Who was Baldwin IV?
Born in 1161, son of Amalric I and Inês de Courtney, Baldwin IV’s life was marked by the cruel disease of leprosy. At the age of nine, while playing innocently with his friends, he noticed a peculiar absence of pain when he was pinched on the right arm. Doctors soon diagnosed him with leprosy, a condition that would shape his destiny. But instead of being condemned to live in a colony for lepers and the dying, he received a good education from William, archdeacon of Tyre.
An early and brief reign:
Tragedy struck at age 13, when his father passed away, leaving Baldwin too young to ascend the throne. Raymond III, Count of Tripoli, assumed the role of regent until 1176, assuming the crown of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Despite his affliction, Baldwin IV valiantly defended the Holy Land against formidable adversaries, notably Sultan Saladin.
Portrait of Baldwin IV leading his troops (Wikimedia Commons/Charles Philippe Auguste de Larivière/Public Domain) – In this painting, the king boldly reveals his face, eschewing the need for a mask, symbolizing his unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.
The film that immortalized his history:
Film: Renowned director Ridley Scott, known for such cinematic masterpieces as “Gladiator”, The Kingdom of Heaven, captured the story of Baldwin IV on the silver screen. In the film, Orlando Bloom plays Balian, whose journey in the Holy Land intertwines with that of the enigmatic Leper King, played by Edward Norton. This film version sheds light on Baldwin IV’s central role in the story, resonating with audiences around the world.
The meme that fascinated the internet:
The meme: In an unexpected turn of events, Baldwin IV became an unlikely sensation on TikTok in 2024. The viral wave began with a user named @sev7enalt, whose clever edit, set to rapper Yeat’s “If we being real,” sparked a frenzy. The video, captioned “When the clutch is so fabulous that you just sit there and revive your companion as if nothing had happened,” amassed a staggering 9.8 million views and 2 million likes in just four days. Soon, variations of the meme flooded social media platforms.
The lasting impact:
Baldwin IV’s resurgence in pop culture reflects a collective fascination with historical figures who wielded immense power despite adversity. His story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and fortitude in the face of life’s challenges.
One Response
Historio legal essa .Balduíno IV é considerado um santo pela Igreja Católica.
Balduíno IV foi um rei notável que enfrentou muitos desafios em sua vida curta. Ele era um líder forte e capaz que inspirou seu povo. Apesar de sua doença, ele nunca desistiu de seus deveres como rei e deixou um legado duradouro.