The allure of the medieval era for filmmakers and viewers is undeniable. Whether it’s the glamor of knights in shining armor, sprawling castles, or the thrill of sword-swinging battles, medieval-era movies are a popular and enduring genre. However, movies set in medieval times often portray a skewed perspective of this fascinating epoch, sometimes for dramatic effect and other times due to simple misunderstanding. In this article, we will delve into the common inaccuracies in medieval movies and contrast them with the realities of the time.Â
Romanticized Knighthood and Chivalry
The knighthood is a favorite trope of medieval movies. Knights are often depicted as flawless heroes, paragons of virtue, courage, and chivalry. But the reality of knighthood was far more complex and not always as noble. Knights were usually members of the noble class, trained for warfare from an early age. While chivalric codes did exist, they were often more ideal than reality, and knights were not immune to the brutality and harshness of medieval warfare.
Additionally, knights in movies are often shown to be in shining, elaborately decorated armor. However, the armor of the time was more practical than pretty. Knights wore chainmail and, later, heavy plate armor, which was made for protection rather than aesthetic appeal.
Misrepresentation of Castles
Movies set in medieval times often showcase grand, ornate castles with complex architecture and towering spires. Yet, medieval castles were more functional over form. They were primarily defensive structures built for the purpose of withstanding siege warfare. Castles were also not the entire dwelling of royalty or nobility. They served as administrative centers, military bases, and even villages for the common people.
Medieval Life: Dirty and Dismal?
Medieval movies commonly depict life as uniformly dirty, bleak, and filled with hardship. While it’s true that life in the Middle Ages had its challenges, such as disease outbreaks and warfare, it wasn’t the never-ending grimness often portrayed in films. Medieval society was highly stratified, and life varied greatly depending on social status.
Furthermore, it’s a misconception that people in the medieval period were universally unkempt and filthy. Hygiene practices did exist, albeit different from today. Public baths were common in towns, and people understood the concept of cleanliness.
Medieval Time Travel Movie: Anachronistic Errors
Medieval time travel movies often introduce anachronistic errors, perhaps to create a more relatable connection for modern viewers. Common mistakes include language, clothing, and technology that wouldn’t have been present in the era depicted. For instance, modern English didn’t exist during the Middle Ages. Yet, characters in these films often converse in a more contemporary style, punctuated with the occasional “thou” or “ye” for period flavor.
In terms of clothing, medieval people are often shown in drab, brownish attire. Medieval clothing was more colorful than movies suggest, especially among the upper classes, who wore vibrant colors to display their wealth and status.
Funny Medieval Movies: Forgetting Historical Context
While funny medieval movies serve to entertain us with their humor and satire, they often overlook historical context. Comedic elements introduced constantly stem from modern sensibilities and worldviews rather than reflecting the medieval era’s culture, beliefs, and norms.
One notable aspect is the portrayal of women. In funny medieval movies, we often see women playing roles or behaving in ways that would have been unrealistic for the era. Although there were indeed powerful women in medieval society, their roles and expectations were quite different from those depicted in most films.
The Church and Religion
Religion was central to medieval life, with the Roman Catholic Church being the most powerful institution in Europe. Still, the portrayal of the Church in movies often falls into stereotypes, like corrupt and power-hungry clergy or superstitious, fearful peasants. While corruption was present, it’s important to remember that many clergymen were sincere in their faith and contributed positively to their communities. They were educators, caretakers of the poor, and builders of the impressive cathedrals we still admire today.
As for the peasants, despite their unenviable social status, they were not merely superstitious simpletons. They had a strong sense of community and tradition, and their faith played a significant role in their lives, providing comfort and guidance.
Feasts and Food
Feasts in movies set in medieval times are often extravagantly depicted with an abundance of food and drink. This portrayal feeds into the misconception that medieval nobility feasted every day while the common people starved. The truth is much more nuanced. Even though nobles did have access to a greater variety of food, the common people also had their fair share of meals, albeit simpler.
Moreover, the dishes served during medieval times were quite different from what we see in movies. The ordinary people’s diet mainly comprised bread, cheese, vegetables, and occasionally meat, while nobles could afford delicacies like spices imported from Asia. The idea of medieval feasts as hedonistic free-for-alls is a gross oversimplification.
