1319 - 2020

After seven centuries riposting the scythe’s swing in a marathon chess match for his life, medieval knight Antonius Block finally succumbed to Death’s checkmate.





Remarking on his mortality, Block stated: ‘My flesh is afraid, but I am not,’ and marched head high into oblivion, at the age of 701.





The shrewd Crusader avoided several close calls throughout his life. In the 1350s, with Death moments from checkmate, Block pretended to faint, falling onto the board and scattering the pieces, where upon they had to start the game over. In more recent times, Block simply started ignoring Death’s phone calls to meet up.





The medieval knight defied Death to seek meaning in life. Some believe he finally relinquished his fate to the Reaper after accepting he had attained fulfilment in his craft – a successful career that leaves behind a well of memories which fans can hold in their hands, like a bowl full to the brim with fresh milk.