Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived. In this episode Modern Medieval co-hosts Meaghan & Anna discuss the musical SIX about the six wives of Henry VIII. Anna leads the way with her knowledge of late medieval/early modern history, chronologies, costuming, and more! In order, these women are: 1. Catherine of Aragon (m. 1509–div. 153…

Alicia Spencer-Hall is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at University College London. Their research interests include: medieval hagiography, disability, gender, digital culture, and film and media studies. Her first monograph, Medieval Saints and Modern Screens: Divine Visions as Cinematic Experience was published by Amsterdam University Press i…

Hello & Welcome Back! After a very long hibernation, Modern Medieval is back with original co-host Meaghan Allen (University of Manchester) and new co-host Anna Probert (University of Liverpool). Let's get medieval!Door Meaghan & Anna

Hey Everybody! We are back for a brief little episode this week to discuss the release of Disenchantment's Season 4 on Netflix.Door Meaghan & Elo

This week we discuss Ridley Scott's epic historical drama 'The Last Duel' (2021), adapted from Eric Jager's book 'The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial By Combat in Medieval France', and is a story about hatred, betrayal, lies, and truth. *CONTENT WARNING* This episode discusses sexual assault and rape. . . . A link to more information about Eric Ja…

Hey Everybody & Happy New Year!!! . Modern Medieval is still on a holiday break, but thought a wee little ghost story episode would be a fun way to usher in the new year. . . . Icon: James le Palmer, Omne Bonum, London ca. 1360-1375 BL, Royal 6 E VI/1, fol. 267v . . . For more information on Andrew Joynes’s book’Medieval Ghost Stories: An Anthology…

This week on Modern Medieval Meaghan & Elo discuss Netflix's historical epic 'The King' (2019) starring Timothée Chalamet. Based partly on history and partly on Shakespeare's play "Henry V" (c. 1599), 'The King' is a captivating, tense film full of medieval and modern delights. . . Icon: Promotional image for 'The King' featuring Chalamet.…

As the world darkens during the winter months we thought what better subject to discuss than Light? . . . Icon Image: Earth at the center of the spheres of the universe, Gossuin de Metz, The Image of the World. Copy of the XIII th century. Manuscript on parchment, 208 folios, 180 × 115 mm, BnF, Manuscripts department, French 14964, f. 117, National…

After a long hiatus, Modern Medieval is back in action! To get back into the swing of things, in this week's episode Elo asks Meaghan about her recent conference presentations about hagiography, the soul, and heaven in the television series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. WARNING: SPOILERS! . . If you want to read more, here is a link to the Greg Erick…

WARNING: EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT DISCUSSED This week we finally get around to discussing director David Lowry's film adaptation of medieval poem 'Sir Gawain & the Green Knight' starring Dev Patel and under the abstract title of 'The Green Knight' (2021). With beautiful cinematography, captivating costumes, and specific plot points, 'The Green Knigh…

This week we begin our two-part modern medieval journey of the medieval romance poem 'Sir Gawain & the Green Knight' and its legacy by discussing the late medieval (late 14th century) poem itself. . Initially we intended our next episode to look at the new David Lowry film 'The Green Knight' and how its modern interpretation compares to the medieva…

This week Meaghan & Elo decide to tackle the classic Old English epic poem 'Beowulf' and its contemporary cinematic version 'Beowulf (2007)'. . . . Icon: First page of the 'Beowulf' manuscript Cotton MS Vitellius A XV. Accessed from British Library.Door Meaghan & Elo

WOWOWOOWOW! . One Year! Thank you so much to our listeners & supporters for staying with us over this past year; we have so much more modern medieval magic to share with you!Door Meaghan & Elo

Hey Everybody! We are back from our crazy life-induced hiatus with a short little episode about recent medieval-era discoveries cracking into mainstream news. . . . Icon Image: Ngāi Tahu expert carver Fayne Robinson spearheaded the creation of this post for New Zealand's research base in Antarctica. (© A short scan of Māori journeys to Antarctica /…

The writer Claudia Piñeiro, one of the most widely acclaimed Argentine authors of recent years, talks about her work with Ben Bollig of the Spanish sub-Faculty of the University of Oxford. The writer Claudia Piñeiro, one of the most widely acclaimed Argentine authors of recent years, talks about her work with Ben Bollig of the Spanish sub-Faculty o…

This week we discuss the beloved Cinderella retelling classic 'Ever After'. Full of witty medievalisms, acceptable anachronisms, and a fun touch of 90s humour, 'Ever After' has proven itself to be a beloved modern medieval tale. . . . Music by Trothgard https://trothgardmusic.bandcamp.com/Door Meaghan & Elo

This week we are beyond delighted to share our conversation about living history with guest Ari, creator of the 'Turnip of Terror'. . . . You can find out more about the 'Turnip of Terror' here: https://theturnipofterror.com/ . Music by Trothgard: https://trothgardmusic.bandcamp.com/Door Meaghan & Elo

