Episode Summary: "Yet More Ridiculous Historical Honorifics: Ethelred Just Ain't Ready"
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Podcast: Ridiculous History by iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the latest episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bullen and Noel Brown embark on a humorous and insightful exploration of historical honorifics. Delving into the origins and implications of these often bizarre titles, the duo uncovers the stories behind some of history's most ridiculous—and sometimes ironically misplaced—epithets.
Understanding Honorifics
Ben and Noel kick off the episode by defining honorifics as elevated nicknames typically assigned to historical figures, especially royals. These titles are often bestowed without the individual's consent, leading to some humorous and misleading monikers.
Noel Brown (04:43): "Ridiculous honorifics are just the fancy version of a nickname, often assigned to historical figures, to royals, and sometimes without their consent."
Case Study 1: Charles II – "Charles the Bald"
The hosts delve into the life of Charles II, the King of France and Holy Roman Emperor. They examine the ironic honorific "Charles the Bald," highlighting the discrepancy between the title and the man himself.
-
Historical Context: Charles II, born on June 13, 823, was a significant ruler who simultaneously held the titles of King of France and Holy Roman Emperor from 875 to 877.
-
Irony of the Honorific: Contrary to his title, Charles II was not bald. This misnomer serves as a prime example of how honorifics can distort the true characteristics of historical figures.
Noel Brown (05:21): "He was technically our co-worker. That is true, Ben."
Ben Bullen (15:40): “He was follically challenged.”
Noel Brown (16:32): "Charles was granted lands by his father, which led to internal civil wars within the family."
Case Study 2: Louis XVIII – "Louis the Unavoidable"
Louis XVIII's tumultuous reign during and after the French Revolution is scrutinized. The hosts explore how his honorifics reflect both his political maneuvers and personal characteristics.
-
Historical Background: Louis XVIII ascended to the French throne after the chaotic period of the French Revolution and the subsequent rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte.
-
Honorific Analysis: Dubbed "Louis the Unavoidable," the title underscores his relentless efforts to restore and maintain the French monarchy amidst political upheaval.
Ben Bullen (33:23): “He looks like a were turtle.”
Noel Brown (33:08): "Louis the 18th, the unavoidable. He just insists on himself."
- Humorous Insights: The hosts playfully critique the honorific, suggesting alternative titles that better capture his persistent nature.
Case Study 3: Ethelred II – "Ethelred the Unready"
The centerpiece of the episode is the examination of Ethelred II, often derided as "Ethelred the Unready." Ben and Noel dissect the origins and implications of this particularly insulting honorific.
-
Historical Context: Ethelred II ruled England from 978 to 1016, a period marked by internal strife and relentless Viking invasions.
-
Meaning Behind the Name: The term "Unready" derives from the Old English word "unræd," meaning "poorly advised" or "without counsel," rather than "unprepared." This misinterpretation has unfairly tainted his legacy.
Noel Brown (43:26): "Ethelred the Unready is a lot of guff from us here at Ridiculous History because of what the word unready means in 2025."
Ben Bullen (47:08): “Maybe the name meant more that he didn't have a lot of people on his side.”
- Ethelred's Struggles: The hosts detail Ethelred's unsuccessful attempts to fend off Viking invasions, relying heavily on bribes like the Danegeld, which ultimately failed to secure lasting peace.
Noel Brown (42:35): "The IRA tax."
Ben Bullen (43:04): “It could also just mean that he was dumb as a bag of doorknobs.”
Humorous Tangents and Anecdotes
Throughout the episode, Ben and Noel intersperse their historical analysis with witty banter and modern-day analogies, making the content both informative and entertaining.
- Nickname Creativity: They joke about the modern usage of honorifics in everyday life and popular culture, drawing parallels between historical titles and contemporary nicknames.
Ben Bullen (14:48): "I'm hoping there are a lot of us. Please, please, please get in front of it with your street name."
- Pop Culture References: The hosts reference "Monty Python," "SNL," and "Game of Thrones" to illustrate the absurdity and creativity behind certain honorifics.
Noel Brown (34:29): "He looks like a were turtle."
Insights and Conclusions
By dissecting these historical honorifics, Ben and Noel highlight the often arbitrary and sometimes malicious nature of how titles are assigned. They emphasize the importance of understanding the true context behind these names to appreciate the complexities of historical figures beyond their monikers.
Ben Bullen (48:29): “Maybe the nickname was a kind of cruel twist on the meaning of his actual name, Ethelred, which translates to noble counsel.”
Notable Quotes
- Noel Brown (05:21): "He was technically our co-worker. That is true, Ben."
- Ben Bullen (15:40): “He was follically challenged.”
- Noel Brown (33:08): "Louis the 18th, the unavoidable. He just insists on himself."
- Noel Brown (43:26): "Ethelred the Unready is a lot of guff from us here at Ridiculous History because of what the word unready means in 2025."
- Ben Bullen (48:29): “Maybe the nickname was a kind of cruel twist on the meaning of his actual name, Ethelred, which translates to noble counsel.”
Closing Remarks and Teasers
As the episode wraps up, Ben and Noel tease upcoming topics, including a deeper dive into why the United States hasn't fully adopted the metric system and a compilation of miscellaneous historical oddities in their "Bits and Bobs" segment. They also extend gratitude to their producer Max Williams and acknowledge contributions from research associates and collaborators.
Conclusion
"Yet More Ridiculous Historical Honorifics: Ethelred Just Ain't Ready" successfully blends rigorous historical analysis with lighthearted humor, offering listeners a captivating look into the sometimes nonsensical world of historical titles. Whether you're a history buff or someone who enjoys a good laugh, this episode delivers both education and entertainment in equal measure.