Academic Writings - Fantasy Medievalism

My studies in Fantasy Medievalism taught me not to assume. Much of our knowledge of, and engagement with, the past is built on top of many such assumptions - of which many affirm only certain truths, while concealing others. And yet, at the same time, Fantasy Medievalism is an aesthetic that embodies love, joy, and passion for millions of people across generations.

Through my work with Professor Daniel Birkholz, I looked for a way to integrate both perspectives into both studying existing works and aiming to create new ones. Fantasy Medievalism is as much of a historical tradition that requires diligence and rigor, as it is a creative tradition that indulges intrigue and imagination. My studies, given their historical nature, required more research than any of my other courses in that semester - and had me become a far better and more thorough researcher because of it. In addition, the study of different kinds of delineated mediavalism - Literary, Filmic, Participatory, and Ludic - had me look at the seemingly singular essence of Fantasy Medivalism from multiple angles, and required unique approaches for each. The class was refreshingly collaborative and relentlessly critical, and challenged me to be both an attentive listener and active participant in playing through the course with my classmates.