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Step into the world of legend and history with “MAGI - Long Papers: The Knights Templar in Scotland and the Creation of a Myth - Part 5.” In this captivating episode, host Robert Cooper unravels the intricate tapestry that connects the medieval Knights Templar with Scottish Freemasonry—a myth that has persisted for centuries.

Join them as they delve into provocative claims made in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by controversial figures like Abbé Augustin Barruel and John Robison, who argued that Freemasonry was the shadowy descendant of the outlawed Templars. Discover how religious and political tensions, fueled by anti-Masonic writings and the growing allure of romanticized Scottish history, helped cement this myth in the public imagination and within the very heart of Scottish Freemasonry.

You’ll hear how the Grand Lodge of Scotland struggled to maintain its authority and traditions amid swirling rumors, legal crackdowns, and surging enthusiasm for chivalric ceremonies and secret societies. The episode journeys through the Romantic era, exploring the influence of Sir Walter Scott, royal patronage, and elaborate medieval pageantry on both national identity and the legend of the Templar-Masonic connection.

Whether you’re fascinated by secret societies, medieval history, or the power of myth in shaping culture, this episode provides a thoughtful, well-researched exploration of how a story can take on a life of its own—lasting hundreds of years and captivating generations.

Tune in for a deep dive filled with intrigue, historical drama, and the ongoing quest for origins at the mysterious crossroads of fact and fiction.