“Remain in Our True, Pure, and Praiseworthy Faith and Religion”

Ferdinand I’s Admonitions to His Sons in the Winter of 1547

Abstract

This article examines the circumstances surrounding the composition of King Ferdinand I’s 1547 letter to his sons, analyzes its significance, and presents the source text in Hungarian for the first time. Written in plain Latin, Ferdinand’s confidential letter was not intended for contemporary or future public audiences but served as a moral guide for his sons. In his admonitions, Ferdinand urged the young archdukes to adhere to the religious directives outlined in his will, emphasizing, above all, steadfastness in the Catholic faith. He reproached Archduke Maximilian for his shortcomings by referencing specific incidents. Ferdinand’s sense of responsible kingship is exemplified by his instructions concerning the treatment of the poor. The personal tone of these admonitions offers a unique insight into Ferdinand’s standards and expectations as a ruler and sheds light on his assessment of his eldest son, the future Emperor Maximilian.