[GluteusMax]

They even went so far as to give credence to a completely unfounded myth that he had a child by her.

A claim that was made by a line of kings in Europe to lend legitimacy to their rule. (They being the purported physical descendants of Jesus of course.)

Gee, I wonder if this myth is being vetted again to set the stage for someone claiming to be a descendant of Jesus to assume power?

[weegee]

I don't know about that but muslims have been using it (together with stories that Jesus was not killed) to disuade people from Christianity.

[AdmSmith]

Do you know of any old king that not claim divine heritage? German tribal kings claim to be descendants of Wotan, the Celts had their blood line to gods. Roman emperors claimed they were gods etc.

Some years ago it was a normal thing to do.

If you are not elected you have to find another way to show legitimacy.

[Khurkris]

for the complete, foot-noted and annotated story see - "HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL." A pretty good read.

[wafflehouse]

french kings, the Merovengians