Pop Medieval Ep 47: Earendel is a Good Name for a Star

Pop Medieval Ep 47: Earendel is a Good Name for a Star

Author: Pop Medieval April 17, 2022 Duration: 22:06
We’re going to the stars! In this episode, Doc tells Nina about the new astronomical discovery and what that has to do with Tolkien plus some other medieval astronomy instruments. Finally, Doc implies that Nina has the “ill-Inanna.”  Topics covered: sky protractors, using video game consoles to remember names, complicated steampunk sundials, Mayan city planning, American presidential rituals, and the longest star naming discussion ever. Show Notes https://www.space.com/hubble-most-distant-star-tolkien-name-earendil  thoughtco.com/the-astrolabe-using-the-stars-for-navigation-and-timekeeping-4126095 http://english.pmo.cas.cn/resources/facilities/201911/t20191123_226171.html https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/civil/maya/mmc07eng.html Recommendations: The Expanse – All 6 Seasons on Amazon Prime https://www.amazon.com/The-Expanse-Season-1/dp/B08B49T8TZ  How to make an Astrolabe https://arxiv.org/pdf/1202.2005.pdf British Museum’s “How to Use an Astrolabe” https://youtu.be/N8oWGwcdFmA See hwaet’s Poppin’ in the Pop Medieval Discord. Join us at: https://discord.gg/VaF2sZdeGk

Ever wondered why medieval history feels like a dusty textbook but the movies set in that era are so thrilling? Pop Medieval bridges that gap with a sense of adventure and a lot of laughs. Hosted by Dr. Richard Scott Nokes and his co-conspirator Nina MacNamara, this podcast digs into the real stories behind our fascination with the so-called dark ages. Each episode feels like a quest, whether they’re tracking down historical treasures, unraveling the complexities of events like the Black Death, or dissecting the monstrous creatures that haunt medieval lore and modern screens. The conversation is lively, accessible, and packed with insights you won’t find in a lecture hall. It’s for anyone who’s ever loved a medieval film or game but wanted to know where the fantasy ends and history begins. By blending rigorous education with genuine curiosity and humor, this series makes the distant past feel immediate and wildly entertaining. Tune in to Pop Medieval for a fresh take that proves learning about the past doesn’t have to be a chore-it can be an absolute blast.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 59

Pop Medieval
Podcast Episodes
Pop Medieval Ep 44: An Interview with Professor Awesome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:59
In this very special episode of Pop Medieval, Nina rescues Doc from a bicycle repair man's refrigerator and interviews him about his latest book, "The Watch of Traxis." She asks the important questions like, is this book…
Pop Medieval Ep 43: Boning With Chaucer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:20
Doc and Nina are back from their January break and have a new episode. In this Valentine’s Day episode, they’re gushing, cooing, and preening about Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Parliament of Foules” — birds, that is. Ca-CAAA! Top…
Pop Medieval Ep 42: Eat Me(dieval) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:22
Doc sends Nina to cooking school for Christmas (no, this episode is NOT late — technically we’re still within the Christmas season). She recounts her experiences with the hits and misses from her week of feasting. Topics…
Pop Medieval Ep 40: “There Can Be Only One, SpongeBob!” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
Doc and Nina take on a beloved camp classic for Movember: Highlander. Guess what — it’s also from 1986! And Sean Connery is back, doing his Scottish non-Scot thing again. Topics covered: what exactly the Prize is, Christ…
Pop Medieval Ep 38: Garrrrrn and his Laduh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:06
Doc and Nina kick off Mov-ember with The Green Knight. Spoilers abound. Topics discussed: knighthood, Gawain’s confusing heritage, the fox’s identity, Gawain becoming unstuck in time, the Trojan War, the color green, who…
Pop Medieval Ep 37: The Tears of St. Erkenwald [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:19
Doc tells Nina the spooky tale of St Erkenwald, the 13th century bishop who found an incorruptible corpse of a 6th century pagan king, resurrected him, and sent him to heaven with his holy tears. Topics covered: sacramen…
Pop Medieval Ep 36: Some Games are Good, Others are Halatafl [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:31
Shall we play a (board) game? Doc shows Nina a board game featuring a raging Geat and Fairytale Femme Fatale. Topics of discussion: Beowulf, Little Red Riding Hood, asymmetrical games, board games, metaphors, fox and gee…
Pop Medieval Ep 35: Vinland and Voynich: a Virulent Voyage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:53
Doc and Nina discuss the Vinland Map and the Voynich Manuscript. Topics of discussion: the difference between fakes and forgeries, creepy medieval books, Yale, vikings, naked people in pea soup, doodling in homework, din…