The Pirate History Podcast Episode 370 - A History of the Devil
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Dec 2, 2025 Dive into the intriguing cultural history of the devil, exploring how human perspectives shape this figure over time. Discover the devil's significant role in early modern life, especially among pirates. From ancient Sumerian myths to Canaanite deities, the connection between ancient adversarial entities and modern beliefs unfurls. Uncover Baal Hadad's epic struggles and the evolution of the Lightbringer motif. The journey highlights how these timeless narratives influenced our understanding of good and evil.
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A Cultural History Approach
- Matt Albers frames this episode as a cultural history of the devil focusing on human belief rather than theology.
- He aims to trace how belief shaped behavior, particularly among early modern people like pirates.
Devil's Presence In Early Modern Life
- Matt describes how the devil was more present in early modern lives than perhaps any other period.
- He connects that presence to his curiosity about how pirates reconciled faith with violent lives.
Origins In Mesopotamian Myth
- Matt traces religious belief origins to early civilizations, noting written records begin around 4,000 BC.
- He uses Sumerian and Akkadian myths to show early concepts of malevolent spirits and cosmic order.
