Magdalena Sibylla of Hesse-Darmstadt

Landgravine Magdalena Sibylla of Hesse-Darmstadt (28 April 1652 – 11 August 1712) was regent of the Duchy of Württemberg from 1677 to 1693, and was a prominent German composer of baroque hymns.

As a child she lost her mother and came into the care of her aunt, the Queen Dowager Hedwig Eleonora of Sweden.

Just six months after the ceremony Duke Eberhard III died and her husband Wilhelm Ludwig inherited the throne of Württemberg.

Thus, the 25-year-old Magdalena Sibylla became Duchess of Württemberg and regent for her minor son Eberhard Ludwig, who would take the throne in 1693, at the age of 16.

Her religion is reflected in the numerous hymns she wrote, quite a few of which found a permanent place in Protestant hymnals.

Magdalene Sibylle of Hesse-Darmstadt (left) and her brother Frederick Charles of Württemberg-Winnental (middle) as a guardian or administrator for their minor son of Eberhard Louis von Württemberg (right)