This week we discuss Ken Russel's infamous 1971 film 'The Devils'. Banned in numerous countries, as well as by The Vatican, due to its lascivious content, Russel anachronistic take on the 1634 Loudun possessions. . . . Icon images is a poster from the film's initial release in 1971. . Music by Trothgard.…

This week we discuss the Jewish origins of Easter, as well as how bunnies and chocolates became synonymous with one of the most sacred days in the liturgical calendar. . . This is our last podcast until April 19, 2021! Happy Easter and "Chag Sameach"!!!Door Meaghan & Elo

This week's episode features special guest Sarah Ifft Decker, host of Media-eval Podcast, who shares some of her fascinating research about medieval Jewish women's marriages in 13th century Catalonia. . Sarah is an Assistant Professor of History at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. As a social historian, Sarah is 'invested in reconstructing and unders…

This week we discuss perhaps one of the best-known saints world-wide, Saint Patrick, whose feast day is on March 17 (which also just happens to be Meaghan's birthday!). . . . Icon: Careful now! Depiction of St Patrick standing on a snake in Purgatory, from St Patrick's Purgatory: England, 1451, Royal MS 17 B XLIII, f. 132v. Sourced from the British…

Words cannot describe how honoured and thrilled we are to share this incredibly special episode featuring Professor Emeritus Stephen Murray. Professor Murray is an evocative storyteller overflowing with fascinating historical tidbits about Gothic architecture, medieval clergy, the influence of electronic media and technology in architectural histor…

Door Meaghan & Elo

The season of Lent is upon on us and here at Modern Medieval we were asking ourselves: What does one give up during a pandemic? Tune in to listen to our thoughts on taking this opportunity to be mindful and appreciative of the smaller things rather than dwelling on the negatives of loss. . . . Icon: Diagram of the brain (c. 1300), Illumination on p…

WOWOWOW! Words cannot describe how excited we are to share Modern Medieval's 30th episode with special guest Joe Burton! Not only has Joe created the most wonderful little jingle for our podcast, but he has also recently released an amazing album titled 'Legends of Alderley' under the name 'Trothgard'. Throughout this episode we muse upon the 'thin…

This week Modern Medieval discusses the Netflix Original film 'The Dig' which is centred around the extraordinary 1939 Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon archaeological excavation. A beautiful film drenched in golden earth tones, Meaghan & Elo dig beneath the gilded veneer to discuss some of the gaps within the film. . . . Icon is a still of Edith Pretty (Care…

Animation and the medieval seem to go together like peanut-butter and jelly, from illustrated books to Disney to Netflix's series 'Disenchantment.' However, Meaghan & Elo are not quite sure how "enchanted" they are by the Netflix series. This week, we delve into the animated series and ask some broad questions about the appeal of the medieval for t…

Everyone could use a laugh! This week, we keep it short and sweet, sharing a select few medieval jokes that have surviving ancestors today. Enjoy! . . . Icon image is a still from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".Door ModernMedieval

Modern Medieval is incredibly excited to share this week's episode with you about Roland Betancourt's "Byzantine Intersectionality: Sexuality, Gender, and Race in the Middle Ages". We touch upon transgender saints' lives; eunuchs as a third gender; slut-shaming; and so much more! So brace yourselves, its time to get Modern Medieval! . . . Icon imag…

It's 2021 and Modern Medieval is back! To start off the new year, Meaghan & Elo share some modern medieval thoughts on films and series watched over the holidays before pivoting into a discussion about historic insurrections, coup d'etats, and the attack on the United States Capitol. So brace yourselves, it's time to get Modern Medieval. Icon image…

In a special episode Meaghan & Elo read two medieval poems to get into the spirit of Christmas: "I Syng of a Mayden" (c. 1400), which is considered one of the first Christmas carols; and "Dream of the Rood" preserved in the Vercelli Book. Enjoy and Happy Holidays! . . . Episode icon is late fifteenth-century illuminated miniature by Jean Bourdichon…

FINAL EPISODE OF 2020!!! As our final episode we decided to briefly look at Chanukah, Diwali, and some Muslim holidays that fall during the Autumn/Winter months as an attempt to expand beyond the Christian/Eurocentric scope. This week is by no means perfect or fully comprehensive, bur rather the beginning to hopefully numerous invigorating conversa…

Fa la la la laughs! This week we broadly discuss some of the origins of Christmas like Christmas Trees, St. Nicholas, and how everything is actually pagan in one way or another. Sprinkled in are little surprises like a much loved Vine, female rights, and much more! So brace yourselves -- its time to get Modern Medieval! . . . Icon this week is 'The…

