The Cathedral of Kerloc’h: A Tale of Freemasonry, Templars, and the Devil
CHAPTER 1: The Apprentice
A young man named Telmo is admitted to the lodge of Freemasons and becomes an apprentice. His father, León Yanez Telmo, is a master builder and gives him a tool kit.
CHAPTER 2: The Journey
Telmo leaves for Britain to find his father’s teacher, Thibaud, who has disappeared. He meets a man named Loki, who tells him about the Order of the Eagle of St. John, a secret society that is said to have funded the building of the cathedral at Kerloc’h.
CHAPTER 3: The Secret
Telmo and his
Read MoreThe Tree of Science: A Deep Dive into Pío Baroja’s Masterpiece
Pío Baroja
Design of the Novel
Baroja championed a novel open to all possibilities, proclaiming absolute freedom for the writer in its design. For Baroja, the novel is a genre that accommodates everything from philosophical and psychological reflection to adventure, criticism, and humor. All these elements are reflected in his novels, but his reverence for action determines his preference for adventure plots. His characters are generally maladjusted beings who often fail in their vital struggles.
Read MoreGothic Sculpture in Europe: A Comprehensive Guide
Gothic Sculpture in Europe
France
The 12th century in France saw the rise of monumental sculptures, particularly in cathedrals like Chartres and Notre Dame. The latter’s St. Anne’s door features a tympanum with three bands depicting scenes related to the Virgin Mary.
The 13th century witnessed continued sculptural embellishment of cathedrals. Notable examples include:
- Chartres Cathedral: Sculptures depicting Doomsday, the Coronation of the Virgin, and the Birth of Christ, characterized by idealized
Byzantine Art: A Journey Through Iconography and Religious Expression
The Rise of Byzantine Art
Following the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, Christianity flourished, leading to a shift away from classical artistic traditions. The Byzantine Empire, with its capital in Constantinople, became a center of artistic expression, blending Hellenistic and Roman influences with Christian themes.
The Iconoclastic Crisis
During the 8th and 9th centuries, the Byzantine Empire experienced a period of internal conflict known as the Iconoclastic Crisis. This controversy revolved around the
Read MoreExploring Religious Experience: Mystery, Mediation, and Transcendence
Exploring Religious Experience
The Realm of the Sacred and the Religious Attitude
Throughout history, humans have shaped their religiosity through various religions. The sacred is perceived as an encompassing realm involving people and things, distinct from the profane world of everyday life. To enter this sacred space, one must cross a threshold, leaving behind the ordinary. The sacred manifests as a power beyond nature, transforming reality and creating a space of human connection with the absolute,
Read MoreFrancis of Assisi and the Rise of Mendicant Orders in the Middle Ages
Francis of Assisi
Early Life and Conversion
Giovanni di Bernardone, born in 1183 in Assisi, Italy, lived a privileged life as the son of a wealthy merchant. However, after a period of illness and imprisonment, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. An encounter with a leper led him to embrace a life of poverty and service to the poor.
Founding of the Franciscan Order
Francis’s radical commitment to poverty and his charismatic preaching attracted followers, including Bernard of Quintavalle. Together,
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