Why the Flag? Vexillology Podcast

The show that explores the stories behind the flags – and how these symbols impact our world, our history, and ourselves.

“A new podcast for vexillophiles from Simon Mullin. Highly recommended!”

— Portland Flag Association (@portlandflag)

Latest Episodes

Episode 9, Part II – *out now!*

**The Russian Flag: Tsars and the**
**“Third Rome”**

“Strong in our friendship tried by fire, long may our **crimson flag inspire** – shining in glory for all men to see.” This is the final chapter of the Russian flag, 1917-1991.
**Show Notes** – *coming soon*

Practice_fight_of_the_Dutch_Fleet_in_the_honour_of_Tzar_Peter_the_Great,_1_Sept_1697_by_Abrakham_Storck_(fragment_1).jpg — **Episode 9, Part I**

**The Russian Flag: Tsars and the**
**“Third Rome”**

How did the backwater city of Moscow rise to become one of the largest land empires in history? This is the surprising true story of the tricolor flag of Russia – and the Tsar’s “Third Rome.”
**Show Notes**

**Episode 8**

**The Albanian Flag: Skanderbeg’s Revenge**

Invasion and rebellion. Conversion and conquest. This is the story of Albania’s double-eagle flag – and one nation’s centuries-old quest for independence.
**Show Notes**

The history of the Albanian flag is a story of invasion and rebellion, conversion and conquest. We also explore the extraordinary life of the flag's designer, Skanderbeg: the warlord who led the Albanians against the Ottoman Empire under the double-eagle flag of revolution.

Image_Germania_%2528painting%2529.jpg — **Episode 7, Part II**

**The German Flag: The Fall & Rise of the Bundesflagge**

“From **black** night, through **red** blood, towards the **golden** sun.” This is the final chapter of the German flag, 1871-1990.
With special guest, Michael Green.
**Show Notes**

Part II of II. "From black night, through red blood, towards the golden sun." This is the final chapter of the history of the German flag, 1871-1990.

Screen+Shot+2020-08-16+at+12.10.02+AM.jpg — **Episode 7, Part I**

**The German Flag: The Fall & Rise of the Bundesflagge**

Empires and petty kingdoms. Death camps and democracies. Fascism and forgiveness – and Germany’s clash between imperialism, tyranny, and freedom. This is the first chapter of the black, red, and gold tricolor of the Federal Republic of Germany, 112 AD-1871.
**Show Notes**

Part I of II. Empires and petty kingdoms. Death camps and democracies. Fascism and forgiveness - and Germany's clash between imperialism, tyranny, and freedom. This is the story of the black, red, and gold tricolor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

**Episode 6**

**The Spanish Flag: Four Kingdoms of the Rojigualda**

A Moorish caliphate becomes a Christian empire. And a once fascist state adopts a flourishing – if disunited – democracy. This is the story of the violent, bloody, and beautiful history of the red-and-gold flag of the Kingdom of Spain.

**Show Notes**

A Moorish caliphate becomes a Christian empire. And a once fascist state adopts a flourishing - if disunited - democracy. This is the story of the violent, bloody, and beautiful history of the red-and-gold flag of the Kingdom of Spain.

**Episode 5**

**The Nordic Cross: Vikings, Crusades, and Conquests**

Why did the Vikings of Scandinavia swap the raven flag of Oden for the cross of those they conquered? This is the tale of the blood-red flag of *Dannebrog* – and the centuries-long battle for the souls of Europe.

**Show Notes**

Why did the Vikings of Scandinavia swap the raven flag of Oden for the cross of those they conquered? This is the tale of the blood-red flag of Dannebrog - and the centuries-long battle for the souls of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and all of Europe.

**Episode 4**

**The Flag of Wales: King Arthur’s Dragon**

Where does the *Y Ddraig Goch* – the red dragon of Wales – come from? History only tells us half the story. We have to dive into the ancient Celtic legends of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur, and Merlin to discover the truth about the red dragon’s rise.

**Show Notes**

Where does the Y Ddraig Goch - the red dragon of Wales - come from? History only tells us half the story. We have to dive into the ancient Celtic legends of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur, and Merlin to discover the truth about the red dragon's rise.

1200px-%27View_of_the_Honolulu_Fort_-_Interior%27%2C_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Paul_Emmert%2C_c._1853%2C_Hawaii_Historical_Society.jpg — **Episode 3**

**The Hawaiian Flag: America’s Last Kingdom**

Is the Hawaiian state flag a symbol of annexation and occupation? Or is it one of reconciliation? This is the story of the Hawaiian flag, the last remnant of a once-proud kingdom sitting on the western shores of the American empire.
**Show Notes**

Is the Hawaiian state flag a symbol of annexation and occupation? Or is it one of reconciliation? This is the story of the Hawaiian flag, the last remnant of a once-proud kingdom sitting on the western shores of the American empire.

**Episode 2**

**The French Flag: The Tricolour**

Fallen tyrants. New republics. And radical ideas like liberty, equality, and fraternity. This is the history of the *Tricolour*: the three-color revolutionary flag of republican France.
**Show Notes**

Fallen tyrants. New republics. And radical ideas like liberty, equality, and fraternity. This is the history of the Tricolour: the three-color revolutionary flag of republican France.

**Episode 1**

**Why the Flag?**
*Re-recorded April 2020*

Where does the flag come from – and how did this symbol take over our world? Plus, we discuss the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, and how three lost Roman flags spelled disaster for generations.
Show Notes

Welcome to the first episode of Why the Flag? We ask, where does the flag come from - and how did this symbol take over our world? Plus, we discuss the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, and how three lost Roman flags spelled disaster for generations. (Re-recorded April 2020)