After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal Who Was Medieval Europe's Most Evil Monarch?
Nov 27, 2025
Dr. Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian and co-host of the Gone Medieval podcast, dives into the dark side of medieval royalty. She discusses notorious figures like Pedro the Cruel, whose love-led revenge was legendary, and Richard the Lionheart, known for his brutal campaigns and heavy taxes. Janega also examines Isabella the She-Wolf's cunning political maneuvers and Vlad the Impaler’s horrific tactics that birthed his infamous reputation. The conversation heats up as they rank these monarchs by their cruelty and cunning, leaving listeners questioning who truly was the most evil.
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Pedro’s Vengeful Romance
- Eleanor Janega recounts Pedro I of Portugal's revenge after his lover Inês was murdered, including alleged heart-ripping executions and exhuming her body.
- These grisly stories highlight how personal vendettas shaped royal violence and later chroniclers sensationalised events.
Question Sensational Chronicles
- Treat sensational medieval chronicle claims skeptically because chroniclers had agendas and love for dramatic storytelling.
- Use corroboration and context to separate likely acts from literary flourish.
Absence Fuels Royal Mythmaking
- The absence of a king like Richard lets popular mythmaking flourish; absentee rule created space for heroic legends.
- Eleanor links modern political uses of Richard's image to this historical vacancy and myth construction.
