Lore: Legends 57 - Long Live the King

Host: Aaron Mahnke
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Podcast Description: Lore delves into dark historical tales, exploring mysterious creatures, tragic events, and unusual places that populate the annals of history, revealing that sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.

Introduction

In the episode "Long Live the King," host Aaron Mahnke unravels the enigmatic legend of Prester John, a mythical Christian monarch whose story captivated medieval Europe for centuries. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Mahnke examines how Prester John's legend influenced political strategies, fueled Crusades, and highlighted the destructive power of cultural ignorance and nationalist bias.

The Legend of Prester John

Origin of the Legend

The legend of Prester John traces back to the mid-12th century. In 1144, a Syrian bishop informed a former pope about Prester John, a Christian king in the Middle East descended from the Magi, who commanded a great army and had recently triumphed over the Persians. This tantalizing glimpse of a powerful Christian ally ignited imaginations but faded until 1165.

The 1165 Letter

In 1165, Pope Alexander III received a letter purportedly from Prester John, introducing himself as the "Lord of Lords." Mahnke recounts, “He might have been hiding his location from the greedy plundering kings of Europe for a good reason” (17:45).

• Quote:
  "Our magnificence dominates three Indias, and our land extends from farthest India where the body of St. Thomas the Apostle rests, to the place where the sun rises and returns by slopes to the Babylonian desert near the tower of Babel." (09:15)

This letter, however, lacked concrete details about Prester John's kingdom, leading many to suspect it was a hoax. Most historians today agree that the story was likely exaggerated to tarnish Emperor Zhou's reputation in China's Shang Dynasty.

Historical Context: The Crusades

During the Crusades, European powers were embroiled in a protracted and brutal conflict to reclaim the Holy Land from Islamic rule. By 1177, nearly a century into the Crusades, European morale was waning. The Catholic Church, weakened by internal schisms, was searching desperately for new allies to bolster their efforts.

Impact and Propaganda Use

Mahnke explains that Pope Alexander III's decision to respond to Prester John, albeit belatedly, was a strategic move. The Pope's endorsement lent credibility to the legend, providing European crusaders with a beacon of hope:

• Quote:
  "If His Holiness said that he was corresponding with Prester John, then Prester John had to be real, right?" (15:20)

This endorsement transformed Prester John from a dubious figure into a widely believed symbol of Christian strength and potential allies in the East.

Search for Prester John

The quest to locate Prester John became a significant endeavor for European explorers and missionaries. Over the decades, multiple theories emerged:

1. Association with the Mongols: Initially, Europeans mistook the Mongol Empire for Prester John's realm, believing that their victories against Muslim forces indicated Christian affiliation.
2. Ethiopian Connection: After the realization that the Mongols were not Christians, some hypothesized that the legendary king resided in Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), one of the few known Christian nations in the "Far East."
3. Central Asian Theories: Explorers like Marco Polo searched for Prester John in Central Asia and Kazakhstan but found no evidence to support the legend.

Decline of the Legend

The relentless European exploration, particularly by the Portuguese in the late 15th century, ultimately dispelled the myth. As more of Africa and Asia were charted, the absence of any evidence for Prester John's kingdom became undeniable. By the early 17th century, the legend had been fully debunked, although its influence persisted in cultural memory.

Gambrinus: The King of Beer

Shifting gears, Mahnke delves into another legendary figure, Gambrinus, renowned as the patron saint and mythical inventor of beer.

Origins of the Legend

Gambrinus' origins are murky, with various theories attributing his existence to different historical periods and figures:

1. Ancient Germanic Tribes: Greek and Roman historians first mentioned a jovial figure associated with beer from ancient Germanic tribes.
2. John I, Duke of Brabant: A 19th-century historian linked Gambrinus to John I, who allegedly established Brussels' brewing industry.
3. French Folklorist Version: The most popular tale portrays Gambrinus as an apprentice glassblower who turns to brewing after a series of personal misfortunes.

The French Folklorist Tale

In this version, Gambrinus falls in love with Flandine, the daughter of his master. Rejected, he abandons glassblowing for music, but a disastrous performance leads him to despair. As he contemplates suicide, the devil (Beelzebub) offers him a Faustian bargain: torment in hell in exchange for his soul. Instead, Gambrinus opts for a life of brewing, using beer as his legacy.

• Quote:
  “And that's when Gambrinus played the carillon. And the sound of the music forced everyone to dance... until they drank more beer.” (28:50)

Through his brewery, Gambrinus casts a magical spell over his patrons, ensuring his lasting influence in the world of beer. His transformation into a beer barrel upon death symbolizes his eternal connection to brewing.

Cultural Impact

Gambrinus became a beloved figure in European beer culture, particularly in Belgium. Statues and museums celebrate his legendary contributions, blending folklore with national pride.

Conclusion: Lessons from Legends

Aaron Mahnke concludes by reflecting on the enduring nature of legends like Prester John and Gambrinus. These stories, while rooted in cultural ignorance and nationalist bias, served specific purposes:

• Prester John: Represented hope and unity for a beleaguered Europe during the Crusades, showcasing how myths can be harnessed for political and religious agendas.
• Gambrinus: Embodied the joy and communal spirit of beer culture, illustrating how legends can foster national identity and pride.

Mahnke emphasizes that legends leave indelible marks on culture, teaching us about the power of belief and the consequences of ignorance. As he aptly states:

• Quote:
  “The Europeans' refusal to understand the world around them only enabled further harm and chaos.” (20:10)

These narratives remind us of the complexities of history and the human tendency to mythologize in the face of the unknown.

Notable Quotes

• Aaron Mahnke on Prester John’s Letter:
  "Our magnificence dominates three Indias... extreme indulgence at Holy lands occasionally fails." (09:15)

• On the Strategic Use of Legends:
  "If His Holiness said that he was corresponding with Prester John, then Prester John had to be real, right?" (15:20)

• Reflecting on Cultural Ignorance:
  "The Europeans' refusal to understand the world around them only enabled further harm and chaos." (20:10)

• Describing Gambrinus’ Legacy:
  “The sound of the music forced everyone to dance... until they drank more beer.” (28:50)

Final Thoughts

"Long Live the King" offers a profound exploration of how legends shape and are shaped by the societies that believe in them. Through the tales of Prester John and Gambrinus, Mahnke illustrates the intricate dance between myth and reality, highlighting the enduring power of stories in human history.

For those intrigued by how legends influence our past and present, this episode provides a compelling narrative that underscores the significance of understanding cultural myths beyond their surface allure.

Note: All timestamps are indicative and based on the provided transcript.