Episode 21: Getting Medieval on Fantasy

This episode, Kurt is asked about why so much of fantasy takes place in a Medieval-like setting, and discusses a few of those reasons why that is the case.  Plus more famous quotes are given their origins; this time all coming from the same source.

One of the granddaddies of fantasy literature: King Arthur.

One of the granddaddies of fantasy literature: King Arthur.

Can’t bring up fantasy without Tolkien becoming part of the discussion, especially in this case.

Can’t bring up fantasy without Tolkien becoming part of the discussion, especially in this case.

A recent example of fantasy that takes place in a Medieval-like world. Have we mentioned that Winter is Coming?

A recent example of fantasy that takes place in a Medieval-like world. Have we mentioned that Winter is Coming?

A counter-example I bring up in the episode. If you find this book in bookstores, more likely it has the “serious” cover with Excalibur coming out of the lake, but this is how I found it.

A counter-example I bring up in the episode. If you find this book in bookstores, more likely it has the “serious” cover with Excalibur coming out of the lake, but this is how I found it.

Shadowrun: another counter-example, although the races still draw their inspiration from Tolkien. (Insert “The Unusual Suspects” joke here.)

Shadowrun: another counter-example, although the races still draw their inspiration from Tolkien. (Insert “The Unusual Suspects” joke here.)