Summary
Dan Brown's 2003 thriller The Da Vinci Code became a global phenomenon, selling more than 80 million copies worldwide. The story follows Harvard professor Robert Langdon as he investigates a murder in the Louvre and uncovers a conspiracy involving secrets about the relationship between Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The novel’s fast-paced storytelling and controversial reimagining of Christian history inspired a major 2006 film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon. Brown went on to feature Langdon in several more bestselling novels, solidifying the character as a pop culture icon.
Plot
In The Da Vinci Code, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the curator is found murdered. Near the body, police discover a series of baffling codes and symbols. Langdon teams up with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu to decipher the clues, which lead them on a quest for the Holy Grail.
As Langdon and Neveu investigate, they uncover evidence suggesting that the curator was involved with the Priory of Sion, a secret society that has guarded a shocking historical secret for centuries. The pair must race across Europe, staying one step ahead of a deadly albino monk named Silas, to locate the cryptex—a coded cylinder that contains a hidden message about the true nature of the Holy Grail.
Their search leads them to the home of Sir Leigh Teabing, a Holy Grail expert. Teabing reveals that the Grail is not actually a cup, but refers to secret documents proving that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children, creating a royal bloodline. This knowledge has been suppressed by the Church for centuries. As Langdon and Neveu close in on the Grail's location, Teabing is revealed to be the mastermind behind the curator's murder, seeking the Grail to destroy the Church.
In a climactic confrontation, Langdon outwits Teabing and prevents him from finding the Grail documents. The true meaning of the final clue leads Langdon to realize the Grail—Mary Magdalene's tomb—is buried beneath the glass pyramid at the Louvre. Neveu discovers she is a living descendant of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The novel ends with Langdon kneeling before Mary Magdalene's hidden sarcophagus in silent prayer.
Themes
Conflict between faith and reason
The search for hidden truth and knowledge
The power of symbols and codes
Conspiracy and secrecy in religious institutions
The divine feminine and women's role in religion
Reinterpretation of historical and religious narratives
The tension between preserving tradition and revealing secrets
Setting
The Da Vinci Code takes place in modern-day Europe, primarily in Paris and London. The story unfolds over the course of about 24 hours, giving it a fast-paced, thriller-like atmosphere as the protagonists race against time to unravel an ancient mystery.
Much of the action in Paris centers around iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum, where the inciting murder takes place beneath the famous glass pyramid. Other key Parisian locations include Saint-Sulpice Church and the Ritz Hotel. In London, significant scenes occur at sites steeped in history such as Westminster Abbey and King's College.
While set in the present day, the novel frequently references historical places, artworks, and events dating back to the time of Leonardo da Vinci in Renaissance Italy and even further to the early days of Christianity. This blend of contemporary action and historical intrigue is central to the book's premise of uncovering long-buried secrets about religious history and symbolism hidden in plain sight at famous locations.
Characters
Robert Langdon: Harvard symbology professor and protagonist. Langdon becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest to uncover secrets about the Holy Grail after being summoned to the Louvre. He is brilliant at decoding symbols and solving puzzles, which proves crucial throughout the adventure. Langdon is skeptical but open-minded as he encounters shocking revelations about religious history.
Sophie Neveu: French police cryptologist and granddaughter of Jacques Saunière. Sophie joins Langdon in the hunt for the Grail after discovering her grandfather's murder. She is highly intelligent and skilled at breaking codes. Throughout the story, Sophie uncovers long-buried truths about her family history and connection to an ancient secret society.
Sir Leigh Teabing: British Royal Historian and Grail expert, also known as the Teacher. Teabing initially aids Langdon and Sophie in their quest, sharing his vast knowledge of Grail lore. However, he is later revealed to be the mastermind behind the plot to find the Grail, willing to kill to uncover its secrets.
Silas: Albino monk and Opus Dei member. Silas carries out killings on behalf of the Teacher, believing he is serving God. He is a conflicted character, haunted by a violent past but devoted to his religious mission. Silas's fierce determination and physical prowess make him a formidable antagonist throughout the novel.
Bishop Manuel Aringarosa: Head of Opus Dei. Aringarosa collaborates with the Teacher, hoping to gain power for Opus Dei. He manipulates Silas into committing crimes, believing it will benefit the Church. However, Aringarosa eventually realizes he has been used as a pawn in a larger scheme.
Bezu Fache: Captain of the French Judicial Police. Fache initially suspects Langdon of murdering Saunière. He doggedly pursues Langdon and Sophie across Paris, determined to solve the case.
André Vernet: President of the Paris branch of the Depository Bank of Zurich. Vernet briefly assists Langdon and Sophie in accessing a safe deposit box but later betrays them.
Marie Chauvel: Sophie's grandmother and wife of Jacques Saunière. Marie reveals key information about Sophie's family history and connection to the Priory of Sion in the novel's conclusion.
Quick facts
Dan Brown wrote The Da Vinci Code in secret, not even telling his wife he was working on it until it was finished.
The novel’s original working title was “The Solomon Key.”
Many of the locations in the novel, like the Louvre and Westminster Abbey, saw huge increases in visitors after the book's release.
The character of Robert Langdon is partly based on Brown's father, who was a mathematics professor.
Brown named the character Sir Leigh Teabing as an anagram of “Baigent Leigh," two authors who sued him for plagiarism (unsuccessfully).
The judge who presided over the plagiarism lawsuit hid his own secret code in his 71-page court ruling.
The Da Vinci Code spent more than two years on the New York Times bestseller list, including 57 weeks at #1.
As of 2009, The Da Vinci Code had sold more than 80 million copies worldwide with translations into 44 different languages.
The Da Vinci Code was adapted into a 2006 blockbuster film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon.
Despite its massive popularity, The Da Vinci Code has been criticized by scholars for its historical inaccuracies and implausibilities. Stephen King described the novel as the “intellectual equivalent of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese."
About the Author
Dan Brown is a bestselling American author known for his thrillers. His breakthrough came with his fourth novel, The Da Vinci Code, published in 2003. The book became an international phenomenon, selling more than 80 million copies worldwide and inspiring a successful film adaptation. His other popular works include Angels & Demons, The Lost Symbol, Inferno, and Origin—all part of the Robert Langdon series, featuring the Harvard symbologist solving complex mysteries often involving history, art, religious icons, and conspiracy theories. His books have been translated into 57 languages and sold more than 200 million copies.
Born in 1964 in New Hampshire, Brown grew up on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy where his father taught mathematics. After graduating from Amherst College, he initially pursued a career in music before turning to writing full-time in 1996.
Beyond his literary success, Brown has engaged in philanthropic efforts, including donations to his alma maters Phillips Exeter Academy and Amherst College. He has also faced legal challenges, successfully defending against multiple copyright infringement claims related to The Da Vinci Code. He continues to write and remains one of the world's most commercially successful authors.
