In an attempt to reconcile the doctrinal differences between their two reformed theologies, Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli hold a disputation at Marburg. This is arranged by Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, hoping to ease the political strains in Germany and facilitate an alliance between all its Protestant states. However, the ultimate result of the disputation is to reveal their differences over the doctrine of the Eucharist, as Luther maintained a belief in the Real Presence, whereas Zwingli saw the ceremony as purely symbolic.