The Last Pagans

Summary

Gone Medieval Podcast Summary: Episode "The Last Pagans"

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Last Pagans," hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega delve into the intricate and often overlooked history of Europe's final pagan societies during the medieval period. Joined by Dr. Francis Young, author of Silence of the Gods: The Untold History of Europe's Last Pagan Peoples, the discussion navigates the complex interplay between religion, politics, and cultural identity in late medieval Lithuania and its surrounding regions.

1. Defining Paganism and Unchristianized Peoples

The conversation begins with a critical examination of the term "pagan," highlighting its limitations and the challenges it poses in accurately describing the diverse religious practices of late medieval Europe.

Dr. Francis Young emphasizes, “The P word... is quite a problem to use. I have mixed feelings about it” ([05:51]).
Matt Lewis shares his perspective: “I prefer the term unchristianized... it’s a more neutral term that covers all these peoples, regardless of their individual religious traditions” ([12:23]).

The hosts discuss how "pagan" often fails to capture the nuanced and varied spiritual traditions that existed, leading to oversimplified portrayals by contemporary and later Christian chroniclers.

Key Points:

Pagan is a Christian-derived term that generalizes diverse non-Christian traditions.
Unchristianized serves as a more inclusive and neutral descriptor.
Many unchristianized groups engaged in unique religious practices that did not neatly fit into pre-Christian or Christian frameworks.

2. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania: A Mosaic of Religions

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Grand Duchy of Lithuania during the late 14th century, highlighting its vast and diverse territory and the complex religious landscape that existed within its borders.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega sets the stage: “In February 1387, Jogaila... making him the ruler of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in Europe” ([04:34]).
Matt Lewis elaborates on Lithuania's diversity: “You’ve got the Sami people who are nomadic... settled farming communities like the Estonians... Lithuanians and the Latvians and the Prussians...” ([10:11]).

Key Points:

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania spanned from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, encompassing various ethnic and linguistic groups.
While the ruling elite gradually adopted Orthodox Christianity, the broader population maintained pagan traditions.
Vilnius, the capital, was a religious melting pot with Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and indigenous beliefs coexisting.

3. The Teutonic Knights and the Northern Crusades

The episode delves into the role of the Teutonic Knights in enforcing Christianization through military conquest, portraying them more as colonizers than mere religious crusaders.

Matt Lewis describes the Teutonic Knights’ motivations: “They want to set up their own kind of military monastic state. They have no interest whatsoever in converting the Prussians” ([26:12]).
Dr. Francis Young critiques their approach: “There is genocidal intent which is quite clearly and expressly stated in some of these early attempts at crusade” ([26:12]).

Key Points:

The Northern Crusades were as much about territorial expansion and subjugation as they were about religious conversion.
The Teutonic Knights established fortresses and engaged in guerrilla warfare, leading to repeated cycles of conflict with the Lithuanian and Latvian populations.
Military tactics often backfired, as seen in the Battle of Derbe ([31:42]), where heavily armored knights were decimated by agile, infantry-based Lithuanian forces.

4. The Union of Krewo and the Political Conversion

A pivotal moment in Lithuanian history was the Union of Krewo in 1387, where Grand Duke Jogaila allied with Poland, leading to a political and ceremonial conversion to Christianity.

Matt Lewis narrates the event: “Jogaila holds a kind of set piece event, conversion event...”: “Polish priests who can’t speak a word of Lithuanian... offer baptism in exchange for white woolen robes” ([39:22]).
Dr. Francis Young reflects on its authenticity: “The grand majority of people who were baptized in this, they had no idea what was happening” ([45:43]).

Key Points:

The Union of Krewo was primarily a political maneuver aimed at securing an alliance with Poland against common threats.
The mass baptism ceremony was more of a symbolic act than a genuine religious conversion for most participants.
This event marked the beginning of a gradual and incomplete shift towards Christianity, heavily influenced by political necessities rather than personal faith.

5. Creole Religions and Christianesque Traditions

Post-conversion, many Lithuanian and other Baltic peoples developed syncretic religious practices that blended Christian elements with indigenous beliefs, termed "creole" or "Christianesque" religions.

Matt Lewis explains: “People... have made an accommodation with Christianity, they have incorporated individual elements of Christianity into their worldview” ([55:19]).
Dr. Francis Young adds: “For example, the consecrated host is holy... but there is no understanding of the whole Christian doctrine” ([55:19]).

Key Points:

Conversion was not an abrupt or total process; instead, it was characterized by a blending of old and new beliefs.
Sacred sites, such as holy groves and ceremonial trees, continued to hold significance alongside Christian practices.
This syncretism allowed individuals to maintain aspects of their indigenous spirituality while outwardly conforming to Christian norms.

