The History of English Podcast: Episode 59 – “Let’s Make A Deal”

Host: Kevin Stroud
Release Date: March 11, 2015
Description: Exploring the decline of the Anglo-Saxon Golden Age through the lens of deal-making and the etymology of related terms.

Introduction & Breaking News (00:00 – 09:00)

Kevin Stroud opens the episode by briefly mentioning a recent study on ancient DNA in Europe, which supports the steppe theory of Indo-European origins. This genetic evidence strengthens the linguistic arguments previously discussed on the podcast, suggesting a significant migration of the Yamnaya people from the Eurasian steppes into regions like Germany.

Quote:

"Three quarters of the bodies from Germany show that link... this suggests an actual migration and movement of people from the steppe region to the Germanic regions." (00:09)

Decline of the Anglo-Saxon Golden Age (09:00 – 20:00)

Stroud transitions to the main theme: the rapid decline of Anglo-Saxon England in the 11th century. He highlights the period of prosperity under King Edgar in the 960s and 970s, characterized by a strong navy and relative peace from Viking invasions. However, this golden age was heavily influenced by Archbishop Dunstan, blurring the lines between church and state.

Key Points:

• King Edgar’s Coronation: Delayed by 14 years to emphasize his ordination by God, conducted in Bath to evoke Roman connections.

• Coronation Oath: The first English coronation oath was in English, marking a balance between Latin for formal records and English for public understanding.

Quote:

"The coronation oath reflects a very basic notion of government by contract." (00:09)

Etymology of Deal-Making Terms (20:00 – 40:00)

Stroud delves into the etymology of terms related to deal-making, contrasts between Latin-derived and Old English words, and their evolution over time.

Key Terms Discussed:

• Contract: From Latin "com-" (together) and "trahar" (to draw), meaning to draw together in agreement.

• Deal: Originates from Old English, initially meant "to divide." Today, both "deal" and "contract" converge in meaning but retain their distinct connotations.

• Borrow: Originally meant to "lend" in Old English, now refers to the temporary possession of money or property.

• Bargain: A cognate of "borrow," introduced through Norman French, meaning an agreement or deal.

• Mortgage: Combines Latin "mort" (death) and "gage" (pledge), symbolizing the death or end of a loan upon repayment.

Quote:

"Despite the fact that contract meant to draw together and deal originally meant to divide, today the words have the same basic meaning." (20:00)

Political Dynamics and Succession Crisis (40:00 – 1:10:00)

Stroud outlines the succession crisis following King Edgar's death, emphasizing the rivalry between his sons Edward and Athelred. Edgar's early death left the young Athelred (later known as Athelred the Unready) in power, marking the beginning of significant instability.

Key Points:

• Edward the Martyr: Assassinated under mysterious circumstances, leading to suspicion around his stepmother Althreth and his younger half-brother Athelred.

• Athelred the Unready: His nickname originates from a pun on his name ("Ethelred" meaning "noble counsel" turned into "unread" signifying poor advice). His reign was marked by ineffective leadership and increasing Viking threats.

Quote:

"Athelred was not able to select good replacements [for advisors]. And that lack of guidance probably played a role in many of his poor decisions." (40:00)

Viking Raids and the Battle of Maldon (1:10:00 – 1:40:00)

The episode covers the resurgence of Viking raids during Athelred's reign, highlighting the Battle of Maldon in 991. Stroud discusses the famous Old English poem that describes this battle, emphasizing the valor and loyalty of the Anglo-Saxon warriors despite their defeat.

Key Points:

• Battle of Maldon: Led by Brittenoth, the Anglo-Saxon forces fought valiantly but were ultimately defeated by the Vikings.

• Poetic Representation: The poem illustrates the Viking's demands for tribute ("we will agree to a truce...") and the Anglo-Saxons' refusal, setting a tragic heroic narrative.

Quote:

"Those who continued to fight would not retreat while better men lay dead. They were wound weary and fall to the earth." (1:10:00)

Treaties, Danegeld, and Linguistic Evolution (1:40:00 – 2:30:00)

Stroud explains the development and implications of treaties between England and Viking leaders, particularly focusing on the concept of Danegeld—payments made to Vikings to cease their raids. He traces the etymology of related terms and discusses how these payments became a detrimental cycle for England.

Key Points:

• Danegeld: Originated from "Dane" (Viking) and "geld" (payment), representing the payments made to Vikings to buy peace.

• Etymology Connections: Words like "peace," "pay," and "treaty" share Latin roots related to agreements and managing conflicts.

• Cycle of Payments: Initial payments like £10,000 and £16,000 grew over time, impoverishing England and encouraging further Viking demands.

Quote:

"Paying the Danegeld... if once you have paid him the Danegeld, you never get rid of the Dane." (1:40:00)

Alliance with Normandy and Marriage Treaty (2:30:00 – 2:50:00)

To counter the Viking threat, Athelred sought alliances, notably with Normandy. A pivotal treaty in 1002 involved a marriage alliance between Athelred and Emma, Richard II’s sister, solidifying political ties between England and Normandy. This alliance laid the groundwork for future claims to the English throne, notably influencing the eventual Norman Conquest.

Key Points:

• Marriage Alliance: Strengthened ties with Normandy, making Emma the queen and producing heirs with Norman bloodlines.

• Historical Impact: Emma’s lineage became a basis for Norman claims to the English throne, leading to events like the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Quote:

"The treaty and marriage alliance in 1002 was a pivotal event in the history of England... it would therefore be a key event in the history of English." (2:30:00)

Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode (2:50:00 – End)

Stroud concludes by setting the stage for the next episode, which will explore the Scandinavian conquest of England under Sweyn Forkbeard and its implications, further leading up to the eventual Norman takeover.

Quote:

"Before we get to the Norman conquest and the Norman kings of England, we have to cover the Scandinavian conquest and the Scandinavian kings of England." (2:50:00)

Summary

In “Let’s Make A Deal,” Kevin Stroud meticulously examines the decline of Anglo-Saxon England through the intertwined themes of political deal-making and linguistic evolution. By dissecting historical events, such as the Battle of Maldon and the imposition of Danegeld, Stroud illustrates how fragile treaties and poor leadership under Athelred the Unready led to England’s vulnerability against Viking invasions. Furthermore, he delves into the etymology of deal-related terms, highlighting the deep-rooted connections between language and political maneuvers. The episode also underscores the significance of alliances, particularly the marriage treaty with Normandy, setting the stage for future power shifts culminating in the Norman Conquest.

Notable Quotes:

• "The coronation oath reflects a very basic notion of government by contract." (00:09)

• "Despite the fact that contract meant to draw together and deal originally meant to divide, today the words have the same basic meaning." (20:00)

• "Paying the Danegeld... if once you have paid him the Danegeld, you never get rid of the Dane." (1:40:00)

This episode offers an engaging exploration of how political agreements and linguistic shifts played pivotal roles in shaping the course of English history, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the factors that led to the end of the Anglo-Saxon era.