Gunnhild, known from the series Vikings as Bjorn Ironside's wife, contrasts sharply with her historical counterpart. Renowned for sorcery and beauty, Gunnhild was the wife of Erik Bloodaxe, son of Harald Fairhair and King of Norway. She earned the title 'Mother of Kings' as her sons rose to power in Norway.

Gunnhild is depicted in over five Norse and Icelandic sagas, often as a villain. Erik Bloodaxe, hardly mentioned in the Heimskringla (Saga of the Norwegian Kings), was unpopular—many believed Gunnhild, with her influence, steered his rule. Snorri Sturleson noted, "Of Eirik Blood-axe's five years' reign there is no separate saga. He appears not to have been beloved by the people and his queen Gunhild seems to have had a bad influence on him."

In these sagas, Gunnhild is a formidable character—admired for beauty and generosity but feared for her magic, cunning, and ambition. She is remembered as powerful and ruthless, captivating yet dangerous.

This is the story of Gunnhild.

Music by Noel Malekar
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Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun, was a notable Irish businessman, philanthropist, and politician, renowned for his role in the Guinness brewing dynasty. A descendant of the original Arthur Guinness, he was educated at Eton and Trinity College Dublin. His career in politics led him to serve as a Member of Parliament for Dublin before becoming Baron Ardilaun in 1880.

Arthur Guinness was passionate about public service and philanthropy, contributing significantly to Dublin's development. He played a major role in the restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the creation of public spaces like St. Stephen’s Green. As a conservationist, he invested in preserving forests and historic sites, leaving a lasting impact as a benevolent Anglo-Irish noble during transformative times in Ireland.

This episode explores his remarkable legacy.

Music by Alexander Nakarada - CreatorChords

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The Battle of Hastings is a legendary conflict in English history, centered on King Harold Godwinson's fight to defend his throne against William, Duke of Normandy, who claimed King Edward the Confessor promised him succession.

This battle was not just for the throne but reshaped England's destiny. One enduring image from the Bayeux Tapestry shows Harold struck by an arrow to the eye, but did this iconic scene truly occur?

Historical accounts offer differing versions, leaving the truth uncertain. Harold was a seasoned warrior, having defeated a Viking invasion and killed Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, marking the end of the Viking Age in England.

How fierce was the struggle at Hastings, and how did it truly unfold? Sources from the period offer conflicting tales, challenging modern historians to piece together this contested history. Norman propaganda depicted Harold's death as divine punishment to legitimize William the Conqueror's claim. This narrative suggested Harold broke an oath to William and deserved divine retribution. But how true is this propaganda?

Join us as we explore the sources in chronological order to understand the evolution of battle narratives and why modern history teaches Harold's famed arrow-to-the-eye death.

Key Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (1066)
03:10 The Song of the Battle of Hastings (1066-1067)
05:35 Bayeux Tapestry (1070s)
08:26 Gesta Willelmi ducis Normannorum et regis Anglorum (1071-1077)
11:01 Chronicon ex Chronicis (Early 1100s)
12:25 Gesta Regum Anglorum (1125)
14:10 Historia Anglorum (1129-1135)
15:00 Vie de seint Aedward le Rei (1230s-1240s)
17:06 Conclusion

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar
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Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, was born on 10 November 1847 into the renowned Guinness brewing dynasty. His family name became synonymous with one of the most successful brewing enterprises globally. A prominent Irish businessman, philanthropist, and peer, Edward played a pivotal role in expanding and modernizing the Guinness Brewery during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transforming it into the world's largest brewery by production.

This episode delves into his life and legacy.

Music by Alexander Nakarada - CreatorChordsLink

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Explore the life of Edith of Wessex, a formidable woman who played a crucial role during the tumultuous 11th-century England. As queen consort to Edward the Confessor, she navigated complex political landscapes and became the last Anglo-Saxon queen of England.

Though overshadowed by figures like her brother, King Harold Godwinson, and William the Conqueror, Edith's story reveals the significant yet often overlooked influence of royal women in pre-Conquest politics.

This is her compelling story.