6. The Persistence of Pagan Practices and Modern Revivals

Despite official conversions, many pagan practices persisted well beyond the medieval period, influencing cultural identity and leading to modern revival movements.

Matt Lewis notes that pagan practices in Lithuania continued until the late 18th century and even survived under Russian control: “Reports of worship of sacred trees in Lithuania... persisted until 1795” ([59:59]).
Dr. Francis Young discusses contemporary movements: “You’ve got Romuva in Lithuania, Devturi in Latvia... Neo Shamanism amongst the Sami” ([65:18]).

Key Points:

Pagan traditions served as crucial markers of cultural identity, especially under oppressive regimes like the Russian Empire.
Modern revivalist movements seek to reconstruct and preserve these ancient beliefs, often blending them with contemporary practices.
The persistence of these traditions underscores the resilience of indigenous cultures despite centuries of enforced Christianization.

7. Conclusion: The Complexity of Religious Identity in Medieval Europe

The episode concludes by emphasizing the enduring complexity of religious identity in medieval Europe, where conversion was often more political than spiritual, and where indigenous traditions continued to influence and coexist with imposed religions.

Matt Lewis reflects: “This is not a binary... It’s not with Christianity on one side, there’s paganism on the other” ([49:09]).
Dr. Francis Young highlights the need for nuanced understanding: “There is a desire to say, well, it's not historically accurate... but Pagan is evolving” ([65:18]).

Key Takeaways:

Religious conversion in medieval Europe was multifaceted, involving political alliances, cultural negotiations, and personal adaptations.
The legacy of these processes is visible in the syncretic traditions that persist today and in the ongoing efforts to revive and understand pre-Christian belief systems.
Understanding the "last pagans" requires moving beyond simplistic labels to appreciate the rich tapestry of medieval religious life.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

Dr. Francis Young [05:51]: “The P word that we're going to be using a lot, the pagan word, is quite a problem to use.”
Matt Lewis [12:23]: “I prefer the term unchristianized... it’s a more neutral term that covers all these peoples, regardless of their individual religious traditions.”
Matt Lewis [39:22]: “Jogaila holds a kind of set piece event, conversion event...: Polish priests who can’t speak a word of Lithuanian... offer baptism in exchange for white woolen robes.”
Matt Lewis [49:09]: “This is not a binary... It’s not with Christianity on one side, there’s paganism on the other.”
Matt Lewis [55:19]: “People... have made an accommodation with Christianity, they have incorporated individual elements of Christianity into their worldview.”

Final Thoughts

"The Last Pagans" offers a compelling exploration of the final vestiges of paganism in medieval Europe, particularly within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Through meticulous historical analysis and engaging dialogue, Matt Lewis and Dr. Francis Young illuminate the intricate dance between indigenous beliefs and dominant Christian powers, revealing a nuanced picture of religious transformation that resists simplistic categorization. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the complexity of medieval religious history and the enduring legacy of Europe's last pagan communities.

Summary

Gone Medieval Podcast Summary: Episode "The Last Pagans"

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction

1. Defining Paganism and Unchristianized Peoples

Dr. Francis Young emphasizes, “The P word... is quite a problem to use. I have mixed feelings about it” ([05:51]).
Matt Lewis shares his perspective: “I prefer the term unchristianized... it’s a more neutral term that covers all these peoples, regardless of their individual religious traditions” ([12:23]).

The hosts discuss how "pagan" often fails to capture the nuanced and varied spiritual traditions that existed, leading to oversimplified portrayals by contemporary and later Christian chroniclers.

Key Points:

Pagan is a Christian-derived term that generalizes diverse non-Christian traditions.
Unchristianized serves as a more inclusive and neutral descriptor.
Many unchristianized groups engaged in unique religious practices that did not neatly fit into pre-Christian or Christian frameworks.

2. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania: A Mosaic of Religions

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega sets the stage: “In February 1387, Jogaila... making him the ruler of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in Europe” ([04:34]).
Matt Lewis elaborates on Lithuania's diversity: “You’ve got the Sami people who are nomadic... settled farming communities like the Estonians... Lithuanians and the Latvians and the Prussians...” ([10:11]).

Key Points:

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania spanned from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, encompassing various ethnic and linguistic groups.
While the ruling elite gradually adopted Orthodox Christianity, the broader population maintained pagan traditions.
Vilnius, the capital, was a religious melting pot with Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and indigenous beliefs coexisting.

3. The Teutonic Knights and the Northern Crusades

The episode delves into the role of the Teutonic Knights in enforcing Christianization through military conquest, portraying them more as colonizers than mere religious crusaders.

