A Discovery of Witcheshas many references to real people, places, and events in history, which is a large part of the immersion and texture of the series. Whether it is using specific historical figures, such as Christopher “Kit” Marlowe as adaemon inA Discovery of Witches, or keyDiscovery of Witchesfilming locationssuch as the Bodleian Library, this foundation in the real worldgrounds the fantastical events of the series.
One such historical feature is an order inspired by a real order of warrior monks in medieval history. This is the Knights of Lazarus – in the series, several key characters are members of the order, which is designed toprotect supernatural as well as natural illness. Much like the Congregation, the Knights of Lazarus are made up of different subspecies ofAll Soulslore.
A Discovery Of Witches Cast & Character Guide
A Discovery of Witches' gripping supernatural drama is driven by its well-written characters, portrayed by a talented roster of familiar cast members.
The Knights Of Lazarus' Origins In A Discovery Of Witches Explained
They’ve Existed For Centuries
The journey to Jerusalem was fraught with danger during the Middle Ages. Bands of raiders menaced pilgrims on the treacherous routes leading to the Holy Land. To protect and offer solace to these travelers, a unique kind of warrior-monk emerged – the Hospitaller Orders. But one order stood apart -the Order of Saint Lazarus. The Knights of Lazarus inA Discovery of Witchesare based on this chivalric order. The irony of using medieval Christian history as a foundation for the Knights in the supernatural series is striking.
While Christianity traditionally demonizes supernatural creatures, in Deborah Harkness’All Soulstrilogy, the Knights of Lazarus are dedicated to their protection in a surprising twist. This inversion of roles subverts the expected narrative and invites exploration of the complexities of faith, power, andthe grey areas between good and evil. The Knights’ adoption of Christian symbols and rituals further underscores this paradox, creating a tension between the sacred and the profane that is central to the series' themes.
Known Knights Of Lazarus In A Discovery Of Witches
Multiple Characters Are Associated With The Order
The de Clermont family holds a powerful lineage within the Knights. Philippe de Clermont, the deceased Grandmaster, was married to Ysabeau and was stepfather to Matthew. Baldwin Montclair, sired during the Roman Empire, acts as a second son of Philippe. Gallowglass de Clermont, a part-Norse warrior, serves the Knights on missions. Matthew, the central character, is avampire who once held the position of Grandmaster. He passed this title to Marcus. Miriam Shepherd, a vampire colleague of Matthew’s, created the lab’s security system. Jack Blackfriars, a daemon-vampire created during the plague, finds refuge under Matthew’s protection.
Diana, a witch, is married to Matthew and together they navigate the dangers of their world. Her aunt, Sarah Bishop, is a powerful witch herself. Hamish Osborne, a daemon who serves as Seneschal andninth knight of the Order, is a close friend to Matthew. Human friends of Diana include Christopher Roberts, a molecular biologist, and Nathaniel Wilson, a daemon. The story also introduces the offspring of Diana and Matthew - the bright-born twins, Rebecca and Philip, who are both vampires.
Philippe de Clermont (deceased)
Peter McDonald (season 3), Trystan Gravelle (seasons 1-2)
What Happened To The Knights Of Lazarus In A Discovery Of Witches
They Have A Central Arc
InThe Discovery of Witches,the Knights of Lazarus are represented by a Maltese cross. They are inspired by thereal Knights of Saint Lazarus in medieval history– the author of the books, Deborah Harkness, is a historian. There are many historical characters and references in her work – evenbetter in her books than in theA Discovery of Witchesshow. In the second book of theAll Soulstrilogy,The Shadow of Night,it is revealed that Matthew, a central character, has been the head of the order since his father Philippe’s death. He goes on to hand that title to Marcus, who becomes the grandmaster of the order.
The continuation of the order is explored in theA Discovery of Witchesseries, now on Netflix. At the end of season 1, Marcus does not want the responsibility of being grandmaster of the Knights of Lazarus. In season 2, he renounces the antiquity of vampire culture, wanting to focus on his medical career and his friends. Phoebe implores Marcus to use the order to help future generations. The order’s origins in the show are pertinent to its relation toAll Soulslore – Ysabeau reveals that it wascreated to protect her as a Blood Rage carrier, which she spread to her bloodline.
A Discovery Of Witches' Knights Of Lazarus Were Based On A Real Military Order In Jerusalem
It Gives The Show A Historical Grounding
The Knights of Saint Lazarus was an order of warrior monks founded in 1119. It was created to help and provide shelter for Christian pilgrims. The route to the Holy Land of Jerusalem was treacherous, so Orders of Chivalry such as Saint Lazarus and the Order of Saint John were important.They were known as Hospitallers. In particular, The Knights of Saint Lazarus cared for people struck with leprosy. Members of the Order were lepers themselves. Their symbol is a green cross to differentiate them from other Orders of Chivalry.
In Catholicism, Lazarus is the patron saint of lepers.
The order was named Lazarus afterLazarus in the New Testament. In Catholicism, Lazarus is the patron saint of lepers. There are two men named Lazarus in the Bible, but the patron saint is based on one of them. In the Gospel narrative of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man dines on fine food dressed in opulent clothing while a leper is sat outside his home, starving and covered in the telltale sores of leprosy. This is why it is the mission of the Order of Saint Lazarus to care for those with leprosy. It still exists today, providing a fascinating historical context forA Discovery of Witches.
