Gone Medieval Episode Summary: "St. George & Springtime Saints"

Release Date: April 22, 2025

In this captivating episode of Gone Medieval, hosted by Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega from History Hit, listeners are taken on an enthralling journey through the legends and histories of St. George and other revered springtime saints. The episode delves deep into the multifaceted narratives that have shaped medieval Europe’s religious and cultural landscape, blending scholarly insight with engaging storytelling.

1. The Legend of St. George and the Dragon

The episode opens with a vivid recounting of the classic tale of St. George and the Dragon. Drawing from the 13th-century Vienna Palimpsest, Matt Lewis narrates the harrowing story of Princess Una’s sacrificial destiny and St. George’s heroic intervention.

Narrator [04:11]: "The knight commanded Oona to bind the dragon with her belt. With trembling hands, she obeyed, tightening the leather around its throat."

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega and Matt Lewis explore the symbolic representations within the legend, discussing how the dragon embodies chaos and evil, and St. George symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [08:10]: "As many countries as love him, there are also as many versions of the story of St. George and the dragon."

2. Historical Evolution of St. George’s Image

The conversation transitions to the historical development of St. George’s image, particularly his adoption as England’s patron saint. Matt Lewis highlights the Bodleian Library’s Christchurch manuscript, commissioned by Edward III’s mother, which portrays St. George bestowing the English arms upon the young king.

Matt Lewis [15:03]: "In the middle of this manuscript, there is an image of St George giving the arms of England to Edward III, the young Edward III."

Dr. Jaenega discusses the intertwining of St. George’s martial attributes with royal symbolism, emphasizing his role in legitimizing kingship and Christian dominance during the Crusades.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [26:13]: "He becomes a different category of saint. By the very late Middle Ages and into the early modern period, he's a political symbol almost more than he is an ecclesiastical one."

3. Lesser-Known Saints: Erkenwald and Meletus

Shifting focus, the episode introduces listeners to Erkenwald and Meletus, two early London bishop saints instrumental in shaping the city’s religious mythology. Matt Lewis details their foundational roles in establishing key religious sites like Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Matt Lewis [31:07]: "Meletus was the first ever bishop of London... he founded a church that will become Westminster Abbey and the necropolis of the Plantagenets."

Dr. Jaenega elaborates on their legends, particularly the miraculous tales surrounding their shrines and the enduring traditions that honor their contributions to London’s spiritual heritage.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [35:21]: "He is, as the first bishop of London, the one who also found Saint Paul. So he is like the founder of Saint Paul's and Saint Peter's even though Saint Peter put him at the post with actually consecrating it."

4. The Adventures of St. Brendan the Voyager

The narrative then sails into the rich maritime legends of St. Brendan the Voyager, portrayed as the Norse equivalent of Sinbad. Matt Lewis shares insights from Glyn Burgess’s translations, highlighting Brendan’s quests for earthly paradises and encounters with supernatural phenomena.

Matt Lewis [51:33]: "St. Brendan is this kind of adventurer figure... his legends are just the best."

Dr. Jaenega and Matt discuss Brendan’s voyages, such as his interaction with the giant skull and the symbolic meanings behind these encounters, reflecting the medieval Christian worldview and the era’s imaginative spirit.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [59:03]: "These stories give us a window into what is considered holy, but also an incredible look into the medieval imagination."

5. Interconnections and Symbolism in Medieval Saints

Throughout the episode, the hosts weave connections between the saints’ legends and broader medieval themes, such as the battle between good and evil, the role of miracles in religious practice, and the use of saints’ stories to reinforce societal values and monarchic authority.

Matt Lewis [62:22]: "There's a way of repackaging philosophies from the church fathers in an incredibly appealing and imaginative way."

Dr. Jaenega adds depth by examining how these legends served both spiritual and political purposes, reinforcing the intertwining of church and state during the Middle Ages.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [63:16]: "The sacraments are integral to it... it's like being part of this great history, this great mythology."

6. Concluding Reflections

As the episode winds down, Matt and Dr. Jaenega reflect on the enduring legacy of these medieval saints and their stories, pondering their relevance and transformation through time. They express anticipation for future discussions on summer saints, promising to uncover more hidden gems from medieval lore.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [63:16]: "This has been absolutely amazing and I can't wait to drag you back at the beginning of July when we're going to get to do the Summer Saints."

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Lewis [15:03]: "In the middle of this manuscript, there is an image of St George giving the arms of England to Edward III, the young Edward III."

• Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [08:10]: "As many countries as love him, there are also as many versions of the story of St. George and the dragon."

• Matt Lewis [51:33]: "St. Brendan is this kind of adventurer figure... his legends are just the best."

• Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [35:21]: "He is, as the first bishop of London, the one who also found Saint Paul. So he is like the founder of Saint Paul's and Saint Peter's even though Saint Peter put him at the post with actually consecrating it."

Conclusion

"Gone Medieval" masterfully blends historical analysis with engaging narrative, bringing to life the legends of St. George, Erkenwald, Meletus, and St. Brendan. This episode not only illuminates the rich tapestry of medieval saints’ tales but also underscores their profound impact on European cultural and religious identity. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode offers both educational insights and compelling stories that resonate across the centuries.

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