Crusades Trilogy

by Jan Guillou 3 books in this series

The Crusades Trilogy follows Arn Magnusson, a fictional nobleman from twelfth-century Götaland, from a monastic childhood through service as a Knight Templar and return to a divided Scandinavian homeland. The Road to Jerusalem establishes the rivalry between the Erik and Sverker factions and Arn’s forbidden relationship with Cecilia Algotsdotter. The Templar Knight then divides its narrative between Cecilia’s confinement at Gudhem and Arn’s service in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, where he encounters Saladin and witnesses the political failures that lead to Hattin and the loss of Jerusalem.

Birth of the Kingdom brings Arn home in 1192 with wealth, military knowledge, horses and skilled craftsmen from Outremer. He uses what he learned in the eastern Mediterranean to strengthen the Folkung lands, reunite with Cecilia and support the long effort to turn rival Swedish regions and dynastic factions into a more coherent kingdom. Across the trilogy, penance, clan loyalty, faith, warfare and technological exchange connect the Crusades with the consolidation of medieval Sweden.

Reading order

Books in this series (3 books)

1. The Road to Jerusalem

Jan Guillou

First published 1998

4.1(10,487)

Arn Magnusson is born into a noble family in western Götaland and, after surviving a childhood fall, is entrusted to Varnhem monastery in fulfilment of his mother’s vow. The Cistercians educate him in languages, theology, medicine and practical administration, while Brother Guilbert, a former Knight Templar,…

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2. The Templar Knight

Jan Guillou

First published 1999

4.2(7,849)

In 1177, Arn Magnusson has spent ten years in Outremer and commands the Templar fortress at Gaza under the name Al-Ghouti. He is respected as a disciplined soldier who understands Arabic customs and refuses to treat every Muslim as an enemy without distinction. After rescuing a…

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3. Birth of the Kingdom

Jan Guillou

First published 2000

4.6(1,059)

In 1192, Arn Magnusson returns to Götaland after twenty years of Templar service. He brings Arabian horses, gold given by Saladin and a mixed company of soldiers, physicians, builders and craftsmen whose skills are unfamiliar in the north. Reunited with Cecilia and the son they were…

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