Gone Medieval: St. Christopher & Summertime Saints – Episode Summary

Release Date: July 4, 2025

Host: Matt Lewis & Dr. Eleanor Jaenega

Introduction

In this episode of Gone Medieval, hosted by Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega, the discussion centers around summertime saints, delving into their legends, iconography, and the intertwining of Christian folklore with medieval life. The episode features insights from Amy Jeffs, author of Saints: A New Legendary of Heroes, Humans, and Magic, who explores the stories of St. Christopher, Saint Uncumber, and the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus.

St. Christopher: The Christ Bearer

Narrative Overview: The episode opens with a dramatized story of St. Christopher, illustrating his transformation from a giant named Scoundrel to the beloved patron saint of travelers. Initially serving various earthly and dark rulers, Scoundrel seeks true strength, leading to his encounter with the Christ child. Carrying Christ across a perilous river symbolizes his shift from physical might to spiritual strength.

Key Insights:

• Transformation and Symbolism: Amy Jeffs explains, "Christopher goes from being the stereotypical giant... to being a force for good" (18:36).
• Medieval Iconography: Over 130 surviving wall paintings depict Christopher, often with inscriptions promising protection: "if you look on my face, you will not today die an evil death" (19:44).
• Cultural Significance: The name "Christopher" originates from the Greek Christophorus, meaning "Christ bearer," paralleling words like "conifer" and "Lucifer."

Notable Quote: "St. Christopher was once known as Scoundrel, a reprobate giant, but his act of carrying the Christ child transformed him into a symbol of benevolence and protection." – Amy Jeffs (18:36)

Saint Uncumber: Protector of Women

Story and Legend: Saint Uncumber, or Wilga Fortis, emerges as a unique female saint whose legend dates back to pre-1200s Portugal. Daughter of the King of Portugal, she chooses a life of chastity over marriage, leading to her martyrdom when she transforms into a bearded woman to avoid unwanted suitors.

Key Insights:

• Iconography: Depicted as a bearded woman wearing a crown and often a male-associated costume, symbolizing her role as a protector against unwanted husbands (35:18).
• Cultural Role: Known as "Uncumber" in Middle English, she was believed to help women "uncumber" themselves from abusive relationships by leaving symbolic offerings like a peck of oats (39:08).
• Folkloric Connections: Amy Jeffs draws parallels between Uncumber and folklore, suggesting her legend incorporates elements similar to fairy tales, such as magic and transformation.

Notable Quote: "Uncumber has undergone a transition, shedding stereotypically feminine responsibilities to become a masculine protector for women from other men." – Amy Jeffs (38:20)

The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus: A Blend of Myth and Faith

Narrative Overview: The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, seven young Christian men who hide in a cave to escape Emperor Decius's persecution, fall into an enchanted sleep for over a century. Their awakening mirrors tales like Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, blending Christian martyrdom with folkloric motifs.

Key Insights:

• Story Details: The sleepers' enchanted slumber and miraculous awakening are depicted as divine intervention, emphasizing faith triumphing over persecution (39:53).
• Cultural Impact: The story influenced weather-related folklore, such as German "Siebenschlieffertage" and English references to dormice as "seven sleepers," symbolizing good or bad luck (48:47).
• Interconnectedness of Stories: Amy Jeffs highlights how Christian legends like the Seven Sleepers intertwine with local folklore, creating a rich tapestry of narrative that persisted even beyond the Reformation (45:18).

Notable Quote: "The Seven Sleepers story is a fascinating melting pot, merging early Christian narratives with elements of Greek myth and local folklore." – Amy Jeffs (47:04)

Interplay Between Christianity and Folklore

Amy Jeffs emphasizes the seamless integration of Christian saints' legends with existing folklore, arguing that medieval Christians often embraced overlapping narratives. This synthesis allowed for a more relatable and engaging expression of faith, catering to both literate and illiterate populations through visual and narrative storytelling.

Key Insights:

• Visual Storytelling: Gregory the Great advocated for wall paintings of saints to educate the illiterate, fostering widespread understanding of Christian narratives (26:23).
• Reformation's Impact: The Protestant Reformation criticized the cult of saints, labeling them as superstitious and pagan, yet many legends endured by becoming embedded in local customs and folklore (45:32).
• Continuity of Storytelling: The enduring appeal of these stories reflects a universal human fascination with myths, legends, and the supernatural, transcending religious boundaries.

Notable Quote: "Saints' legends pull on the same threads as folklore and fairy tales, demonstrating the interconnectedness of human storytelling across cultures and eras." – Amy Jeffs (47:04)

Conclusion

The episode beautifully illustrates how medieval saints like St. Christopher, Saint Uncumber, and the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus embody the rich interplay between Christian faith and local folklore. These legends not only provided spiritual guidance and protection but also resonated deeply with the everyday lives and imaginations of medieval people. Amy Jeffs' exploration underscores the enduring legacy of these stories, highlighting their relevance and appeal even in contemporary times.

Final Thoughts: Amy Jeffs encapsulates the essence of medieval storytelling: "The Middle Ages were a time of brutal labor and short lives, yet there was a relentless delight and appetite for good stories, ones that mirrored the giants, enchanted sleeps, and powerful protectors of women." (50:20)

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Timestamps

• [18:36] – Transformation of St. Christopher
• [19:44] – Iconography and inscriptions of St. Christopher
• [35:18] – Depiction of Saint Uncumber
• [38:20] – Female saints adopting masculine attributes
• [39:08] – Symbolism of oats in Saint Uncumber’s veneration
• [39:53] – Story of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus
• [44:09] – Integration of folklore in saints’ stories
• [47:04] – Interconnectedness of Christian legends and myth
• [50:20] – Conclusion on medieval storytelling

Note: Timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript and highlight key moments discussed in this summary.