Medieval Death Trip

On Medieval Death Trip, we feature a selected medieval text (often historical, occasionally literary) that touches on the odd, the gruesome, the unexpected, and similarly curious incidents, images, or ideas. In addition to presenting the text itself, each episode features commentary and musings upon that text.


All Episodes

MDT Episode 17: Concerning the Ill-Gotten Casula

This episode, we turn to the Chronicle of Battle Abbey to hear a tale of extortion, divine punishment, and ecclesiastical fashion.

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MDT Episode 16: Concerning Coin-Eating and a Demon Child

In this episode of Medieval Death Trip, we acknowledge the recent passing of neurologist Oliver Sacks and horror writer/director Wes Craven with stories of compulsive behavior and monstrous encounters...

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MDT Episode 15: Concerning the Relics of Simon de Montfort

In this episode, we wrap up the Melrose Chronicle’s account of Simon de Montfort with a look at the miracle stories attached to his relics.

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MDT Episode 14: Concerning the Death of Simon de Montfort

In this episode, we continue the tale of Simon de Montfort’s struggle against King Henry III, with a look at two depictions of his final battle and death.

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MDT Episode 13: Concerning the Old Chariot Trick

The Trip goes on after an unexpected summer detour. This episode we celebrate the underdog blockbuster of the season, Mad Max: Fury Road, with a medieval story of vehicular...

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MDT Episode 12: Concerning William Rufus, Treason, and Portents of the King’s Death

In this episode of Medieval Death Trip, we hear the Warenne Chronicle’s account of how as King of England, William Rufus dealt with rebels and how his own death...

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MDT Episode 11: How a Blood Libel Takes Root

In this episode we finally cut to the core of the story Thomas of Monmouth tells about the murder of William of Norwich. While Thomas thinks he’s telling the...

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MDT Episode 10: Concerning the Milk of Grammar

In this episode we continue with Eberhard the German’s Laborintus and learn how a teacher acquires the knowledge of grammar, along with getting some practical advice about inspiring medieval...

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MDT Episode 09: Concerning the Wretched Fate of a Grammar Teacher

Better late than never, it’s Episode 9, wherein we hear Eberhard the German’s description of his own doomed conception, after a fashion, by which he introduces his handbook of...

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