Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Exploring Irish Monk
Sep 29, 2021
Discover the legend of an Irish monk who might have sailed to America as early as 500 CE! Delve into the fascinating narrative of St. Brendan and his purported voyage, blending folklore with historical insight. Unpack the intriguing connections between Viking explorers and Native American tribes, hinting at earlier encounters than we knew. Plus, explore the debate over the mysterious Horse Creek Petroglyphs and how myths shape our understanding of history. A captivating adventure where myth meets maritime exploration!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Vikings in North America
- The Vikings were the first Europeans to definitively reach North America, establishing a settlement in L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, around 1000 CE.
- This fact is supported by both archaeological findings and Norse sagas.
St. Brendan's Voyage
- Legend says Irish monk St. Brendan sailed to North America in the 6th century, predating the Vikings.
- He described a vast island, lush forests, and plentiful fruits, possibly referring to North America.
Norse Sagas and Irish Presence
- Norse sagas suggest the Vikings encountered Irish missions in Greenland and Native Americans who had seen white men before.
- One saga even mentions a tribe speaking a language resembling Irish, hinting at prior Irish presence.