Is the Protectors of the Path a Real Secret Organisation?

In Apple TV+’s ‘Fountain of Youth,’ siblings Luke and Charlotte Purdue embark on a quest to locate the fountain that can grant a person eternal life, youth, and wealth, to name a few. The mythical Fountain of Youth has remained an elusive treasure for years, but with the backing of billionaire Owen Carver, the Purdue siblings travel the globe to find the puzzle pieces that come together to give a clear picture of where the Fountain is and what it entails. However, there are all sorts of hurdles in their path, one of which is Esme, who belongs to a secret society called the Protectors of the Path. SPOILERS AHEAD.

The Fictional Protectors of the Path are Crucial to Fountain of Youth

Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ presents a new spin on the story about the mythical fountain that has been talked about for centuries. In creating a new mythology around it, the director, along with the writer James Vanderbilt, introduces the concept of the Protectors of the Path. This secret organisation, like almost everything else in the movie, is entirely made-up to serve the plot. It serves as a major antagonist in Luke and Charlotte’s journey, but there is a twist that completely changes its role in the story. We meet the Protectors of the Path through Eiza González’s Esme, who is ready to do whatever it takes to stop Luke. They first cross paths in Thailand, where he is already running from another violent group after stealing a painting from them.

Esme and Luke fight over it, but eventually he wins. This does not deter her, and she continues to chase after him, even if it means fighting on a shipwreck in the middle of the ocean or in the middle of the library in Vienna. All through this, it becomes clear that Esme is not after the paintings or the artefacts. She just wants to stop Luke and his team from continuing their investigation into the Fountain because that’s what she has been trained to do as a member of the Protectors of the Path. They believe that mankind is too corrupt to lay their hands on the Fountain. Their job is to keep it a secret, prevent anyone from finding it, and most importantly, ensure that no one drinks from it. They know that once humanity gets access to the mystical waters of the Fountain, they will exploit it to no end, and that would not bode well for anyone.

For thousands of years, the organisation has stopped adventurers and treasure seekers on the quest to discover the location of the Fountain. And for years, they succeeded, but Luke and his team make their task infinitely more difficult because of their talent and resourcefulness. Esme and the Protectors might come across as the villains, but by the end of the film, it becomes clear that they are the good guys trying to do their job and protecting humanity from itself. Their presence also expands the universe of ‘Fountain of Youth,’ suggesting that the organisation has played a major role in preserving certain secrets from the shadows. Should the film get a sequel, the storyline of the Protectors could be expanded upon, adding more thrill, adventure, and mystique to the story.

Read More: Fountain of Youth Ending Explained: Is Owen Dead?