The Knights Templar have captivated artists and audiences for centuries, evolving in various story roles and influencing literature, film, and video games. This study explores their enduring popularity and the influence of history and myth on their portrayal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The Knights Templar have captivated artists and audiences alike for centuries, featuring in various narrative contexts and evolving in different story roles. This study explores why they remain prominent in popular culture, how history influenced the myth, and how the myth has influenced literature, film, and video games.

The Knights Templar: A Legacy of Myth and Legend

From the Arthurian epic poem Parzival to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and the Assassin's Creed video game series, the Knights Templar have captivated artists and audiences alike for centuries. In modern times, the Templars have featured in many narrative contexts, evolving in a range of contrasting story roles: the grail guardian, the heroic knight, the villainous knight, and the keeper of conspiracies. This study explores why these gone but not forgotten warrior monks remain prominent in popular culture; how history influenced the myth; and how the myth has influenced literature, film, and video games.

The Knights Templar: A Brief History

The Knights Templar were a medieval military order founded in the early 12th century in Jerusalem. They were initially tasked with protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land and were granted special privileges by the Pope. Over time, the Templars became wealthy and powerful, controlling vast territories and amassing a vast fortune. However, their influence and power were not without controversy, and they were eventually suppressed by the Catholic Church in the 14th century. Despite their suppression, the Knights Templar have remained a popular subject in popular culture, with their legacy continuing to inspire artists and writers today.

The Knights Templar in Popular Culture

The Knights Templar have featured in many narrative contexts in modern times, evolving in a range of contrasting story roles. In the Assassin's Creed video game series, for example, the Templars are portrayed as the villains, seeking to control the world through a secret society and the use of advanced technology. In the Indiana Jones film series, the Templars are portrayed as the heroic knights, protecting the Holy Grail and fighting against evil. In the Da Vinci Code, the Templars are portrayed as the grail guardians, protecting the Holy Grail and fighting against the Catholic Church.

The Influence of History on the Knights Templar Myth

History has played a significant role in shaping the Knights Templar myth. The Templars were founded in the early 12th century, a time of great religious and political turmoil in the Middle East. The Crusades, which began in the late 11th century, were a major event in the history of the Middle East and had a profound impact on the Knights Templar. The Templars were involved in the Crusades, and their involvement in the conflict has been a source of controversy and debate for centuries. The Templars were also accused of heresy and other crimes, which led to their suppression by the Catholic Church.

The Influence of the Knights Templar Myth on Literature, Film, and Video Games

The Knights Templar myth has had a significant influence on literature, film, and video games. The myth has been used as a source of inspiration for many works of fiction, including novels, movies, and video games. For example, the Assassin's Creed video game series is based on the Knights Templar myth, and the game's story revolves around the Templars' quest to control the world through a secret society and the use of advanced technology. The Indiana Jones film series is also based on the Knights Templar myth, and the films' stories revolve around the Templars' quest to protect the Holy Grail and fight against evil.

Conclusion

The Knights Templar have captivated artists and audiences alike for centuries, featuring in various narrative contexts and evolving in different story roles. This study explores why they remain prominent in popular culture, how history influenced the myth, and how the myth has influenced literature, film, and video games. The Knights Templar's legacy continues to inspire artists and writers today, and their story will likely continue to be told for generations to come.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476681979