Final answer:
Frederick III, Elector of Saxony, defended Martin Luther and ensured his case was heard at the Diet of Worms, providing safety during the Reformation. so, option a is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ruler of Saxony who was one of Martin Luther's most important defenders during the early years of the Reformation is Frederick III, also known as Frederick the Wise. He played a crucial role in ensuring that Luther's case would be heard at the Diet of Worms rather than in Rome, and provided safe passage for Luther to and from the Diet. Frederick III's support was instrumental as Luther faced the challenges of opposing the Catholic Church's practices and seeking reforms.
The ruler of Saxony who defended Martin Luther during the early years of the Reformation was Frederick III.
The ruler of Saxony who defended Martin Luther during the early years of the Reformation was Frederick III. He played a crucial role in ensuring that Luther's case would be heard before the Diet of Worms and that Luther had safe passage to and from the Diet.