Abstract

This essay presents textual evidence that Nietzsche’s slogan “Gott ist todt!” can be found in several texts of the later Middle Ages. Furthermore, it is argued that Nietzsche read one of these texts very early in his life – probably during the six years of his stay at Schulpforta – and that this may be one of the sources of his famous slogan. It is also shown how the slogan “God is dead!” could originate during the later Middle Ages.