Our Fake History Bonus Episode - Messy Duels, Welsh Pride, and Famous Firsts
Nov 25, 2025
Sebastian dives into the messy history of elephant duels, exploring how recorded accounts vary wildly. He questions the legitimacy of the last duel and highlights a 1549 legendary story filled with mythic embellishments. Shifting gears, he tackles the enduring myths surrounding Welsh Prince Madoc and discusses the implications of who 'discovered' America. Listener insights, including druidic interpretations of Welsh poetry, add depth to the conversation, making this a thought-provoking exploration of history's complexities.
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Episode notes
Ram Kam Heng's Melee Elephant Fight
- Ram Kam Heng's inscription describes charging through enemy lines and fighting an opposing commander on elephant back during battle.
- The encounter ended with the enemy commander fleeing, not a formal single-combat resolution.
The Queen Who Saved Her King (Likely Embellished)
- The 1549 episode with King Maha Chakrafat and Queen Sri Suryothai is told as heroic myth, including the queen sacrificing herself to save the king.
- Burmese accounts omit the single-combat detail, suggesting the story contains later embellishment.
1424 Duel Is The Closest To A ‘Formal’ Fight
- A 1424 succession duel may be the closest recorded instance to a formal elephant duel, ending with both champions dead.
- Limited details make it hard to be certain, but it fits the idea of two champions resolving a dispute by combat.