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by "Noel Malekar"
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSpEjSoiZ6c

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Tostig Godwinson, an Anglo-Saxon nobleman and Earl of Northumbria, was the brother of King Harold Godwinson. Known in the Norse sagas as a clever and formidable warrior, Tostig is also depicted in Latin writings as strong, brave, handsome, and gracious. Both Norse and Anglo-Saxon sources portray him as a distinguished man and warrior.

Historians consider Tostig's exile pivotal in sparking two major invasions: Harald Hardrada's Norse attack and William, Duke of Normandy's renowned conquest. These events led to the fall of Anglo-Saxon England and a series of brutal battles.

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar Listen here

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Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, was renowned for her beauty and remarkable education. Admired for her intelligence, generosity, and deep piety, she exemplified the virtues of a queen consort.

Celebrated for her needlework, Matilda mastered skills esteemed among noblewomen. Her artistry attracted suitors from Europe's greatest princes, sharing this talent with her cousins.

Though much of her work hasn't survived, legend credits her with creating the Bayeux Tapestry, chronicling the Norman conquest of England. This masterpiece would honor her husband's triumph and her needlework prowess.

As Queen of England and Duchess of Normandy, Matilda was among Europe's most powerful women. She bore nine children, including future kings William II and Henry I. Her marriage to William was marked by deep affection and loyalty.

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William the Conqueror's life was marked by triumph and ambition. Orphaned and born illegitimately, his early years were filled with turmoil as rival Norman nobles sought control over him. Despite these challenges, William secured his rule over Normandy.

By the 1050s, William was a contender for the English throne, held by his cousin, Edward the Confessor. After Edward's death in January 1066, Harold Godwinson claimed the crown, but William argued it had been promised to him. In September 1066, William invaded England, defeating Harold at the Battle of Hastings and was crowned King of England on Christmas Day.

William's reign saw rebellions, notably by Edgar Ætheling. William's response was brutal, as seen in the Harrying of the North, where villages were razed and many died. Chronicler Orderic Vitalis commented on the massacre, stating, “I can say nothing good about this brutal slaughter. God will punish him.”

Dissent persisted as Norman earls criticized his harsh rule. His son, Robert Curthose, also rebelled but was later forgiven and given Normandy, while William Rufus inherited England. William's reign included the monumental Domesday Book, a survey of England’s assets and taxes, highlighting his administrative achievements.

As a warrior, William was unmatched. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle stated, “King William was a man of great wisdom and formidable power.”

This episode details his story, from his ancestry to his legacy.

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Discover the captivating tale of Edith the Fair, also known as Edith Swanneck, an Anglo-Scandinavian noblewoman from the 11th century. Edith, one of England’s wealthiest nobles, was renowned for her beauty and was a lover of King Harold Godwinson, with whom she had six children.

Raised by her father, Thorkell the Tall, a Viking chief, Edith's life was intertwined with war and loyalty. Despite the chaos, she earned the nickname 'Swanneck' for her gentle nature. Notably, after the Battle of Hastings, she identified Harold's body on the battlefield, ensuring he had a proper burial.

This episode dives deep into her ancestry, her relationship with Harold, and her impact during England's turbulent times.

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar

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Edward the Confessor was the final Anglo-Saxon King from the House of Wessex, growing up in one of England's most tumultuous eras. As the seventh son of King Aethelred the Unready, he was not destined for the throne. However, following the Viking conquest and the downfall of his family, he became one of the last heirs to the Wessex bloodline, the first rulers of England.

This tragic tale follows Edward the Confessor, a man who restored his house to power yet during his lengthy and politically frail rule, set the stage for the pivotal Norman Invasion, leading to the end of Anglo-Saxon culture. Discover his story.

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Early Life & The Viking Conquest of England

05:17 Life in Exile & Reign of Cnut

07:27 Reign of Harald Harefoot

13:19 Reign of Harthacnut & Return from Exile

17:05 Edward becomes the King of England

19:33 Magnus' Threatening Letter to Edward

22:02 Edward Takes his Mother's Wealth

24:19 Rivalry with Earl Godwin

36:53 Later Reign

40:22 Death & The Succession

43:39 Veneration & Legacy

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar

Video Link: Watch here

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