Explore the stories of Japan's legendary samurai, starting with Taira no Masakado, a descendant of Emperor Kanmu. Known as the first samurai, Masakado defied the central government and became a demigod in local folklore, recognized among the “Three Great Onryō of Japan.”

Honda Tadakatsu, a formidable samurai and general, served Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Sengoku and Edo periods. Renowned for his invincibility, Tadakatsu never sustained an injury despite his participation in 57 military campaigns.

Dive into the life of Miyamoto Musashi, an undefeated swordsman, strategist, and artist. Famous for his double-bladed technique, Musashi founded the Niten Ichi-ryū swordsmanship style and authored the influential works, The Book of Five Rings and Dokkōdō.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the moment his name was first uttered, Robin Hood captured imaginations as the outlaw who defied authority to champion the poor. But was Robin Hood an actual person—a master archer in the flesh—or merely a legendary figure crafted through generations of storytelling?

Numerous theories have aimed to reveal his true identity, yet no definitive proof has emerged to confirm the man behind the legend. What remain are five ancient ballads that shape our understanding of England's most iconic outlaw: Robin Hood and the Monk, Robin Hood and the Potter, Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne, Robin Hoode his Death, and A Geste of Robyn Hoode.

In this episode, we examine these primary sources to trace the origins of the legend. What do they reveal about Robin's life, his loyal allies, and his battle against tyranny? And we contemplate a question that has captivated historians for ages: Was Robin Hood a real person—or simply the ideal hero for a world that yearned for one?

Embark on a journey into the depths of Sherwood Forest to unravel the truth behind the Robin Hood legend.

Music by Alexander Nakarada - CreatorChords

Track: Celtic Music → "Grundar" by Alexander Nakarada (Royalty Free)
Link

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Björn Ironside, a legendary Norse chieftain and king of Sweden, was renowned for his warrior spirit and as the son of famed Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok. His exploits in England, West Francia, and the Mediterranean are well-documented in history.

Björn's legacy is chronicled in medieval sources like the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok, The Tale of Ragnar’s Sons, Gesta Danorum, Hervarar Saga, and Gesta Normannorum Ducum.

Though semi-legendary, his memory lingers in saga, song, and stone. Björn's barrow, a great burial mound in Uppland, Sweden, once marked by a runestone, connects us to Viking kings and mythical heroes.

Join us as we explore ancient sources recounting Björn Ironside's life, delve into the origins of his fearsome name, and trace his legendary exploits. We maintain the individuality of each account, honoring the unique narratives.

00:00 Introduction
01:33 The Gesta Danorum
04:16 The Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok & his Sons
05:37 The Chronicon Fontanellense
06:55 The Annals of Bertinius
07:45 Gesta Normannorum Ducum
17:47 Fornaldarsögur Norðurlanda
32:32 Hervarar saga
33:46 Burial Mound of Björn Ironside

Music by Alexander Nakarada - CreatorChords
Track: Celtic Music → "Grundar" by Alexander Nakarada (Royalty Free)
Link

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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
Listen here

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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
Listen on YouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices