited from zhkath.ch in the 'References' section?

The PDF document cited from zhkath.ch, authored by Klara Obermüller and Flavia Travaglini on November 2, 2013, is titled 'Mehr Ranft, Dorothea von Flue' and discusses Dorothea von Flue.

What kind of media related to Niklaus von Flue is available on Wikimedia Commons?

Wikimedia Commons hosts media files related to Niklaus von Flue, accessible via a dedicated category.

What information does the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland entry provide about Dorothea von Flue in different languages?

The entry in the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland provides information about Dorothea von Flue and is available in German, French, and Italian, authored by Roland Sigrist on January 26, 2005.

What is the purpose of the external link titled 'Und Dorothea? Wer war sie?'?

The external link titled 'Und Dorothea? Wer war sie?' (And Dorothea? Who was she?) provides additional information about Dorothea in German.

What does the 'Authority control' section indicate about Dorothea Wyss's presence in databases?

The 'Authority control' section indicates that Dorothea Wyss is cataloged in various international and national databases, including VIAF, GND (Germany), Library of Congress (United States), and the Polish National Library, facilitating identification and cross-referencing.

Which international database is referenced for Dorothea Wyss's authority control, and what are the associated identifiers?

The VIAF (Virtual International Authority File) database is referenced for Dorothea Wyss, with multiple identifiers listed: 154353948, 2, 3, and 4, which help uniquely identify her across different systems.

What national library authorities are associated with Dorothea Wyss?

Dorothea Wyss is associated with the German National Library (GND identifier: 119218941), the U.S. Library of Congress (authorities IDs: n84211639 and n98077037), and the Polish National Library (descriptor ID: 9810660211905606).

Besides library authorities, what other types of biographical and historical databases are linked for Dorothea Wyss?

In addition to library authorities, the authority control section links to biographical resources such as Deutsche Biographie, Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek (DDB), and the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, providing further avenues for research.

Dorothea Wyss Wiki: Dorothea Wyss: The Steadfast Heart of Switzerland's Patron Saint

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Life and Times

Origins in Obwalden

Dorothea Wyss was born around 1430 or 1432 in the region of Obwalden, Switzerland. While specific details about her family are scarce, historical context suggests she likely came from a family of reasonable standing, possibly involved in farming, a common livelihood in the area during the late medieval period.

Marriage and Early Family Life

At approximately fifteen years of age, Dorothea married Niklaus von Flüe, who was about fifteen years her senior. Their union marked the beginning of a life deeply intertwined with the community and, eventually, with a profound spiritual calling. Niklaus was frequently absent during these years, serving as an advisor and, during the Swiss wars of the 1450s and 1460s, as a warlord.

Managing the Household

After twenty years of marriage and raising ten children, Niklaus announced his intention to leave his family life to pursue a spiritual vocation. Initially, Dorothea resisted this decision. However, she eventually consented, allowing Niklaus to depart on October 16, 1467. Following his return and settlement in the nearby Ranftschlucht, Dorothea assumed the primary responsibility for managing the household, the farm, and the upbringing of their younger children. The elder sons took charge of the farm's operations.

Family and Support

A Mother's Role

Dorothea Wyss was the mother of ten children. Her role extended beyond domestic management; she was central to the family's stability and the education of their offspring. The challenges of raising a large family while her husband pursued a life of contemplation required immense strength and dedication.

Supporting Niklaus's Vocation

Despite her initial reservations, Dorothea eventually supported her husband's spiritual path. She understood his deep commitment and found peace in witnessing his spiritual fulfillment. Historical accounts suggest she occasionally visited him at his hermitage to discuss family matters and the children's upbringing, indicating a continued, albeit transformed, connection.

A Life of Piety

Enduring Faith

Dorothea Wyss is remembered primarily through her association with her husband, Niklaus von Flüe, Switzerland's patron saint. While historical records offer limited direct insight into her personal spiritual journey, contemporary sources describe her as a "godly and extremely pious woman." This suggests a life marked by deep faith and resilience, particularly in navigating the significant life changes brought about by her husband's calling.

Presence at the End

Dorothea Wyss remained a steadfast presence throughout her life. She was reportedly present at the time of Niklaus von Flüe's death in 1487. Her own life continued beyond this point; she passed away sometime after 1487 in Sachseln.

Historical Recognition

Early Accounts

Dorothea Wyss's name and significance were not immediately prominent in historical records. Her first name is first mentioned in sources dating from 1501, and her surname, in the feminine form "Wyssin," appeared around 1529. The oldest biography of Niklaus von Flüe, written in 1488, described her as a "godly and extremely pious woman," providing the earliest known testament to her character.

A Vital Role

While Niklaus von Flüe is celebrated as a national saint, Dorothea Wyss represents the crucial, often unsung, role of family and partnership in supporting such profound spiritual journeys. Her resilience and faith were integral to the life and legacy of her renowned husband, embodying the strength found in quiet devotion and steadfast support.

Sources

Cited References

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

Roland Sigrist (26 January 2005). "Flüe (-Wyss), Dorothea von". Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (in German).
Norbert Bischofberger (2 November 2013). "Dorothea von Flüe, verheiratet mit einem Heiligen". SRF (in German).
Klara Obermüller, Flavia Travaglini (2 November 2013). "Mehr Ranft, Dorothea von Flüe". zhkath.ch (PDF) (in German).

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and related sources, and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Historical interpretations can vary, and details about figures from this era are often limited.

This is not historical or biographical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for scholarly research or professional historical consultation. Always consult primary sources and academic works for definitive information.

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Authority Control Databases
International	VIAF: 154353948, 2, 3, 4
National	Germany: GND: 119218941 United States: DLC, 2 Poland: BN
People	Deutsche Biographie: Link DDB: Link
Other	HDS: Link

Dorothea Wyss

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