The Canterbury Fails

The hosts dive into the captivating life of Saint Machutus, exploring his remarkable miracles and the essence of hagiography. They discuss the historical manuscripts, including the Cotton Ortho A8, and trace Machutus' identity across various languages. The narrative is rich with oceanic themes and cultural exchanges, yet they critique its formulaic prose. A lively cocktail segment introduces the Corpse Reviver, echoing Machutus' miraculous tales. Join them as they navigate religious history, Viking influences, and the challenges of translating ancient texts.

David and Matt delve into the intricacies of a medieval poem, exploring its origins, manuscript history, and unique structure. They concoct a medicinal cocktail inspired by the work and summarize its poignant plot involving a maiden's longing. A fascinating discussion follows on the turtle-dove's sermon recounting biblical tales and the quaternity of faith represented in the poem. The hosts debate its tone—whether it serves as meditation or moral guidance—and contrast it with modern devotional practices. They cap off their insights with ratings for both the poem and cocktail.

Dive into the world of a Kentish hymn and its fascinating liturgical origins. The hosts break down the poem's 10th-century context, all the while enjoying a creative Trinitarian cocktail. They explore the uniqueness of the Kentish dialect and the role of monastic bilingualism. As they read through the hymn, they critique its blandness despite moments of striking imagery. The discussion also touches on the interplay between Latin and Old English, revealing how such hymns may foreshadow later masterpieces in English literature.

Dive into the whimsical world of a late Middle English poem featuring a magical garland that tests a daughter's fidelity. The hosts explore the enigmatic author Adam of Cobsem, dissecting themes of gender and labor as suitors find themselves trapped in a comical twist of fate. They pair the discussion with a refreshing rosewater gin fizz, drawing colorful comparisons between the cocktail and floral motifs in the tale. The conversation critiques poetic metrics while unraveling why this overlooked gem deserves more attention in classrooms.

Dive into Old English with an analysis of the obscure poem Pharaoh, exploring its connections to the Exodus and medieval riddles. Matt and David bring humor to their scholarly discussion while sipping a specially crafted cocktail inspired by the poem. The Pharaoh cocktail, a unique gin martini with a spicy twist, matches the poem's vibrant character. They debate the readability of the text and question modern interpretations of heroic language. Enjoy witty banter as they rate the poem and drink, making literature downright delicious.