Countdown to Christmas 2023: 19: WISE MEN!

·39 min·3 clips

How are elves linked to Louisa May Alcott, David Sedaris, and the Battle of the Somme?

The episode begins with the hosts introducing their show's theme of uncovering unexpected historical connections, citing examples like elves linked to Louisa May Alcott and chaos tied to Lady Jane Grey. They then focus on wise men, starting with John Dee, a Tudor magician who used an obsidian mirror from Mexico to summon angels for wisdom. Sam Willis discusses the Frank's Casket, a whale bone carving from the 8th century that depicts both the wise men adoring Christ and the Germanic legend of Wayland the Smith, who murders a king's sons and makes cups from their skulls. James Daybell explores gestures of deference, particularly the kowtow in China, detailing how Western diplomats in the 19th century saw it as abject servitude and a cause of conflict like the Opium War. He references an article by James L. Heavier on this topic and describes the elaborate rituals at the Qing court. Sam analyzes artistic depictions of wise men, noting they are often shown as non-white outsiders in early Christian art, such as in works by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. James reads T.S. Eliot's poem 'The Journey of the Magi,' which portrays the wise men's difficult travel and existential doubts. The episode ends with a mention of Virgilius Maro Grammaticus, a 7th-century Irish writer who mocked Latin grammar with nonsense, suggesting a history of satire around wisdom. Throughout, the hosts weave in references to other Christmas episodes and promote their books and podcasts.

As heard by us

A festive history that starts with elves and ends on kowtowing.

Histories of the Unexpected's festive episode starts with elves and mischief, then drifts toward status, deference, and the politics of bowing before superiors.

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Why you'd press play

You get Christmas history by way of elves, chaos, and kowtowing politics, oddly enough.

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