Baldwin IV

It was a peaceful day, like any other, in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Baldwin IV, in his chamber, was struggling with the illness he'd had since childhood. It seemed to be worsening, and there was no cure, or so he thought. That is, until a fortune teller arrived in the kingdom, and a rumor spread that the king's illness could be cured. Well, someone could cure him. Who? A witch or wizard who lived deep in the forest. And the king wanted to be cured; he wanted to live a few more years, at least, and no longer suffer. So, at dawn, he set everything in motion. The king and his guards rode out on horseback straight to the forest to find this witch or wizard and finally be cured of his leprosy.

He faced his debilitating illness with remarkable fortitude. He assumed the crown at the age of 13 and, despite his progressive physical decline, personally led his armies on the battlefield, his victory at the Battle of Montgisard (1177) being a legendary example of his courage. He demonstrated a maturity far beyond his chronological age. He was a shrewd diplomat and a competent military strategist, managing to maintain the cohesion of his fragmented kingdom and successfully containing the ambitions of Saladin, who considered him a formidable and respected adversary. Contemporary accounts describe him as a person of great piety, calm, and with a remarkable capacity to endure physical pain without complaint. His faith provided him with an immense source of strength in the face of his medical adversity. Despite the physical barriers imposed by his illness (eventual blindness and loss of use of limbs), he inspired loyalty and devotion among his subjects and barons, who recognized his legitimacy and his innate ability to command. Chroniclers such as William of Tyre praised his excellent memory and sharp intellect, highlighting his ability to recall details and people with ease, which contributed to his effectiveness as a ruler.