The Enduring Legacy of Knights Templar in Popular Culture
When we think of the Knights Templar, we usually picture a group of valiant knights fighting in the Crusades. Yet, over the years, this order has taken on a much larger significance in popular culture. From books to movies to video games, their legacy has influenced numerous creative works and left a lasting impact on our entertainment industry and beyond.
Historical Background
Before we delve into the influence of Knights Templar on popular culture, let’s have a brief look at their history. Founded in the 12th century, the Knights Templar were a Catholic military order who vowed to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. They were also famed for their heroic deeds on the battlefield during the Crusades. However, their reputation was not always positive, and they were eventually disbanded by the Church in the 14th century.
The Influence of Knights Templar on Popular Culture
Despite their controversial history, the Knights Templar have had a lasting impact on popular culture. Let’s explore some of the ways in which their legacy has influenced creative works.
Literature
Many authors throughout the years have chosen to incorporate the Knights Templar into their literary works. Perhaps the most famous example of this is Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, “The Da Vinci Code.” The book centers around a conspiracy theory involving the Knights Templar and their supposed wealth and influence.
Other authors have also been inspired by the Knights Templar, such as Umberto Eco’s “Foucault’s Pendulum” and Raymon Khoury’s “The Last Templar.”
Film and TV
The Knights Templar have also been a popular subject in film and television. Perhaps the most iconic portrayal of them on screen is in the 1989 movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” The film sees Indiana Jones on a quest to find the Holy Grail, with the Knights Templar as a central part of the plot.
Television shows have also been influenced by the Knights Templar, such as the History Channel’s “Knightfall,” which depicts their downfall and eventual demise.
Video Games
Video games have also been heavily influenced by the Knights Templar. Perhaps the most famous example of this is the “Assassin’s Creed” series, which features a fictional conflict between the Knights Templar and the Assassin Order.
Other games, such as “Medieval 2: Total War” and “Age of Empires II,” also feature the Knights Templar as a playable faction.
Conclusion
The Knights Templar’s impact on popular culture may have started with their heroic deeds on the battlefield, but it has evolved into so much more. From literature to film to video games, their legacy continues to inspire creative works to this day. Whether it’s a conspiracy theory or a fictional conflict, the Knights Templar have left an indelible mark on our entertainment industry and beyond.
