Episode
Show 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
5:10:55
Published: Sun Jan 15 2023
Description
This show picks up where Dan's Thor's Angels show left off. In the early Middle Ages Pagan Germanic-language speakers like the Vikings are a dying breed. Many of their contemporaries wish they'd die faster.
Chapters
The romanticizing, demonizing, and fetishizing of the Viking era Scandinavians has buried the truth of who they really were - people with a linguistic and cultural affinity who believed in similar values and deities as others in northern, western, and central Europe.
00:00 - 03:30 (03:30)
Summary
The romanticizing, demonizing, and fetishizing of the Viking era Scandinavians has buried the truth of who they really were - people with a linguistic and cultural affinity who believed in similar values and deities as others in northern, western, and central Europe. Ironically, those who would eventually extinguish these ancient deities were people who once believed in them themselves not long before this time period.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The conversion of the Franks to Christianity was pivotal in shaping the course of European history, but the way that King Clovis went about it was controversial and brought complaints from missionaries.
03:30 - 14:16 (10:46)
Summary
The conversion of the Franks to Christianity was pivotal in shaping the course of European history, but the way that King Clovis went about it was controversial and brought complaints from missionaries. When the Roman Empire fell, the pope found himself in a dangerous position without Roman protection, leading to the need for alliances with newly converted Christian rulers like Clovis.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The challenge of converting the Saxons to Christianity, faced by missionaries like Saint Lebwin, is described, including the difficulties inherent in convincing them to abandon their existing beliefs and the powerful symbolism of the Christian cross in a society that heavily valued magic and pagan symbols.
14:16 - 19:52 (05:36)
Summary
The challenge of converting the Saxons to Christianity, faced by missionaries like Saint Lebwin, is described, including the difficulties inherent in convincing them to abandon their existing beliefs and the powerful symbolism of the Christian cross in a society that heavily valued magic and pagan symbols.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Traveling the river system was the quickest way to get around before modern infrastructure, making it important for trade and commerce to flourish in areas like Europe and Asia during this time.
19:52 - 34:57 (15:05)
Summary
Traveling the river system was the quickest way to get around before modern infrastructure, making it important for trade and commerce to flourish in areas like Europe and Asia during this time.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Bioarchaeology is finding more and more sites that suggest the Viking Age started much earlier than previously thought, with a notable Viking burial predating the famous Lindisfarne raid of 793.
34:57 - 45:20 (10:23)
Summary
Bioarchaeology is finding more and more sites that suggest the Viking Age started much earlier than previously thought, with a notable Viking burial predating the famous Lindisfarne raid of 793.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The podcast discusses the origins of raiding and how it has evolved over time based on wealth and the presence of trained fighters using weapons, as seen in history and archaeology.
45:20 - 51:10 (05:50)
Summary
The podcast discusses the origins of raiding and how it has evolved over time based on wealth and the presence of trained fighters using weapons, as seen in history and archaeology.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Without modern surveillance and response elements, the wealthy and powerful were vulnerable to attacks in Ancient times.
51:10 - 57:03 (05:52)
Summary
Without modern surveillance and response elements, the wealthy and powerful were vulnerable to attacks in Ancient times. This is attributed to the lack of military elements and the allure of immense wealth.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Viking raids were not always recorded, but were often part of people's lives and the rumors they heard.
57:03 - 1:05:56 (08:53)
Summary
Viking raids were not always recorded, but were often part of people's lives and the rumors they heard. The irony of the Viking attacks on Anglo-Saxons and Irish is that they were once great pirate raiders themselves.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Modern-day Swedes, Danes and Norwegians are not the same people as their ancestral chieftainship counterparts, leading to confusion in historical sources and modern discussions.
1:05:56 - 1:13:55 (07:59)
Summary
Modern-day Swedes, Danes and Norwegians are not the same people as their ancestral chieftainship counterparts, leading to confusion in historical sources and modern discussions. This podcast episode explores the differences and highlights notable events in Scandinavian history, including Viking raids and Charlemagne's anti-piracy efforts.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Godfrey, an early Viking-era Danish king who played a role in the transition from a society with hundreds of chiefdoms to one with a pyramid-positioned king, allegedly commanded a fleet of 200 Viking ships to attack the coast before being shanked in the back by one of his bodyguards.
1:13:55 - 1:20:47 (06:52)
Summary
Godfrey, an early Viking-era Danish king who played a role in the transition from a society with hundreds of chiefdoms to one with a pyramid-positioned king, allegedly commanded a fleet of 200 Viking ships to attack the coast before being shanked in the back by one of his bodyguards.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historian Max Adams discusses the concept of "government by posse" during the Viking Wars, where petty rulers built up large followings of powerful supporters.
1:20:48 - 1:31:26 (10:38)
Summary
Historian Max Adams discusses the concept of "government by posse" during the Viking Wars, where petty rulers built up large followings of powerful supporters. This created a dynamic where individuals either had to be part of someone else's posse or strive to become a petty ruler themselves.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historians discuss the use of Christianity as a tool for conquest and empire building, including the idea of sending Christian missionaries to convert people in foreign lands.
