In 15th century Germany, the church held a high power over the people. The church used intimidation and fear to rule the commoners. During this time, the church was the center of the government and power; therefore, the church had complete control over everybody in their region. The priest had learned to speak the people’s language (saying the right thing at the right time) in order to gain even more control. They would also sympathize with what the common people were going through. Peasant Fires: The Drummer of NIklashausen, written by Richard Wunderli, demonstrates the church’s control through the story of a boy named Hans Behem. Hans Behem is said to have heard from the Virgin Mary who tells him to go out and preach. Even though Hans had