Margaret allegedly had the ability to keep the monarchs' temperament under control, and was a calming influence on him. In accordance with the ideal of Luther's Small Catechism, it was her task as a wife to give her spouse advice, and act as a go-between and mediator to mitigate her spouse's punishments to the benefit of those in need, a form of influence which was considered legitimate and thus not regarded as interference in state affairs. She is known in history for her great activity in this regard and often successful, something Gustavus himself admitted, when he reduced a sentence at her request. She managed to get punishments he meted out reduced, and advised him to show mercy and leniency, all of which made her popular.