Real Name/Secret Identity:
Baldwin IV of Jerusalem
Universe/Franchise:
Kingdom of Heaven
First Appearance:
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Abilities:
Leading his people with wisdom and compassion despite dying of leprosy
Occupation:
King
Base of Operations:
Jerusalem, Israel
Dirty Details Done Dirt Cheap:
King Baldwin IV ruled the Holy City of Jerusalem during the Crusades of the Middle Ages, from 1174 through his death in 1185 at the age of 24. He was succeeded by his nephew, Baldwin V, the son of his beautiful sister, Princess Sibylla. Historically he is known as a tough warrior-king who reigned much longer than anyone expected, though he is portrayed as an essentially peace-loving and savvy politician by Edward Norton in Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven. The (rather cool) mask he wears to hide his leprosy-ravaged face is an invention of screenwriter William Monahan and has no basis in any historical account of the character.
