Teen Queen Elisabeth In episode 244, “Teen Queen Elisabeth,” Meredith Curtis introduces you to a teenage queen. Have you ever imagined yourself as a princess or queen? How fun to have beautiful clothes and servants to wait on you hand and foot, especially back in the times of knights and castles. Married at 14 and widowed at 20, this young woman ruled in her husband’s absence. How did a teenage girl rule a kingdom? And why did she make the rest of the royal family so mad?             Powerline Productions, Inc. Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!         Show Notes Have you ever imagined yourself as a princess or queen/prince or king? Back to medieval Europe. Knights & castles. How did a teenage girl rule a kingdom? And why did she do the make the rest of the royal family so mad? Young Elisabeth Princess Elisabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and Gertrude of Merania, a Germanic kingdom. At 4 years old, she moved far away to the small country of Thuringia, now a province in Germany. Elisabeth was brought to the court of the royal family of Thuringia as a child so that she could learn the language, culture, and customs of the Thuringians. She was pledged to marry the crown prince who grew up to be Louis IV, also known as Ludwig IV. Creuzburg Castle was full of music, a place for poets and songwriters to gather. Love was the most popular theme. Sort of like pop music today but add tournaments and pageantry. Christian Elisabeth Early in life, Elisabeth gave her heart to Jesus Christ. Her strong faith revealed itself in a gentle, kind personality. At the age of 14, Elisabeth married Louis, who was 20, and later that year, he was crowned King. The new rulers were very happy together and God blessed them with three children. All accounts say that the couple loved one another deeply as only young lovers can. Impact of the ideals of Frances of Assisi. As queen, she lived in Wartburg Castle where centuries later, Martin Luther would years later translate the Bible into German. Balance between supported husband as queen and the longing to live a life of poverty & charity. Leper Story Elisabeth ruling in King Louis IV’s absence. Built hospitals, gave away money, visited patients. The rest of the royal family mocked her. Louis was proud of her when he came back. Louis embarks on the Sixth Crusade in 1227 while Elisabeth pregnant with their third child. Elisabeth’s husband death left her heartbroken. Three children taken from her. She got her dowry back. Rejected many offers of marriage. In 1228, she renounced the world and joined the order of St Francis of Assisi. Moved to Marburg, she built another hospital for the sick. She spent hours each day caring for patients at the hospital she founded. The Death of Elisabeth Elisabeth died at the age of 24, leaving her three children orphans. In her short life, she had a beautiful marriage where the couple shared strong faith in Jesus and deep compassion for the poor and needy. As a widow, deprived of her children, she did not see herself as a victim. Instead, she devoted herself to Christ and His Kingdom. She made a difference in so many lives. People loved her! So, what happened to her orphan children? Oldest child, son Hermann Middle child, daughter Sophie Youngest child, daughter Gertrude Elizabethkirche was built in Marburg to honor Elisabeth of Hungary. It is a beautiful church for a beautiful woman. Elisabeth's Legacy The Catholic Church made her a saint in 1235 and to all Christian everywhere, she is an example of Christian charity and kindness. I love these stories of teens who rule, who minister, who impact people’s lives. Teen years don’t have to be about fitting in and trying hard to have fun the world’s way. Even a 14-year-old can be a queen and rule well. Whatever is going on in your life right now, take a deep breath and fix your eyes on Jesus. He will never leave you and best of all, He has a plan and purpose for your life, just like he did for Elisabeth. Sign up for our Newsletter Get updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.             Grow in Christ Resources   Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!