Terry Jones' Medieval Lives Season 1 Episode 4 The King

Terry Jones' Medieval Lives is a fascinating documentary series that takes a humorous and informative look at the lives of ordinary people during the Middle Ages. In season 1, episode 4, titled "The King," Jones turns his attention to the most powerful figure of the medieval period: the monarch.

Throughout the episode, Jones explores the myths and legends surrounding medieval kingship, as well as examining the reality of what it meant to be a king during this tumultuous period of European history. He begins by looking at the story of King Arthur, the legendary British king who supposedly united the country in the 6th century AD. Jones uses the story of Arthur to illustrate how the idea of kingship in the Middle Ages was often rooted in myth and legend, rather than fact. He shows how Arthur's story was retold and embellished over the centuries, gradually transforming him from a real historical figure into a mythical hero.

Jones then moves on to examine the role of the king in medieval society. He shows how the king was expected to be both a warrior and a peacemaker, a judge and a lawgiver. He explores how kingship was closely tied to the idea of divine right, with kings believed to have been given their authority directly by God. Jones illustrates how this belief in the divine origins of kingship led to a complex relationship between the king and his subjects, with the king expected to be a fatherly figure who would care for his people like a shepherd cares for his flock.

The episode also delves into the often bloody and brutal reality of medieval kingship. Jones describes how kings frequently had to fight for their thrones, often resorting to warfare and violence to protect their power. He also shows how kings were frequently subject to assassination plots and coups, with their own subjects sometimes turning against them in times of crisis. Jones looks at some of the most famous examples of medieval monarchs who met gruesome and violent ends, including King Richard II and King Edward II of England.

Despite the risks and challenges of kingship, however, Jones argues that being a king in the Middle Ages was still a highly coveted position. Kings were able to command vast armies and accumulate vast wealth, and they were able to shape the course of history in ways that other individuals could only dream of. Jones ends the episode by examining the legacy of medieval kingship, showing how the ideas and institutions that grew out of this period continue to shape our own ideas of leadership and authority to this day.

Overall, "The King" is a fascinating and engaging episode of Terry Jones' Medieval Lives, one that offers a rich and nuanced exploration of one of the most important figures of the medieval period. With Jones' trademark wit and insight, this episode provides a unique perspective on the complex and multifaceted role of the medieval king.