History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett cover image

Ancient Europe

History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

CHAPTER

Crafting a National Epic

This chapter explores the historical lack of a national epic for the English and Tolkien's aspirations to create an Anglo-Saxon mythology. It highlights the influences of ancient European traditions, such as Beowulf and the Kalevala, on modern narratives like 'Lord of the Rings'. The discussion also touches on the complexities of European ancestry and the cultural shifts from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, revealing the nuanced understanding of historical identities and conflicts.

00:00
Transcript
Play full episode

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner