Global Medievalism: An Introduction

The Middle Ages western popular culture is Eurocentric, with Europe as the center or the whole world. This Element seeks to deconstruct this Eurocentric orientation by making it visible and offering alternative perspectives. It explores how popular culture represents medievalist worlds as global-connected by the movement of people and objects and how imagined mobilities allow us to create counterstories that resist Eurocentric norms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 78 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The dominant portrayal of the Middle Ages in Western popular culture, aimed at a global audience, is profoundly Eurocentric. While iconic franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones have created entire medievalist worlds, our understanding of these realms is limited to the stories and journeys of the characters. This Element, centered around the theme of mobility, aims to challenge and deconstruct the Eurocentric orientations of Western popular medievalisms, which often portray Europe as either the entirety of the world or its central hub. By highlighting these Eurocentric perspectives and offering alternative viewpoints, this Element seeks to foster a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the Middle Ages.

In exploring how popular culture represents medievalist worlds as interconnected through the movement of people and objects, this study aims to shed light on the ways in which imagined mobilities enable us to create counterstories that challenge Eurocentric norms. By examining the representations of travel, trade, and cultural exchange in various media, including literature, film, television, and gaming, we can uncover the ways in which these mobilities shape the narratives and ideologies of medievalism.

This study represents the beginning of a fruitful and inclusive conversation about what the Middle Ages should and could look like. It seeks to challenge the dominant narratives and stereotypes that have been perpetuated for centuries and to promote a more nuanced and complex understanding of this fascinating period of history. By exploring the ways in which popular culture represents medievalist worlds, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and societies that flourished during this time.

In conclusion, the portrayal of the Middle Ages in Western popular culture is deeply Eurocentric, limiting our understanding of these realms to the stories and journeys of the characters. This Element, centered around the theme of mobility, aims to challenge and deconstruct these Eurocentric orientations by highlighting alternative perspectives and offering a more inclusive understanding of the Middle Ages. By exploring the representations of travel, trade, and cultural exchange in popular culture, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and societies that flourished during this time and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the past.

Weight: 633g
ISBN-13: 9781009113366