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HOW BLOODSHED LED TO ENGLAND’S FIRST KING

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we learn how the first king of England came to be, explore the pros and cons of a newer weight-loss drug, visit schools around the world ... and purchase a pickleball paddle. Plus, saving the Native Hawaiian language?

an illustration of a king dressed in blue kneeling in front of a man

ILLUSTRATION BY PETER OF LANGTOFT, ALAMY

Pomp, circumstance, bloodshed? This weekend’s “civilized” coronation of England’s latest king reminds us of how the first royals came to rule nearly 1,200 years ago—by force, usually.

Egbert won a battle; Alfred took control after a brother was killed in fighting; Aethelstan (kneeling, above) consolidated power when five kings were slaughtered in another battle.

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STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

A Mounjaro injection pen on display next to its container

PHOTOGRAPH BY SANDY HUFFAKER, THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY

Why is Mounjaro such a great weight loss drug, and how does it compare to others? (Pictured above, a Mounjaro injection pen.)

Should you get tested for a genetic mutation related to breast cancer?

For some long COVID patients, exercise is bad medicine

‘Stone of Destiny’ being revived for King Charles’s coronation

The Asian American ‘model minority’ myth masks a history of discrimination

These 7 hormones influence how much—or little—you eat. Can we influence them?

Why is pickleball booming? Are tennis players frightened?

How did England’s first colony in North America disappear without a trace?

See the face of a 9,000-year-old ‘teen’ girl

These 2,500-year-old canals, once thought mythical, were real, scientists now say

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

magnets with Maori vocabulary words on a refrigerator door

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIELLA ZALCMAN

‘ōlelo Hawai‘i: About 50 years ago, local Hawaiians sought to preserve their Native tongue—and they have. Now, communities around the world are looking to the island for ways to save their own language. (Above, a fridge with vocabulary magnets, photographed by Nat Geo Explorer Daniella Zalcman.)

Language buff? Try to read this piece in Hawaiian.

ALOHA AND MAHALO

PHOTO OF THE DAY

A teacher plays the piano for her kindergarten class

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAREN KASMAUSKI, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Give an apple—or two: On National Teacher Appreciation Day, give thanks to the people who look after, shape, and educate our kids daily. Like the teacher above, who plays the piano for her singing (read: screaming) kindergarten students in Tokyo in 1990. (If you missed today, don't worry: Teacher Appreciation Week begins next Monday.)

Animal teachers? Yes, these creatures guide others, too.

LAST GLIMPSE

a painting showing a group of people inspecting a mummy lying on a table

PAINTING BY PAUL DOMINIQUE PHILIPPOTEAUX VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

(Misunderstood) medical cannibalism: A minor mistranslation led those in 15th century Europe to believe that mummies held healing benefits—so people ate them. In the 19th century, British men would even loot embalmed bodies from Egyptian tombs to bring home and consume. (Above, a painting of archaeologists attending an unwrapping of a mummy.)

Today’s soundtrack: Either Way, Wilco

Thanks for reading our newsletter! It was edited and curated by Mallory Benedict, Hannah Farrow, and David Beard. We'd love to hear from you: [email protected]. Keep shining!

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