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| “ | On your knees... lower. I am... Jerusalem. And you, Reynald, will give me the kiss of peace. | „ |
| ~ King Baldwin's most famous quote before he punishes Reynald of Châtillon. |
| “ | Come forward. I am glad to meet Godfrey's son. He was one of my greatest teachers. He was there when, playing with the other boys, my arm was cut. It was he, not my father's physicians, who noticed that I felt no pain. He wept when he gave my father the news... that I am a leper. The Saracens say that this disease is God's vengence against the vanity of our kingdom. As wretched as I am, these Arabs believe that the chastisement that awaits me in hell is far more severe and lasting. If that's true, I call it unfair. Come. Sit | „ |
| ~ King Baldwin, meeting Balian. |
King Baldwin IV (based on the historical figure of the same name) is the deuteragonist of the 2005 historical drama film Kingdom of Heaven. He was the king of Jerusalem up until his death and managed to obtain the respect and love of everyone around him in spite of his leprosy thanks to his respectful and kind hearted nature as well as the reputation of being a powerful leader that preceded him.
He was portrayed by Edward Norton, who also portrayed The Narrator in Fight Club, and Hulk in the The Incredible Hulk.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Baldwin was born in 1161 to the previous king Amalric I of Jerusalem and Agnes of Courtenay, and had a fairly happy childhood growing up. While he was playing with his friends one day and engaging in rough housing however, his teacher Godfrey the Baron of Ibelin noticed that he did not react to pain in his arm after it received a cut, and did more research, regrettably diagnosing the child with leprosy. This didn't slow Baldwin down however, and he went on to do great things. Most notably his victory during a battle at the age of sixteen. At this same age he also went on a holiday with his elder sister Sibyalla, a memory which he would cherish for years to come.
Shortly after this he was appointed king of Jerusalem.
Serving as King[]
During his time as king his leprosy grew much worse, to the point where his face became deformed and his limbs covered with sores, as such he was heavily weakened and took to wearing a mask all the time, so not to appear repulsive to his people. He served a peaceful and long reign as king, even gaining the respect of Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb the ruler of the Middle East who held a very slim peace treaty with Jerusalem.
Following the death of Godfrey Baldwin was upset, but happy to meet his son Balian, the latter of whom he quickly became friends with, giving him his father's old land and giving him a place within his close circle of friends. Shortly after the latter's arrival however he learns of the Reynald of Châtillon's slaughtering of some Saracen caravans, and as such elects to go out on horseback to meet with Saladin and express apology. He tells Saladin that he will punish Reynald for what he has done, and requests that they both take their men home, not wanting anyone needless bloodshed. In turn Saladin looks on mournfully at Baldwin, recognising that his condition was worsening and that he would die soon, and promises to send him his best physicians to help, Baldwin expressed his gratitude and both rulers returned home.
As soon as he came back, he immediately headed for Reynald before having him bow before him and give him "the kiss of peace" on his sore ridden hand. Reynald complies and begins giving several kisses to Baldwin's wrist, before the disgusted king begins lashing him with his rod. Weakened Baldwin faints after delivering the punishment and several guards rush to his aid, returning him to his quarters while Tiberias sentences Reynald to death.
After these deeds are dealt with, Baldwin knows that his time is running short and as such asks Balian to meet with him and Tiberias, requesting that the latter marry his sister when he's gone, knowing that the two were in love anyway and that this would make Balian king, as opposed to Sibylla's current spouse Guy of Lusignan, who too shared Reynald's xenophobic views and as such would bring about the death of the kingdom and peace treaty. Balian refused however out of his "knight's honour", something Baldwin accepted, in spite of Tiberias insisting that Balian reconsider.
Death[]
| “ | My beautiful sister. So beautiful. I'm sorry if I've caused you any pain. Remember me as I was. | „ |
| ~ Baldwin's last words before his death. |
In his final hours, Baldwin asks for his sister, and the two reminisce over their pleasant childhood memories, with Sibylla reminding of how beautiful he was and still is. Calmly he apologises for any pain he may he have caused her with his condition, and asks her to remember him as he once was.
Shortly after this he passes away, and at his funeral, Sibylla removes his mask as a way of saying goodbye, heartbroken to see how much her brother had deteriorated physically and mourning for him.
Guy took over as king after this and surely enough the kingdom ended up being lost to Saladin, however the latter viewed Baldwin in good light still and even told Balian he respected him and would grant safe travel for all of Jerusalem's people to a new home.
To comfort Sibylla over Jerusalem falling as a kingdom, Balian told her that her brother's kingdom lives on in their minds and not as physical place.
Personality[]
| “ | A King may move a man, a father may claim a son, but remember that even when those who move you be Kings, or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God, you cannot say, "But I was told by others to do thus." Or that, "Virtue was not convenient at the time." This will not suffice. Remember that. | „ |
| ~ King Baldwin. |
Baldwin was an incredibly wise, calm, soft spoken, sensitive and peaceful man who always had the best interests of others at heart. He was known amongst his peers for being kind and sympathetic, however he wasn't above using violence if necessary, such as when he punished Reynald for harming a Muslim camp.
In spite of his affliction with leprosy Baldwin didn't seem to resent his worsening state, lower life span and disfigurement, shown best when he calmly asks his sister simply to remember him as he was before he died.
Baldwin was well renowned for his brilliant mind, tactical abilities and strategy skills as well as his reputation in battle, managing to win his first battle at the age of sixteen, even after his state with leprosy worsened he was still respected for this.
Appearance[]
King Baldwin was covered completely head to toe in a variety of different outfits depending on the situation, however he usually wore his regal king attire, an all white robe, with gold embroidery put into it, alongside a matching headdress. His arms and legs were wrapped completely in bandages but he also put white gloves over his hands, so to cover up his sores, and perhaps his most distinguishing feature, his silver masks were used so to cover his face and hide his disfigurement as a result of leprosy.
According to his sister he was a beautiful young man growing up, however due to his leprosy he was severely disfigured, most drastically upon his face which had most of the skin dried, withered and stretched, with most of his nose gone and his lips and chin misshapen. He apparently had blonde hair as well, however this is never shown on screen due to his entire body and head being completely covered. He also had blue eyes.
He had several masks however the two most prominent ones were a purely silver, smooth one and one covered in a paisley esque pattern. When he rode on his horse as well he wore traditional armour underneath his usual attire.
Trivia[]
- Edward Norton specifically requested not to be credited during the theatrical run of the film, wanting to make Baldwin's role more important and influential by removing his name, it was added back to the credits in the DVD release however.
- Edward Norton was also originally set to audition for the role of Ballian, but asked Ridley Scott if he could audition for Baldwin instead, finding the role more interesting and challenging to do.
- In spite of Kingdom of Heaven's mixed reception in its original run, Edward Norton's performance was wildly praised by critics and audiences alike, all agreeing he was the best part of the film.