The Apple and The Hero

The Apple and The Hero

By Sara OrfaliSociety & CultureHistory
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The Apple and The Hero episodes

  • 018_Roma Aeterna - The Foundation

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    We're finally here!

    This episode marks the beginning of a deep-dive into Roman history!

    We start, like all good stories, at the very beginning where we'll meet the heroes and heroines who were said to have founded one of the biggest empires in history.

    Of course, we'll meet the twins, Romulus and Remus, and their furry babysitter, the lupa; but we'll also see how, at the beginning of the Empire, a new story started to circulate, in an effort to nobilitate Augustus' pedigree as he prepared himself to become the first Emperor of Rome. 

    If you can't get the Roman Empire out of your heard, then you're in the right place!

    Let's go together! As they say; all roads lead to Rome. 

    33 min
  • 017_The Maid of Orleans - The Birth of a Saint

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    In this episode we continue with the captivating saga of Joan of Arc.
    Fresh from witnessing Charles VII's coronation, we now explore the complexities of her continued military leadership.

    Victories become elusive, political intrigue swirls, and Joan faces mounting criticism. We'll delve into the strategic missteps and shifting tides of the Hundred Years' War. Did Joan lose her divine favor, or was she betrayed by the very king she helped crown?

    The episode explores the heartbreaking events that led to Joan's capture by Burgundian forces. We'll witness her unjust trial, fuelled by political agendas and religious dogma. We'll unpack the accusations of heresy and the tragic execution that silenced her voice.

    Join me for a poignant exploration of the final chapter in Joan of Arc's extraordinary life.

    33 min
  • 016_The Maid of Orleans - The Miracle that saved France

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    This episode plunges us into the extraordinary life of Joan of Arc, a young woman who defied expectations and changed the course of history.

    Born a peasant girl, Joan claimed divine visions urging her to lead the French army and crown Charles VII as king. We'll explore her early life and the turmoil of the Hundred Years' War, a brutal conflict that ravaged France.

    Witness Joan's unwavering faith and her meteoric rise to military leadership. From unconventional tactics to battlefield victories, we'll delve into the events that led to the coronation of Charles VII at Reims Cathedral, a pivotal moment in French history.

    35 min
  • 015_The Blood of Bannockburn

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    From Outlaw King to King of Scots: The Rise of Robert the Bruce

    This episode delves into the captivating story of Robert the Bruce, a Scottish nobleman who transformed from hunted outlaw to become King of Scotland and secure the nation's independence. We'll explore his early ambitions and struggles, the brutal defeats he faced at the hands of the English, and his unwavering determination that fueled his unconventional guerrilla warfare tactics.

    Witness his resilience in the face of adversity, including the crushing defeat at Methven, and the strategic brilliance that led to his decisive victory at the Battle of Bannockburn. This episode not only sheds light on the battles and strategies but also delves into the personal journey of a man who defied the odds and became a national hero.

    Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Robert the Bruce, a symbol of Scottish resilience and the fight for freedom.

    36 min
  • 014_The Hero with a Brave Heart

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    From Uprising to Betrayal: The Story of William Wallace

    In this episode we will walk into the life of William Wallace, a legendary Scottish warrior who became a symbol of resistance against English rule. This episode explores his rise from a nobleman seeking justice to a fearless leader who united the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence. We'll witness the pivotal Battle of Stirling Bridge, a decisive Scottish victory that cemented Wallace's place in history. We will also explore the political complexities, the brutal defeat at Falkirk, and the ultimate betrayal that led to Wallace's capture and tragic end.

    Prepare to be enthralled by a story of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of the fight for freedom.

    32 min
  • 013_ A Man with Many Crowns - The End of the World

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     To the Ends of the Earth - Alexander's Adventure

    In the final chapter of our Alexander the Great series, we follow the conqueror on his relentless eastward march. Driven by boundless ambition, Alexander ventures deep into India, facing fierce resistance and exotic landscapes. Witness his army's grueling battles, their growing disillusionment, and the mutiny that finally halts Alexander's relentless expansion. This episode explores the complexities of Alexander's legacy: his insatiable thirst for conquest, his controversial rule, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

    Join me for a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, mortality, and the enduring enigma of Alexander the Great.

    31 min
  • 012_ A Man with Many Crowns - The Conquest of Persia

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    From Greece to Babylon - Alexander's Conquest of Persia

    In the thrilling second episode of our Alexander the Great series, we witness the clash of empires. Following years of meticulous planning and strategic maneuvering, Alexander embarks on a daring campaign to conquer the mighty Persian Empire. We'll delve into the pivotal battles, including the legendary encounter at Gaugamela, where Alexander's innovative tactics shattered the seemingly invincible Persian army. Discover the brilliance of Alexander's leadership, the courage of his troops, and the profound impact of this conquest on the course of history.

    Prepare to be captivated by the story of one of the greatest military campaigns ever undertaken.

    36 min
  • 011_A Man with Many Crowns - Beginnings at the Macedonian Court

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    In the first episode of this three-part series, we delve into the formative years of Alexander the Great. Born into the Macedonian court of his ambitious father, King Philip II, Alexander's childhood was anything but ordinary. We'll explore his rigorous physical training, his encounter with the legendary horse Bucephalus, and the profound influence of his tutor, the renowned philosopher Aristotle. This episode lays the foundation for understanding the motivations and skills that would shape Alexander into one of history's most celebrated conquerors.

    Join me as we embark on a captivating journey into the early life of a legend.

    31 min
  • 010_A Heroic Resistance

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    In this episode, we delve into a thrilling chapter of European history: the defiance of the Swiss people against the Habsburg dynasty in the 13th century. We'll explore the pivotal Battle of Morgarten, where a vastly outnumbered Swiss force dealt a crushing blow to the Habsburg army, marking a turning point in their fight for independence.
    But this episode goes beyond just tactics and fighting. We'll examine the legend of Arnold von Winkelried, a figure who sacrificed himself to clear a path for his countrymen to victory. Was he a real hero or a mythical creation? We'll explore the historical record and the enduring cultural impact of his story.

    33 min
  • 009_The Mystical Pact

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    On a small piece of parchment and its legend rests the entire country of Switzerland and the mystique which the centuries have afforded to this document have given it almost the same status as a religious relic.
    Let’s go back to the Middle Ages, when the meeting of three men in pasture started one of the longest alliances in Europe.
    Welcome, to the Oath of the Rütli!

    37 min

About The Apple and The Hero

From the publisher's feed

Forget dusty textbooks! 

Join me, Dr. Sara Orfali, a Medieval historian with a passion for storytelling, as I peel back the layers of history in The Apple and The…