When medieval people gazed at the moon, they saw more than just a glowing orb in the night sky. For them, the moon was a powerful yet fragile presence—both distant and intimate, symbolising not only love and beauty, but also exile, loss, and mystery. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Ayoush Lazikani, author of The Medieval Moon: A History of Haunting and Blessing, to explore how cultures across the globe—from England and Wales to China, Japan, South America, and beyond—imagined and interacted with the moon during the Middle Ages. From astronomy and astrolabes to Japanese lunar princesses and European folktales, their conversation reveals the moon as a universal yet deeply mysterious force that bound humanity together across cultures.

More:

The Green Man

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EocBSBHa0TgdoiGuzpEr7

Life and Legends Along the Medieval Coastline

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3YamBjNHcVY3l3YMO7HTPK

Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. Audio editor is Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

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