James of Molay

James of Molay or Jacques de Molay was French born in 1243 AD. He was the 23^rd and final Grandmaster of the Templar order, and was known as the great reformer of the Templars.[1] Very little is known about his livelihood, or childhood matters. However, he entered the Templar order at age 21, serving as a warrior monk for 42 years. It wasn’t until age 47 in 1293, that he was elected Grandmaster of the order. In his time of rule, many monarchies were becoming distrustful of Molay and his Order. Often blamed for the loss of the holy land, and ridiculed for financial power, the Templar’s were without a doubt becoming unpopular.[2] There were major criticisms of arrogance/pride, along with an abundance of power and wealth. All three major military orders of the Hospitallers, Teutonic Knights, and Templars were greatly criticised. However, the Templars in specific were thought to pose a threat to the episcopal authority (hierarchy of the church). Although there were rising criticisms of the Order, it was King Philip IV that lead to the eventual collapse of him and the Templar Order. [3]

A portrait of Jaques de Molay, by an unknown author in the 19th century, [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

One day, Philip the IV and Pope Clement V invited James of Molay with his men to discuss plans of a new crusade. The Templars were deceived and soon tortured on accusations of Sodomy and denying Christ. Alleged false confessions were made, and after seven years James of Molay was sentenced to burn at the stake. Upon his death, he asked to not be bound and face the temple, so he could be in prayer for his final moments. In addition to this, James of Molay cursed everyone involved in his murder, creating the eventual legend of the curse created by Molay. He then died at the stake, as the final grandmaster leading the Order of the Templars. [4]

Significance: James of Molay, was most importantly the 23^rd and final Grandmaster of the Order. His demise was ultimately passed onto the order, showing their eventual destruction. The Templar’s had many great leaders, but regrettably it was Molay that lead them to their final defeat. [5]

Sources:

[1] Klimczak, Natalia. “The Powerful Curse of Jacques de Molay, the Last Grand Master of Templars.” Ancient Origins. February 27, 2016. Accessed February 19, 2018. http://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/powerful-curse-jacques-de-molay-last-grand-master-templars-005431.

[2] Hodapp, Christopher. “Jacques de Molay.” Freemasons For Dummies. March 14, 2011. Accessed February 19, 2018. http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.ca/2011/03/jacques-de-molay.html.

[3] “Grand Masters.” The Knights Templar. Accessed February 19, 2018. http://www.theknightstemplar.org/1942-2/.

[4] Klimczak, Natalia. “The Powerful Curse of Jacques de Molay, the Last Grand Master of Templars.” Ancient Origins. February 27, 2016. Accessed February 19, 2018. http://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/powerful-curse-jacques-de-molay-last-grand-master-templars-005431.

[5] The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Jacques de Molay.” Encyclopædia Britannica. November 30, 2017. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jacques-de-Molay.

 

By: Tanner Delaney