Why do knights appear in wartime propaganda? How do conceptions of "medieval masculinity" manifest itself today? Is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade a modern medieval text? Well, in this week's exciting episode, we suit up and start the conversation with the lovely Paola Medina-Gonzalez. From homosocial spectacles at tournaments to Nazis dressed …

This week we keep it lighthearted, sharing a few fun facts with one another about the Middle Ages. From animals on trial to accidental marriages, this week covers a wide span on medieval magic. So brace yourself - its time to get Modern Medieval! . . . This week's icon is: Saint Catherine, Gualenghi d'Este Hours, Ferrara, Taddeo Crivelli, about 146…

This week we look at a few medieval connections in Disney's animated film about Dia de Muertos -- "Coco" -- like the allegorical appearance of Dante Alighieri, patron saints of music, and images of Death. We also discuss the recent unveiling of the Mary Wollstonecraft statue in London, making connections between this object of memory and others thr…

In honour of the historic presidential election victory in the United States with the people choosing President-Elect Joe Biden & VP Kamala Harris, toppling the megalomaniacal Trump Administration, we have decided to discuss some of the most notorious and ruthless rulers throughout history. From Caligula to Queen Ranavalona, we trace the rivers of …

This week we do our best to explore the origins of Hallowe'en, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day around the world. A slightly chaotic ride, we touch upon Samhain, Dziady, Dia de Los Muertos and more! . . . Icon is "The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs" by Fra Angelico, 1420s.Door Meaghan & Elo

It is Spooky Season! To fit the time of year we decided to discuss medieval memento mori -- reminders of Death-- and how they are depicted in the middle ages. We also think about Death in our current moment, as well as how we relate to and contemplate Death in our own lives. . . . Icon image is a fragment from "Death and the Usurer," Hieronymus Bos…

In this episode Elo & Meaghan consider Disney's "Princess & the Frog" and its loose connections to the medieval as a prelude to their forthcoming episode on medieval images of Death.Door Meaghan & Elo

This week we discuss all things Bardcore with the lovely Emilia Pearce! So buckle up and get ready to get Modern Medieval! (Bardcore!) . . . You can find Emilia and her band Entropies on Instagram: @emi_in_london & @entropiesband . . . Icon this week is a screenshot of Hildegard von Blingin's Youtube icon: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hildegardvonblin…

This week is a casual episode. We blindly share share two of our favourite medieval short tales/legends, making connections between the two tales along the way and discovering modern medieval threads. . . . Icon image: Melusine as a serpent with wings from Le Roman de Mélusine by Jean d’Arras, fifteenth-century manuscript, Bibliothèque Nationale de…

We are back! Having survived submitting our MA dissertations, we return to Modern Medieval: The Podcast to talk all things Shrek (2001). So dust off those cobwebs because it's time to get Modern Medieval!Door Meaghan & Elo

Hey Everybody! . If you were wondering where we have been just take a look at our icon for this week! It is an apt depiction of the two of us as we toil away at our MA dissertations due September 21. . But have no fear! We will be returning the week of September 28 with exciting new episodes and life updates. Until next time! . Icon image is 'Smili…

Keeping in theme with our discussions about strong women defying the patriarchy and traditional forms of storytelling, in this week's episode we explore the legend of Hua Mulan, historic female warrior of the Chinese Northern & Southern Dynasties period via Disney's 1998 animated film. . . . Icon image is 'Mulan (木蘭)' from Gathering Gems of Beauty …

What if we were to say that Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a Modern Medieval text, and that Buffy is a modern day saint, where 'saint' does not necessarily imply religion or notions of faith, but rather someone who has had a lasting impact on the people, culture & society around them? Or what about Twin Peaks' Laura Palmer? Penny Dreadful's Vanessa Iv…

Ever wondered what a patron saint is? Or why people celebrate them? Regardless the answer, we've got you sorted! On this week's episode we (briefly) talk you through the lives of some of our favourite saints! Tune in to learn more about Saint Rosalia, Saint Francis of Assisi, Benedict of Nursia, and Saint Walburga. . . In our introduction, we menti…

Sicily is far more than the birthplace of the mafia -- who'd have thought that an island so small would have so many different invasions that cultivated a truly unique, accepting culture? On today's episode, we will be contrasting medieval stereotypes by looking into the intricate and fascinating medieval history of Sicily, birthplace of none other…

Did last week's episode leave you wanting to know more about architecture, especially 'Medieval' architecture? Have you ever walked around London and wondered what century buildings like St. Pancras or The British Library were built in and why they are built that way? If the answer is 'Yes!' to any of these questions then tune in for this week's ep…

Ever wondered what constitutes medieval architecture? Ever wanted to learn more about architecture so you're not that tourist who roams around cities unaware of what they're seeing? Us too! But don't worry, this week's episode sheds light on just that: we have the wonderful architectural historian Nick Mols who will chat to us about the basics of a…