Warren Markham
asked
Martin Barrett:
A fascinating story. I found the background on the Nazi Grail hunter Otto Rahn particularly interesting. I read somewhere that you interviewed someone who had actually met Rahn. If that's true can you tell us a bit about that? (Also, is it true that he was the inspiration for Indiana Jones?)
Martin Barrett
Hi Warren,
Thanks for the question. Yes, whilst I was researching the story in Montsegur I sought out Aimee Couquet whose mother ran the hotel that Otto stayed at. Aimee, who was 86 when I met her in 2015, said she last met Otto in 1936 when she was 8 years old. Although she claimed to remember him, most of her knowledge of Otto came from her mother. Amazingly Aimee was, at that time, still managing the rather run-down hotel in Montsegur.
You are correct in suggesting that Indiana Jones was almost certainly inspired by the true story of Otto Rahn and the Nazis. Whilst 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' film stretched credibility, it did have elements of similarity to Otto Rahn's exploits.
Thanks for the question. Yes, whilst I was researching the story in Montsegur I sought out Aimee Couquet whose mother ran the hotel that Otto stayed at. Aimee, who was 86 when I met her in 2015, said she last met Otto in 1936 when she was 8 years old. Although she claimed to remember him, most of her knowledge of Otto came from her mother. Amazingly Aimee was, at that time, still managing the rather run-down hotel in Montsegur.
You are correct in suggesting that Indiana Jones was almost certainly inspired by the true story of Otto Rahn and the Nazis. Whilst 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' film stretched credibility, it did have elements of similarity to Otto Rahn's exploits.
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more