Robert Langdon, #2
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
Contents
CHAPTER 76
Overview
On the flight to London, Sophie processes her remorse over misjudging Saunière while Langdon and Teabing return to the cryptex clue. Langdon realizes the “headstone praised by Templars” refers not to a grave but to the stone head of Baphomet, a Templar-associated fertility symbol.
The discovery narrows the meaning of Saunière's poem, but it creates a fresh puzzle because “Baphomet” does not fit the cryptex. Teabing's mention of the Atbash Cipher points the group toward the next stage of decoding.
Summary
On Teabing's jet, Sophie remains shaken after describing the Hieros Gamos ritual she once witnessed. Langdon realizes Sophie is feeling remorse because Jacques Saunière, who raised Sophie like a daughter, now appears to have been not a corrupt figure but the Grand Master of the Priory of Sion.
Teabing returns with meager food and reports that the captive monk is still not talking. Teabing redirects attention to Saunière's poem, especially the clue about a “headstone praised by Templars,” but Sophie has no answer.
As the plane crosses the English Channel toward London, Langdon thinks through the clue while dawn breaks. A sudden insight leads Langdon to propose that the “headstone” is not a grave marker but a literal stone head.
Langdon connects the phrase to the Knights Templar's alleged worship of Baphomet, a carved head associated with fertility and reproductive power. Teabing excitedly agrees, explaining that the Church used Baphomet in its case against the Templars and recast the horned fertility symbol as demonic.
Sophie identifies the next obstacle: “Baphomet” has eight letters, but the cryptex accepts only five. Teabing responds that this is where the Atbash Cipher becomes important, suggesting the clue still requires decoding before the cryptex can be opened.
Who Appears
- Robert LangdonDeciphers the Templar headstone clue as Baphomet while reflecting on Sophie's remorse.
- Sophie NeveuShaken by memories of the ritual and remorseful about rejecting Saunière.
- Leigh TeabingProvides food, presses the poem's clue, confirms Baphomet, and introduces Atbash.
- SilasCaptive monk aboard the jet, mentioned as still refusing to talk.
- Jacques SaunièreAbsent but central to Sophie's remorse and the poem guiding the cryptex search.