The Medieval Browser, Oct 18
5 links and a book: Orkney, Petra, Ghosts, Treasure
The death of Earl Rǫgnvaldr of Orkney
I’m currently on a (virtual) Orkney binge, because a) I discovered the Orkney Music Festival, wonderful playlist here, b) Highland Park Scotch, c) the release of The Outrun, starring Saoirse Ronan, based on the very interesting book.
So here, find a summary of killing of Earl Rǫgnvaldr of Orkney, as reported in chapter 103 of the Orkneyinga saga and summarized by Viqueen, aka Judith Jesch, Professor of Viking Studies, University of Nottingham
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What led to the Second Crusade?
A quick video summarizing what led to the Second Crusade (the one before Richard), from Real Crusades History.
The Romance of the Rose
Here’s a fun series about The Romance of the Rose, one of the most popular of medieval secular literary works, and completely on-theme relative to our current series on the Troubadours. The link takes you to the first episode.
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Fun with Medieval Ghosts, in time for Halloween
This is a fun post on medieval ghosts. Though they did not talk about my favorite medieval ghost, Glam, the one from Grettir's saga. Grettir is famously unafraid of anything or anyone. One of my favorite lines from that wonderful saga:
Just as Glam fell the clouds moved, revealing the moon. Glam stared up at the light, and Grettir later said that this sight was the only one that had ever scared him.
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King John’s Lost Treasure
One of the most enduring legends in English history is that of King John and his lost treasure. According to the legend, King John was crossing the marshes of Lincolnshire in 1216 when he lost his crown jewels and other valuables in the muddy waters of The Wash. But how much truth is there behind this legend? Murrey and Blue explore:
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50 well-preserved Viking Age skeletons unearthed in Denmark
In a village in central Denmark, archaeologists made a landmark discovery that could hold important clues to the Viking era: a burial ground, containing some 50 "exceptionally well-preserved" skeletons.
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Tombs Discovered under Petra
OK this isn't really medieval, and it isn't about Europe or Richard, but it's still very interesting! A discovery of a secret tomb at one of the new seven wonders of the world has been made by a team of researchers, including academics from the University of St Andrews.
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And, the book: Dan Jones is perhaps the most well-known popular historian on the medieval era, between his histories of the Templars and the Plantagenets, his recent historical fiction, his podcast, and now, his most recent book, and new history of Henry V.
Details here: https://tbrapp.co/book/670205