summary

Summary

«The Iron King» is the first novel in the series «The Accursed Kings» by French author Maurice Druon. The story unfolds in the early 14th century and narrates the reign of the French King Philip IV, known as Philip the Fair, who earned the moniker The Iron King for his ruthlessness and unyielding nature. At the heart of the plot is the struggle for power, intrigue, and conspiracies that envelop the royal court and affect the destinies of many. Philip IV seeks to consolidate his power and subjugate the church, leading to a conflict with the Pope and the Knights Templar. As a result of this conflict, the Grand Master of the Templars, Jacques de Molay, was burned at the stake, cursing the king and his descendants. According to legend, this curse was to haunt the Capetian dynasty until its complete demise.