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We Can Be Weirdos

The Rough Corner: The Chalk Giant Mystery… Solved!

Jan 9, 2024
Dan Schreiber, an intrepid academic delving into historical mysteries, joins the discussion on the notorious Cerne Abbas Giant. They unravel surprising connections to Greek mythology and reveal its Mid-Medieval roots. The conversation highlights how social media fuels academic engagement and community collaboration. They also explore cultural misunderstandings surrounding the giant, its ties to fertility rituals, and its evolving interpretations through the ages. Finally, Schreiber connects these giants to literature, inviting listeners to share their own experiences.
29:31

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Recent research indicates that the Cern-Abbas Giant may symbolize Hercules rather than a pagan deity, challenging traditional interpretations of its significance.
  • The investigation into the giant's origins demonstrates how social media fosters academic collaboration, enriching the understanding of historical artifacts through public engagement.

Deep dives

The Cern-Abbas Giant's Identity Unveiled

Recent research suggests that the Cern-Abbas Giant, a famous chalk figure in Dorset, may not represent a pagan deity, as previously thought, but rather Hercules from Greek mythology. This groundbreaking identification comes from the work of two academics, Dr. Tom Morcombe and Dr. Helen Gittos, who have utilized newly acquired dating evidence to argue for its creation during the early Middle Ages, around 700 to 1100 AD. They emphasize that the giant's representation is not only a reflection of the local culture but also signifies a connection to classical heritage, which may have been overlooked historically. This shift in understanding challenges the notion of the giant as merely a local fertility symbol and opens discussions on its broader cultural implications.

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