Radiolab Origin Stories
Jun 3, 2022
Celebrate storytelling as the hosts reminisce about their 20-year journey, blending whimsical anecdotes with dark historical tales. Discover a captivating automaton crafted by Juanelo Turiano, embodying devotion during the Counter-Reformation. Dive deep into the intriguing phenomenon of musical hallucinations, revealing the emotional and cognitive impacts on individuals. Personal stories highlight the complexities of sound, solitude, and the profound connections between music, memory, and identity.
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Don Carlos's Accident
- In 1562, Prince Don Carlos of Spain suffered a head injury after a fall, leading to a national crisis.
- The injury caused swelling, delirium, fever, and blindness, prompting desperate measures from doctors.
The King's Pact and the Dream
- King Philip II made a pact with God, promising a miracle in exchange for his son's healing.
- Don Carlos miraculously recovered, claiming to have dreamt of a Franciscan monk who assured his recovery.
The Mechanical Monk
- To fulfill his pact, King Philip II commissioned clockmaker Juanelo Turriano to create a mechanical monk.
- This 15-inch automaton, made of wood and iron, mimics the appearance and actions of Friar Diego de Alcala.
