
'tis but a scratch: fact and fiction about the Middle Ages
Talking about popular conceptions of the Middle Ages and their historical realities. Join Richard Abels to learn about Vikings, knights and chivalry, movies set in the Middle Ages, and much more about the medieval world.
'tis but a scratch: fact and fiction about the Middle Ages
There is more truth in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” than you might think (remastered sound)
The title of our podcast ‘Tis But a Scratch: Fact and Fiction about the Middle Ages” is a tribute to one of Richard’s favorite “medieval” movies, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Richard was incredulous when Carol told him that she had never seen the movie. After she watched it, she was incredulous that he actually used parts of it in his medieval history classes. In this episode Richard explains how there is more historical truth in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” than anyone would think—probably including the Monty Python troupe—and how he used it in his classes. Among the topics covered are the “chivalry” of the Black Knight; “Bring out you dead” and the Black Death; courtly love and Castle Anthrax’s amorous 150 maidens; and why Richard the historian hates, hates, hates “Braveheart” (although as a moviegoer he kind of likes it).
(This is the first episode of the podcast and was the first podcast I ever did. I knew that there were problems with the sound quality but had no idea how to fix it. This version is clearer and louder.)
Listen on Podurama https://podurama.com
Intro and exit music are by Alexander Nakarada
If you have questions, feel free to contact me at richard.abels54@gmail.com