Description
Murderous millennial preachers and prophets take over the German city of Munster after Martin Luther unleashes a Pandora’s Box of religious anarchy with the Protestant Reformation.
Dan’s research and book list
Articles:
1.”For the Honor of God and to Fulfill His Will: The Role of Polygamy in Anabaptist Munster” by Darren T. Williamson
2.”British man recalls how his sister became a follower of cult leader David Koresh” by Tim Madigan for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 18, 2013
Mark –
Outstanding. I have studied the events leading to the reformation and had heard the term Anabaptist, but had never heard of this event before this podcast. As much as I cringed hearing the accounts I’m better off knowing what happened in both my secular and religious life.
Ryan –
Amazing story, who knew that things could get so out of control!?!
Doug Belshaw –
Right at the end of this show, Dan explains how dissatisfied he is with – and, indeed, how he re-recorded the entire 4+ hours. I haven’t listened to all of the episodes of Hardcore History yet, but I have to say this is my favourite so far.
Why? Dan’s questioning, his build-up to the big events, and his analogies are fantastic. More of this please!
Jakob –
Dan Carlin’s ability to relate historical facts interwoven with the finest traits of suspenseful storytelling truly is one of a kind.
Events that have transpired centuries ago come to life in his retellings and so do the historical figures, their ambitions and emotions. Carlin tells his historical stories in such a compelling way that one might be obliged to forget that they are just that: retellings of actual events – or of what is recorded of such events.
This episode in particular creates such a lifelike retelling of the city of Münster and its situation at the time, that one quickly becomes entrapped in it. Carlin describes character so vividly and circumstances so thoroughly that stories come alive in his retellings. I cannot recommend this episode – or any of the “Hardcore History” episodes – enough to anyone who likes history, drama, or great storytelling in general.
Bret Batterman –
While every HH story is EPIC and AWESOME, this is hands down my favorite HH episode, bar none. Dan himself seems to be delighted to tell this story, and I feel the same way listening. One need only google “Munster cages” to stir your curiosity about this story. Once you press play, buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride! (in the best way) Favorite line: “…and proceed to cut him up; literally.” AH, goosebumps! Well done Dan!
Reyhan Rosado –
I’ve been a fan of Dan for a while. I’ve listened to all his free episodes at least two times (I’m a minor so I can’t buy the others yet). Every episode is amazing but this one is just perfect. I don’t know what it is, but it’s just fantastic.
Everyone should listen to it.
Emilia LArsen –
I love this story, I must have listened to it 12 times by now. I recommend it to everyone who shows the slightest interest in history and everyone I know had enjoyed it immensely. I love all the Hardcore History podcasts but this one takes the cake.
Tracy C. –
This was the first podcast of Dan’s I’ve listened to and I loved it. His style of storytelling and interweaving of events, personalities, and social norms was really well done. And the whole bit about why Martin Luther was so angry – the indulgences, the wealth of the church, the hypocrisy of the popes etc. – was very well described and really put his protest into context.
David Bernstein –
Love this cast absolutely amazing and the painter that gives over the scene has everything to do with that
Jennifer Dwyer –
I want to thank you so much for this episode, it is so relevant in this time. The connection between this historical time and the splinter sects that is .0001% of Muslims in the world is important. I think that your point regarding average “joe” showing up for a lynching of an African American and “writing home about it” was an important point, it made me think too, really, can we conveniently isolate this part of history in our “past”, saying that we are better than that, we have more humanity? What about an entire section in India, where women and children are forced into the sex trade.. where is our humanity? It would be nice to believe that we have became more civilised …
Thank you so much for this, you did an amazing job!
Atif Faridi –
It really takes something special to make me look forward to my awful commute to and from work. This is special. Thanks, Dan – for the incredible story and suppressing my road rage for a few days.
jlford5 –
I’ve listened to quite a bit of Dan’s HH podcasts – all fantastic, but this is by far the best one in my book. Dan seems to be unsatisfied with this one for reasons that i cannot understand. To me this perfectly underscores a major theme throughout all of his podcasts: that civilization provides a very thin veneer over our brutal, animal natures to which we can degenerate very quickly under the right circumstances.
Maria Luiza Cunha Lima –
Simply fascinating! Love it.
Zack –
I loved this episode. I loved the feeling of it. The scenery and characters were developed so well by Dan that I ended up thinking that this story would make one hell of a movie. I listened to his disclaimer at the end and was very surprised at his self criticism on this one. It was my favorite yet and an amazing story.
Buud –
History class on steroids. Get some
johnscottmeyers –
This was excellent! One of the most twisted historical events I had never heard of.
djhedgehog –
Comparing other history podcasts to Hardcore History is impossible: Dan has a voice, an eye for the dramatic and an analytical style that allows for the most information to come across as entertainment while still holding all of the impact (if not more) of a world history course at the college level.
Dan has a focus on the human experience that makes your stomach turn as you put yourself in the shoes of our ancestors. Imagining being in the crowd and viewing the executions described in this podcast is enough to make most horror movie fans twist in their seats.
Zachary –
Definitely my favorite show Dan has made so far. The extreme mania expressed by the people of the time is extraordinary and fascinating.
ghawkinsm –
This is by far the most disturbing episode that I’ve listened to so far… absolutely brilliant, but unsettling and graphic. Approach with caution!
ritchie –
I am in no way familiar with Dan Carlin, never heard of him, never listened to him, until two days ago. It may just be the best discovery I have made in a while. I don’t want to talk too much about the content as the description will tell you enough, but two quotes that came up while listening were: “This is what happens when you give a microphone to an expert who is passionate.” and “There are no boring subjects if the teacher is a good storyteller.”
I don’t like history that much. But I love this story told by Dan. I’m happy I haven’t finished this episode yet, and I’m happy that there are so many more episodes to go. It’s brilliant.
Mike –
This so far has been my standout favorite episode. Must’ve listened to it 4 or 5 times already. Because of Dan, Münster is high on my list of places to visit before I die. Also because of Dan I’m seriously considering dropping $3-400 on von Kerssenbroch’s book.
rosemaryholland92 –
My favorite HH so far, and possibly my favorite episode of any podcast I’ve ever heard! Fantastic. Bonkers story out of one of my favorite eras, the storytelling unfolds wonderfully – he really takes the time to wring every drop from this crazy story, I love it!
ryanmurphy –
My favorite HH episode. Dark and interesting. Easy to close your eyes and feel like you’re there.
PeteFla –
Outstanding