Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The genius of the flagellants. And the reason why the flagellants were such a popular show was because they were able to transform erotically charged, private self-abuse into public theater." — Henry
"The plague-stricken townsfolk quickly formed an angry mob in what sounds like a very British-type move. Like, I could just see an entire-- just a group of British men, one guy yells, 'Oi!' And then it's fucking-- Get down!" — Ben Kissel
"Their faith in God increased because to them, the proof that God existed was right in front of their face. It just decreased their faith in the church." — Ed Marcus
This episode of Last Podcast on the Left explores the extreme reactions to the Black Death, focusing on the flagellant movement in Germanic regions and the plague's arrival and impact on England. The flagellants, driven by a mix of religious fervor and social upheaval, engaged in public self-whipping as penance and a perceived direct connection to God, bypassing the church's authority. This movement, characterized by theatrical displays, often devolved into violence and scapegoating, notably against Jewish communities. The narrative then shifts to England, where initial skepticism and a sense of insular superiority were quickly shattered as the plague arrived, decimating the population and leading to profound societal shifts, including the end of feudalism and the emergence of a middle class.
The hosts detail the rituals of the flagellants, highlighting their public performances, the symbolic nature of their self-inflicted pain, and their role as unintended plague super-spreaders due to their constant movement and lack of hygiene. The episode contrasts the perceived "theatrical" nature of the flagellants with the brutal reality of their actions and the pervasive fear and societal breakdown caused by the plague. In England, the narrative covers the misperceptions and poor hygiene practices that facilitated the plague's rapid spread, the impact on various social classes, and the questioning of church authority as traditional religious figures proved unable to stem the tide of death. The episode also touches upon the grim realities of medieval life, including short lifespans and harsh societal norms, which were exacerbated by the pandemic.
Ultimately, the episode illustrates how the Black Death not only caused immense mortality but also acted as a catalyst for significant social, religious, and economic change. The decline of the church's unquestioned authority, the rise of a middle class from inherited wealth, and the shift in power from landowners to laborers are presented as direct consequences of the societal disruption. The discussion concludes with the plague's impact on England, including the destruction of villages, the reorganization of burial practices, and the stark demographic shifts that ultimately paved the way for a more modern society, setting the stage for future historical periods to be explored.