SPEAR OF LONGINUS
The Legend of the Spear of Longinus: From Medieval Relic to Modern Myth
According to a widely circulated medieval legend, the spear that pierced the side of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion was wielded by a Roman soldier named Longinus. This spear, often referred to as the “Spear of Longinus” or the “Holy Lance,” holds a significant place in Christian tradition and folklore. The moment it touched the blood of Christ, the spear was believed to have acquired sacred properties, as Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus’ blood was the means by which the sins of the world were cleansed.
In the medieval era, relics associated with the Passion of Christ were highly sought after, and many believed that such objects possessed miraculous powers. As a result, there was a thriving industry dedicated to producing and selling these sacred relics. Among the most coveted were fragments of the True Cross, the nails used in the crucifixion, and the shroud in which Jesus was buried. The Spear of Longinus, along with these other relics, became an object of veneration and fascination.
The Spear in Christian Tradition
The story of the Spear of Longinus is rooted in the Gospel of John, where it is mentioned that a Roman soldier pierced Jesus’ side to ensure he was dead. Although the Gospel does not name the soldier, later Christian tradition identified him as Longinus, a centurion who was said to have converted to Christianity after witnessing the miraculous events following Jesus’ death. His spear, now believed to be infused with divine power, was thought to be capable of great miracles.
Over the centuries, the legend of the Spear of Longinus grew, and several objects claimed to be the authentic relic surfaced. One such spear eventually found its way into the possession of the Emperors of Austria, where it was displayed as a symbol of imperial power and divine favor. Despite its veneration, the Spear of Longinus remained relatively obscure outside ecclesiastical circles until the 20th century.
The Spear of Destiny: Modern Myth and Occult Fascination
The Spear of Longinus might have remained a largely forgotten relic had it not been for the publication of *The Spear of Destiny* in 1972 by English author Trevor Ravenscroft. Ravenscroft’s book propelled the Spear into the public imagination by intertwining it with the dark history of Nazi Germany.
In *The Spear of Destiny*, Ravenscroft claimed that Adolf Hitler, obsessed with the occult, believed the spear to be the key to world domination. According to Ravenscroft, Hitler seized the Spear of Longinus following the German annexation of Austria in 1938, and it became a central element in his quest for power. Ravenscroft suggested that the spear had mystical properties that conferred invincibility upon its possessor, and that Hitler’s rise to power was intimately connected with his acquisition of the relic.
Ravenscroft’s narrative borrowed heavily from various occult traditions and conspiracy theories, blending them into a compelling, albeit entirely fictional, story. Despite being debunked as fantasy by historians and scholars, *The Spear of Destiny* remains a popular reference in works exploring the occult dimensions of Nazism. The book has been cited by numerous writers and continues to influence popular culture, contributing to the mystique surrounding Hitler and the Nazi regime.
The Legacy of the Spear of Longinus
The Spear of Longinus, like many relics of its kind, represents the intersection of faith, legend, and the human desire for tangible connections to the divine. While the historical authenticity of the spear and other such relics is highly questionable, their impact on culture and belief systems is undeniable.
In the medieval period, relics like the Spear of Longinus were not merely objects of devotion but also symbols of power, used by rulers to legitimize their authority and connect themselves to the sacred. In modern times, the legend of the spear has been repurposed and reinterpreted, as seen in the works of Trevor Ravenscroft and other writers who have capitalized on the allure of ancient mysteries and occult lore.
The story of the Spear of Longinus thus serves as a reminder of how myths and legends evolve over time, often reflecting the values and fears of the societies that tell them. Whether viewed as a sacred relic or a piece of imaginative fiction, the Spear of Longinus continues to capture the imagination, bridging the gap between ancient faith and modern myth.
SOURCE:
The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Societies : the ultimate a-z of ancient mysteries, lost civilizations and forgotten wisdom written by John Michael Greer – © John Michael Greer 2006