ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mythology of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a special group of people who have been around for a really, really long time. They have their own special history and stories that they tell to help explain who they are and what they do.

Their stories are called mythology, which means they are not true in the way that we usually think of true, but they're still important because they help us understand their beliefs and values.

One of the things that the Order of Malta believes is that they were founded all the way back in the 11th century by a group of brave knights who were inspired by a vision of Saint John the Baptist. These knights wanted to help people who were sick or hurt, so they started a group that could travel around the world and provide care and support to those in need.

Over time, the Order of Malta grew bigger and bigger, and they became more powerful and influential. They had to fight lots of battles to defend themselves and their beliefs, and they developed a whole culture around what they call chivalry - which means being brave, honorable, and respectful.

The mythology of the Order of Malta also includes lots of stories about holy relics, which are special objects that are believed to have belonged to important saints or religious leaders. These relics are considered to be very powerful and are often used in ceremonies or as part of healing rituals.

Overall, the mythology of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a way for them to tell the story of who they are and what they believe in. It's a way for them to make sense of their past, and to inspire themselves and others to keep working towards their goals of helping those in need and upholding their values of chivalry and honor.