1:31:26 - 1:38:50 (07:23)
Summary
Historians discuss the use of Christianity as a tool for conquest and empire building, including the idea of sending Christian missionaries to convert people in foreign lands. They also highlight the flaws in using primary sources for understanding the motivations behind these actions.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The podcast explores a historical account of Viking raids dating back to the 9th century, highlighting the frequency and scale of the attacks in multiple locations on the British isles.
1:38:50 - 1:49:42 (10:52)
Summary
The podcast explores a historical account of Viking raids dating back to the 9th century, highlighting the frequency and scale of the attacks in multiple locations on the British isles.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The 800s in the West were marked by an increase in Viking crime, with a lack of enforcement leading to even more audacious acts.
1:49:42 - 1:58:34 (08:52)
Summary
The 800s in the West were marked by an increase in Viking crime, with a lack of enforcement leading to even more audacious acts.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The podcast discusses the phenomenon of wealth redistribution, with an analogy to the Grapes of Wrath and the Oklahoma people seeking jobs in the West Coast during the gold rush era.
1:58:34 - 2:03:48 (05:14)
Summary
The podcast discusses the phenomenon of wealth redistribution, with an analogy to the Grapes of Wrath and the Oklahoma people seeking jobs in the West Coast during the gold rush era.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Vikings acquired territory mainly through raids or being given control by the various successor kingdoms of Charlemagne, creating a chaotic situation where Vikings from different countries fought each other for control of the territory.
2:03:48 - 2:15:21 (11:33)
Summary
The Vikings acquired territory mainly through raids or being given control by the various successor kingdoms of Charlemagne, creating a chaotic situation where Vikings from different countries fought each other for control of the territory.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Danes in the Viking Age would sometimes make alliances with groups they were supposed to attack and both would turn on the very people who paid them.
2:15:21 - 2:23:57 (08:36)
Summary
Danes in the Viking Age would sometimes make alliances with groups they were supposed to attack and both would turn on the very people who paid them. But is it ethically justifiable to make such alliances, especially if it ensures generations of safety before it ultimately poisons the nation?
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast episode delves into the history of Slavic slavery, its origins and how Slavic people showed up in Western records before Byzantine records.
2:23:57 - 2:30:23 (06:26)
Summary
This podcast episode delves into the history of Slavic slavery, its origins and how Slavic people showed up in Western records before Byzantine records. It goes on to discuss how the idea of Slav as a synonym for slave originates from this practice.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Goths, best known for assisting in the fall of the Western Roman Empire, were likely 60 percent trader and 40 percent raider, while the Vikings were likely more 60 percent raider and 40 percent trader.
2:30:23 - 2:38:44 (08:21)
Summary
The Goths, best known for assisting in the fall of the Western Roman Empire, were likely 60 percent trader and 40 percent raider, while the Vikings were likely more 60 percent raider and 40 percent trader.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
St. George of Amastris documents the campaign of the Rus Vikings in 860, describing them as people known for their barbarity, ferocity, and cruelty.
2:38:44 - 2:48:26 (09:42)
Summary
St. George of Amastris documents the campaign of the Rus Vikings in 860, describing them as people known for their barbarity, ferocity, and cruelty. This attack suggests that something was bubbling beneath the surface for the Vikings, even if primary sources from earlier years are absent.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In medieval times, Christianity played a significant role in building and strengthening governments.
2:48:27 - 2:57:48 (09:21)
Summary
In medieval times, Christianity played a significant role in building and strengthening governments. Similar to how the West backed new governments in the war on terror, the church provided resources, advisors, and consultants in establishing and maintaining law and order.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This transcript discusses the potential consequences of Viking raids in terms of survival and unintended consequences.
2:57:48 - 3:03:24 (05:36)
Summary
This transcript discusses the potential consequences of Viking raids in terms of survival and unintended consequences.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The organization of law enforcement during Medieval Europe needs to be more flexible and decentralized in order to quickly respond to threats, similar to the Roman and Byzantine militaries' organization.
3:03:24 - 3:08:41 (05:17)
Summary
The organization of law enforcement during Medieval Europe needs to be more flexible and decentralized in order to quickly respond to threats, similar to the Roman and Byzantine militaries' organization. This would allow for a quick response to issues that arise and go away quickly, without having to rely on a central authority for help.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Carolingian state and other early modern societies were able to put well-equipped warriors in the field and fund them through the taxes of their populations, allowing them to field larger armies in battles.
3:08:41 - 3:14:41 (06:00)
Summary
The Carolingian state and other early modern societies were able to put well-equipped warriors in the field and fund them through the taxes of their populations, allowing them to field larger armies in battles.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The challenge of facing nomadic horse archers is very different than facing Byzantine forces, and it is interesting to imagine if we still fought wars this way today with equipment and wealth differences among soldiers.
3:14:41 - 3:19:48 (05:07)
Summary
The challenge of facing nomadic horse archers is very different than facing Byzantine forces, and it is interesting to imagine if we still fought wars this way today with equipment and wealth differences among soldiers.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Elite troops were formed by people who had an elite status and could either form the tip of the spear for Viking forces or be mixed throughout formations of lower quality troops to stiffen them.
