Gone Medieval: Episode Summary – "Monsters of the Medieval World"
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host: Matt Lewis
Co-host: Dr. Eleanor Jaenega
Guest: Nick Jubber, author of Monsterland
Introduction to Medieval Monsters
In the Gone Medieval episode titled "Monsters of the Medieval World," hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega delve into the enduring fascination with monsters during the medieval period. Joined by Nick Jubber, author of Monsterland, they explore how these mythical creatures reflected the fears, beliefs, and societal dynamics of the time.
Why Medieval Societies Were Captivated by Monsters
Nick Jubber opens the discussion by highlighting the "intensification of monsters as you move towards medieval times," attributing this to the period’s rich literary and artistic records. He explains that medieval manuscripts and travelers' tales often featured classical monsters like cyclopes and minotaurs, as well as uniquely imagined creatures such as skia pods and blemmies [05:17].
"There's a fertility to the medieval imagination as a whole. There's such a colorful richness to the imag of the period," Jubber notes, emphasizing the era’s spiritual anxieties and the perceived need to assert control over unexplored wild spaces [05:17].
Monsters as Tools for Territorial Control
The conversation shifts to how monster narratives served political purposes. Jubber cites Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain, where the hero Corineus slays giants to legitimize territorial claims over Cornwall [07:35]. This theme of defeating monsters to assert dominance is prevalent across various cultures and underscores the use of mythical tales in reinforcing societal structures.
Parallels Between Medieval Monsters and Modern Science Fiction
Matt Lewis draws an intriguing parallel between medieval monster stories and contemporary science fiction. He muses, "All we've done is actually move our monsters off world as we've explored the map of this planet," suggesting that modern narratives like Star Wars and Avatar echo the medieval impulse to externalize fears [10:34].
Dr. Jaenega concurs, pointing out the human instinct to project fears onto the unknown, whether it be in uncharted territories during medieval times or the vastness of space today [11:12].
Spotlight on Specific Monsters
1. The Bavarian Dragon
Nick Jubber provides an in-depth exploration of the Bavarian dragon, a quintessential medieval creature. He traces the dragon's evolution from classical inspirations to its medieval incarnation, highlighting its presence in various cultural regalia—from Viking ship prows to Chinese emperor symbols [12:04].
"The legend of St. George and the dragon really emerging... the dragon is sort of expressing its wrath at humanity for what we have been doing to nature," Jubber explains, illustrating how the dragon's symbolism has transformed over centuries [16:02].
He discusses the annual dragon-slaying performances in Furthenwald, Bavaria, noting how the depiction of dragons has shifted from evil beings to symbols of ecological catastrophe [16:12]. This evolution reflects a broader societal change in perceiving nature and its wrath, maintaining the dragon's relevance in contemporary culture.
2. The Japanese Oni
Shifting focus to Japan, Jubber describes the oni, fierce ogre-like creatures integral to Japanese folklore. Initially invisible spirits, oni are depicted with vivid features—two large horns, vibrant skin colors, and traditional weapons—symbolizing their role as both protectors and predators [27:57].
"Oni represent both the supernatural and the chaotic forces of nature," Jubber articulates, explaining their duality in Japanese culture. He recounts the story of Raiko, a hero who defeats the powerful oni Shuten Doji through cunning and bravery, illustrating the balance between human civilization and wild, untamed nature [29:53].
Jubber also touches on modern traditions like Setsubun, where soybeans are used to ward off oni, showcasing the enduring legacy of these mythical creatures in contemporary Japanese rituals [38:27].
3. The Orkney Selkie
In the Orkney Islands, the folklore centers around the selkies, seals that can shed their skins to become human. These tales often involve themes of love, loss, and the longing for one's true nature [43:25].
"The selkie stories reflect the Islanders' deep connection to the sea and their respect for its creatures," Jubber notes. He narrates the poignant tale of a selkie woman who, despite living with a human family, yearns to return to the ocean, embodying the conflict between societal obligations and innate desires [51:47].
Selkie narratives also serve as cautionary tales about overexploitation of natural resources, aligning with broader medieval themes of harmony and discord with nature [55:08].
The Dual Nature of Monsters: Fear and Fascination
Throughout the episode, Jubber emphasizes that monsters in medieval lore were not merely objects of fear but also symbols of broader human emotions and societal issues. Whether represented as threats to be vanquished or beings to be respected and understood, these creatures mirrored the complexities of medieval life.
"It's about how we are responding to that sense of the weird and the inexplicable, the strange, and what that does to us," Jubber concludes, encapsulating the enduring power of monster stories in human culture [53:37].
Conclusion
"Gone Medieval" offers a comprehensive exploration of medieval monsters, revealing how these mythical beings served as mirrors to the fears, aspirations, and social dynamics of their time. Through the insightful analysis provided by Nick Jubber, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how these legends continue to influence modern storytelling and cultural practices.
Notable Quotes:
- "There's a fertility to the medieval imagination as a whole. There's such a colorful richness to the imag of the period." – Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [05:17]
- "All we've done is actually move our monsters off world as we've explored the map of this planet." – Matt Lewis [10:34]
- "The legend of St. George and the dragon really emerging... the dragon is sort of expressing its wrath at humanity for what we have been doing to nature." – Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [16:02]
- "Oni represent both the supernatural and the chaotic forces of nature." – Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [27:57]
- "It's about how we are responding to that sense of the weird and the inexplicable, the strange, and what that does to us." – Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [53:37]
For more fascinating insights into medieval history and myths, tune into the next episodes of "Gone Medieval" and explore Nick Jubber's enlightening book, Monsterland.