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Reckoning with Jason HerbertAuthor: Jason Herbert
Historian and outdoorsman Dr. Jason Herbert has questions about the world. And it's time to reckon with them. Language: en-us Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 198: Honor, Fear, and the Green Knight: Matt Gabriele on Arthurian Myth and Medieval Masculinity
Thursday, 7 May, 2026
What does The Green Knight reveal about masculinity, honor, fear, and the strange world of medieval storytelling?In this episode of Reckoning with Jason Herbert, historian and medievalist Matt Gabriele joins Jason for a deep dive into David Lowery’s haunting adaptation of the Arthurian legend Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Together, they unpack the film’s rich symbolism, eerie atmosphere, and surprisingly human portrayal of knighthood in the Middle Ages.From Dev Patel’s unforgettable performance as Gawain to the mythology surrounding King Arthur, the conversation explores how medieval people understood honor, courage, religion, violence, and destiny. Jason and Matt discuss the real history behind Arthurian legends, the meaning of chivalry, the role of Christianity and folklore in medieval Europe, and why The Green Knight may be one of the most honest medieval films ever made.Along the way, they tackle medieval masculinity, race in the medieval world, storytelling traditions, and the enduring power of myth in modern culture. Plus: bourbon, bad decisions, Monty Python, and why every historian secretly wants to talk about talking foxes and giants.If you love medieval history, Arthurian lore, fantasy films, mythology, or thoughtful movie analysis, this episode is for you.Topics Include:The Green Knight explained King Arthur and the origins of Arthurian legend Medieval masculinity and chivalry Dev Patel as Gawain Religion and magic in the Middle Ages Medieval storytelling and folklore Race and diversity in medieval Europe Why The Green Knight feels so different from other medieval films The real meaning of honor and oathkeeping
