The German Order of the Holy Virgin Mary, better known in our country as the Teutonic Order, has, frankly, been unlucky in Russian (and not only) historiography, fiction and cinematography. Almost everyone remembers the expression “knight dogs” from childhood, although in Russian chronicles these “dogs” were called much more respectfully – “God’s nobles” or “God’s servants.” When hearing the word “Teutonic” in the minds of many, a negative association immediately arises: The Battle of the Ice – the iron pig – the cradle of the aggressive Prussian Junker state – the forerunner of German fascism... What actually lies under the name “Teutonic knights”? What were their ideals for which they were ready to sacrifice their lives without hesitation?