Prester John

Prester John known as a mythical religious figure in Europe. The legend of Prester John was prominent from the 12th to the 17th century. He is known as being a popular King and Christian patriarch in European chronicles. Legend says that he ruled over a “Nestorian” Christian nation lost amid the Muslims and pagans of the Orient. Prester John is seen as a symbol of the Church’s universality to european Christians. Supposedly, he had magical abilities that he used to defeat the Muslim armies. Because of this he was see as an ally in the battle for territory.  His existence is credited to helping fuel European exploration in Africa and India. 

The letter that described the lost Christian kingdom that Prester John ruled over was copied and distributed all throughout Europe. The letter was shared over many years and throughout those years the legend evolved and grew, with new details being added and changed. The legend gained a large following and it is said to of inspired people. Although the letter of Prester John was widely popular, its exact origins is still unclear.