Show 69 – Twilight of the Aesir Description: This show picks up where Dan’s Thor’s Angels show left off. In the early Middle Ages Pagan Germanic-language speakers like the Vikings are a dying breed. Many of their contemporaries wish they’d die faster.
In “Hardcore History” journalist and broadcaster Dan Carlin takes his “Martian”, unorthodox way of thinking and applies it to the past. Was Alexander the Great as bad a person as Adolf Hitler? What would Apaches with modern weapons be like? Will our modern civilization ever fall like civilizations from past eras? This isn’t academic history (and Carlin isn’t a historian) but the podcast’s unique blend of high drama, masterful narration and Twilight Zone-style twists has entertained millions of listeners.
Books Mentioned in Hardcore History Show 69 - Twilight of the Aesir:
Book Title: Charlemagne – Father Of A Continent
Author: Alessandro Barbero
Book Title: The Anglo-Saxon Missionaries in Germany
Author: C.H. Talbot
Books: A History of the Art of War in the Sixteenth Century
Author: Sir Charles Oman
Book Title: Children of Ash and Elm
Author: Neil Price
Book Title: The Forge of Christendom – The End Of Days And The Epic Rise Of The West
Author: Tom Holland
Book Title: The Viking Wars
Author: Max Adams
Book: Vikings
Book: The Life of Charlemagne
Author: Einhard
Book: Powers and Thrones
Author: Dan Jones
Book Title: Western Apache Raising & Warfare
Author: Grenville Goodwin
Book: The Bright Ages
Author: Matthew Gabriele & David M. Perry
Book: River Kings
Author: Cat Jarman
Book: History of the Goths
Author: Herwig Wolfram
Book: Vikings at War
Author: Vegard Vike, Kim Hjardar
Book: The Art of War
Author: Sun Tzu
Book: A History of the Vikings
Author: Gwyn Jones
Book: A History of the English Speaking Peoples
Author: Winston Churchill
Book: The Age of Faith
Author: Will Durant
Hardcore History Show 69 – Twilight of the Aesir
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History 69 – Twilight of the Æsir delves deep into the Viking era, shedding light on the geopolitical shifts, the raids, and the cultural contexts of the time.
The Historical Context
The Viking era was marked by intricate power plays, where the tables turned in favor of the Vikings by the 830s. The once-intimidating Frankish state, which posed a significant threat during Charlemagne’s reign, saw its power wane, giving Vikings an opportunity to launch larger and more sustained attacks. While primary sources often paint the Vikings as mere raiders motivated by greed, a closer look suggests larger geopolitical motives.
Siege Warfare and the Vikings
The 830s ushered in a period of intense Viking activity, characterized by expansive raids and larger war endeavors. Notable among them was Gottfried’s significant campaign in 810 against Friesland’s coast. The frequency and scale of these attacks amplified after the death of Louis the Pious in 840 AD. France, in the 9th and 10th centuries, became a prime target, enduring 47 Norse attacks. Cities like Paris and Tours faced multiple sieges, reflecting the audacity and might of the Viking forces.
Character Profiles and Anecdotes
Throughout this tumultuous era, several key figures emerge. Whether it’s the Vikings themselves, the beleaguered city leaders, or the rulers of the day, each played a pivotal role in shaping the events of the time.
Conclusion
The Viking era, as portrayed in this episode, is a tapestry of conquests, sieges, and shifting power dynamics. While often romanticized or vilified in popular culture, a nuanced exploration reveals a period rich in complexity, where survival, ambition, and geopolitics intertwined.