Mar 30 2025 54 mins 45
Welcome to another episode of History Rage, the podcast where we invite historians to cast aside the fairy tales and reveal the raw, unvarnished truth. This week, we delve into the world of medieval princesses, exploring the lives of the queens who never were. Our guide on this journey is historian, novelist, and author of "Regina : The Queens Who Could Have Been," Emily Murdoch Perkins. Emily joins us to rage against the misconceptions surrounding medieval princesses, challenging the notion that they were merely passive, delicate figures.
Debunking the Fairy Tale Princess:
- Emily dismantles the stereotype of the medieval princess as a demure and obedient figure, arguing that these women were often politically astute, educated, and active members of society.
- She traces the origin of this myth to Victorian nostalgia and the romanticised portrayals in art and media.
Real Princesses, Real Power:
- Discover the true stories of medieval princesses like Margaret of England and Eleanor of Woodstock, who defied expectations and wielded influence in their own right.
- Explore the concept of "soft power" and how princesses used it to navigate the political landscape of their time.
Modern Parallels:
- Emily examines the enduring challenges faced by women in positions of power, drawing parallels between medieval princesses and contemporary figures like Princess Anne.
- She highlights the ongoing struggle for autonomy and the right to define one's own role in society.
Join us as Emily passionately argues that medieval princesses were far more complex and influential than the fairy tales suggest. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in uncovering the realities of medieval life and challenging long-held historical myths.
For more insights, check out Emily's book, "Regina: The Queens Who Could Have Been" and follow her on social media at @EmilyEKMurdoch
You can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage.
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Stay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage
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