3:19:48 - 3:29:04 (09:16)
Summary
Elite troops were formed by people who had an elite status and could either form the tip of the spear for Viking forces or be mixed throughout formations of lower quality troops to stiffen them. As central authority set minimum standards for knights, they received better equipment than other troops in the Middle Ages.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The concept of well-regulated militias is not unique to the Second Amendment, but rather a common requirement throughout history for effective combat and strategic advantage.
3:29:04 - 3:37:49 (08:44)
Summary
The concept of well-regulated militias is not unique to the Second Amendment, but rather a common requirement throughout history for effective combat and strategic advantage. In role playing games, incorporating these requirements add to the authenticity of the Viking gaming experience.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This episode explores whether sky-high morale, or another quality entirely, gives certain warriors such as samurai and Vikings an advantage in battle with their bonus of fearlessness, fanaticism, and ferocity.
3:37:49 - 3:43:01 (05:12)
Summary
This episode explores whether sky-high morale, or another quality entirely, gives certain warriors such as samurai and Vikings an advantage in battle with their bonus of fearlessness, fanaticism, and ferocity.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast episode discusses the different strategies outlined in the Strategicon for fighting against people who are culturally different such as the Vikings and the Byzantines.
3:43:01 - 3:52:25 (09:24)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the different strategies outlined in the Strategicon for fighting against people who are culturally different such as the Vikings and the Byzantines. They discuss how the cultural differences affect the battle strategies used against them.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Byzantine accounts suggest that the idea of the Viking warrior being a head-on puncher, who disdained cunnningness and was always in a berserk mode is not accurate.
3:52:25 - 3:58:49 (06:24)
Summary
Byzantine accounts suggest that the idea of the Viking warrior being a head-on puncher, who disdained cunnningness and was always in a berserk mode is not accurate. The accounts further suggest that so much of what is portrayed as Viking styles of fighting and warfare is based on tenuous information and less is actually known than the popular culture would suggest.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This episode discusses the tactics and strategy of Viking armies and how their approach to warfare differed from other armies.
3:58:49 - 4:08:05 (09:16)
Summary
This episode discusses the tactics and strategy of Viking armies and how their approach to warfare differed from other armies. It also explores the phenomenon of berserkers and how the Viking approach to battle influenced their effectiveness in combat.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Great Heathen Army was a group of people who gathered in Northumbria, acquiring their name from their participation in a big party, or festival.
4:08:05 - 4:16:11 (08:06)
Summary
The Great Heathen Army was a group of people who gathered in Northumbria, acquiring their name from their participation in a big party, or festival. Though over time, the leader of this group, Ivar the Boneless, may have been turned into something of a demigod through myth and legend, this army was made up of individuals led by entrepreneurs who called the shots based on their ship ownership and alliances.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In 867, the Vikings killed Northumbrian claimants to the throne, giving them control of Northumbria, and collected a vast force with which they fought against the common enemy, breaking open the town.
4:16:11 - 4:26:02 (09:51)
Summary
In 867, the Vikings killed Northumbrian claimants to the throne, giving them control of Northumbria, and collected a vast force with which they fought against the common enemy, breaking open the town. The early medieval warfare infrastructure and capabilities in this part of the world made a 5000 man Viking Army unstoppable.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Vikings took over Northumbria, making it their base for attacking other places.
4:26:02 - 4:44:37 (18:35)
Summary
The Vikings took over Northumbria, making it their base for attacking other places. The group was described as an armed family migration, and there were echoes of American pioneer mythology in this event.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Abbo, a monk who witnessed the Siege of Paris wrote a poem that describes a mixture of magical realism and factual accounts.
4:44:37 - 4:53:35 (08:57)
Summary
Abbo, a monk who witnessed the Siege of Paris wrote a poem that describes a mixture of magical realism and factual accounts. This podcast sheds light on Abbo's writing and the historical context surrounding the siege.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Vikings attempted to conquer the city of Paris in 845 AD, but were met with resistance from the defenders, who even managed to rebuild what was destroyed overnight.
4:53:35 - 5:00:19 (06:44)
Summary
The Vikings attempted to conquer the city of Paris in 845 AD, but were met with resistance from the defenders, who even managed to rebuild what was destroyed overnight. The Vikings resorted to using incendiary material in an attempt to burn down the bridge and eliminate the defenders, but ultimately failed to take the city.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This episode covers the details of the Siege of Paris in 885-886, where Vikings raided and tried to take over the city.
5:00:19 - 5:11:46 (11:26)
Summary
This episode covers the details of the Siege of Paris in 885-886, where Vikings raided and tried to take over the city. It includes various attempts by both defenders and attackers, and how the siege contributed to the fall of the Carolingian Empire.
EpisodeShow 69 - Twilight of the Aesir
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The speaker previews an upcoming war game that includes graphics of three legendary battles: LL main, Anzio landings, and Monte Casino struggle, that have been a part of some of the greatest PC games invented.
5:11:46 - 5:14:17 (02:31)
Summary
The speaker previews an upcoming war game that includes graphics of three legendary battles: LL main, Anzio landings, and Monte Casino struggle, that have been a part of some of the greatest PC games invented.