Matt Lewis describes the Teutonic Knights’ motivations: “They want to set up their own kind of military monastic state. They have no interest whatsoever in converting the Prussians” ([26:12]).
Dr. Francis Young critiques their approach: “There is genocidal intent which is quite clearly and expressly stated in some of these early attempts at crusade” ([26:12]).

Key Points:

The Northern Crusades were as much about territorial expansion and subjugation as they were about religious conversion.
The Teutonic Knights established fortresses and engaged in guerrilla warfare, leading to repeated cycles of conflict with the Lithuanian and Latvian populations.
Military tactics often backfired, as seen in the Battle of Derbe ([31:42]), where heavily armored knights were decimated by agile, infantry-based Lithuanian forces.

4. The Union of Krewo and the Political Conversion

A pivotal moment in Lithuanian history was the Union of Krewo in 1387, where Grand Duke Jogaila allied with Poland, leading to a political and ceremonial conversion to Christianity.

Matt Lewis narrates the event: “Jogaila holds a kind of set piece event, conversion event...”: “Polish priests who can’t speak a word of Lithuanian... offer baptism in exchange for white woolen robes” ([39:22]).
Dr. Francis Young reflects on its authenticity: “The grand majority of people who were baptized in this, they had no idea what was happening” ([45:43]).

Key Points:

The Union of Krewo was primarily a political maneuver aimed at securing an alliance with Poland against common threats.
The mass baptism ceremony was more of a symbolic act than a genuine religious conversion for most participants.
This event marked the beginning of a gradual and incomplete shift towards Christianity, heavily influenced by political necessities rather than personal faith.

5. Creole Religions and Christianesque Traditions

Matt Lewis explains: “People... have made an accommodation with Christianity, they have incorporated individual elements of Christianity into their worldview” ([55:19]).
Dr. Francis Young adds: “For example, the consecrated host is holy... but there is no understanding of the whole Christian doctrine” ([55:19]).

Key Points:

Conversion was not an abrupt or total process; instead, it was characterized by a blending of old and new beliefs.
Sacred sites, such as holy groves and ceremonial trees, continued to hold significance alongside Christian practices.
This syncretism allowed individuals to maintain aspects of their indigenous spirituality while outwardly conforming to Christian norms.

6. The Persistence of Pagan Practices and Modern Revivals

Despite official conversions, many pagan practices persisted well beyond the medieval period, influencing cultural identity and leading to modern revival movements.

Matt Lewis notes that pagan practices in Lithuania continued until the late 18th century and even survived under Russian control: “Reports of worship of sacred trees in Lithuania... persisted until 1795” ([59:59]).
Dr. Francis Young discusses contemporary movements: “You’ve got Romuva in Lithuania, Devturi in Latvia... Neo Shamanism amongst the Sami” ([65:18]).

Key Points:

Pagan traditions served as crucial markers of cultural identity, especially under oppressive regimes like the Russian Empire.
Modern revivalist movements seek to reconstruct and preserve these ancient beliefs, often blending them with contemporary practices.
The persistence of these traditions underscores the resilience of indigenous cultures despite centuries of enforced Christianization.

7. Conclusion: The Complexity of Religious Identity in Medieval Europe

Matt Lewis reflects: “This is not a binary... It’s not with Christianity on one side, there’s paganism on the other” ([49:09]).
Dr. Francis Young highlights the need for nuanced understanding: “There is a desire to say, well, it's not historically accurate... but Pagan is evolving” ([65:18]).

Key Takeaways:

Religious conversion in medieval Europe was multifaceted, involving political alliances, cultural negotiations, and personal adaptations.
The legacy of these processes is visible in the syncretic traditions that persist today and in the ongoing efforts to revive and understand pre-Christian belief systems.
Understanding the "last pagans" requires moving beyond simplistic labels to appreciate the rich tapestry of medieval religious life.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

Dr. Francis Young [05:51]: “The P word that we're going to be using a lot, the pagan word, is quite a problem to use.”
Matt Lewis [12:23]: “I prefer the term unchristianized... it’s a more neutral term that covers all these peoples, regardless of their individual religious traditions.”
Matt Lewis [39:22]: “Jogaila holds a kind of set piece event, conversion event...: Polish priests who can’t speak a word of Lithuanian... offer baptism in exchange for white woolen robes.”
Matt Lewis [49:09]: “This is not a binary... It’s not with Christianity on one side, there’s paganism on the other.”
Matt Lewis [55:19]: “People... have made an accommodation with Christianity, they have incorporated individual elements of Christianity into their worldview.”

Final Thoughts

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