Depiction of Battles
Medieval battles, as shown in films, are often filled with individual duels and feats of heroism, with knights charging into battle without any strategic planning. The reality, however, was far from it. Medieval warfare was organized and tactical, involving formations, strategies, and a clear command hierarchy.
Furthermore, contrary to the depiction of medieval warriors as brutish, uncultured folk, many knights and soldiers were well-educated and trained in arts and literature. They often used their downtime between battles to write poetry and songs, engage in games, and debate philosophical and religious matters.
Language and Accents
In movies set in medieval times, language and accents are significant sources of inaccuracy. The English spoken in the Middle Ages is vastly different from modern English, yet we hear characters conversing in perfectly contemporary or, at worst, mildly archaic English.
Accents, too, are often incorrect. Movies frequently use British accents for characters, irrespective of the film’s location, which doesn’t accurately reflect the linguistic diversity of the Middle Ages. It’s important to remember that Latin was the language of the Church and education, and there were many regional languages and dialects across Europe.
The Drama of Witch Trials
Movies set in medieval times often portray witch trials as high-stakes, dramatic events where an accused ‘witch’ is invariably subjected to brutal tests and always condemned to burn at the stake. The cinematic view tends to present a community gripped by hysterical fear, quick to accuse, and eager to punish. However, this dramatized portrayal oversimplifies a complex and multifaceted aspect of medieval history.
The reality of witch trials in the Middle Ages was far more nuanced. The notion of witchcraft as a heresy punishable by death did not become widespread until later in the period, and even then, the application of such beliefs varied greatly across regions. Many accusations of witchcraft were indeed driven by fear or misunderstanding, but they were also frequently motivated by personal or political vendettas. The trials were often lengthy, guided by legal procedures, and not always ending in a death sentence.
Furthermore, the depiction of these trials often lacks historical context. While it’s true that superstition and fear of the supernatural were prevalent in medieval society, it’s also important to remember that this was a time of profound religious and philosophical questioning. These trials often reflected deeper societal struggles around religion, authority, and societal norms.
While witch trials certainly formed a dark and tragic part of medieval history, their depiction in films often veers into the realm of stereotype and sensationalism, missing the chance to explore the deeper societal issues they encapsulated.
The Oversimplification of Coronations
Medieval-era movies often present coronations as simple, swift ceremonies where a royal personage is swiftly crowned amidst grand celebrations. This representation, though, barely scratches the surface of the rich symbolic and ritualistic tapestry that actual coronations in the Middle Ages embodied.
In reality, medieval coronations were intricate rites steeped in religious symbolism, political power play, and societal expectation. They marked not just the physical crowning of a monarch but also their anointment, which was believed to confer divine grace upon the ruler, making them God’s chosen representative on earth. This sacred element of the ceremony is often underrepresented in movies.
What is more, the coronation wasn’t just a one-day event but typically part of a days-long, or even weeks-long, series of festivities involving the court and the common people. The broader populace’s engagement served as a celebration and a demonstration of the new monarch’s power and kindness.
In addition, the political nuances of a coronation are often overlooked in films. Coronations were occasions to negotiate and solidify alliances, reward loyalty, and assert dominance. The order of ceremonies, the participants involved, and even the seating arrangements carried political implications.
Therefore, while cinematic portrayals of coronations often capture the grandeur and celebration of these events, they frequently neglect the deeper religious, political, and societal dimensions that made these ceremonies a cornerstone of medieval royal tradition.
The Grandeur of Medieval Weddings
When one thinks of a medieval wedding as portrayed in movies, images of grandeur, extravagance, and merriment often come to mind. Lavish banquets, sumptuous gowns, and joyous dances paint a vibrant picture. Yet, such depictions often blur the lines between historical fact and dramatic fiction, failing to comprehensively understand medieval matrimonial practices.
In reality, weddings in the Middle Ages varied considerably depending on social status, regional customs, and local laws. For the nobility, indeed, weddings could be grand affairs, serving not just as a celebration of the union but also as a strategic alliance, consolidating power or wealth. These weddings feature feasting and entertainment and might even involve the entire community.
But, for most of the populace, weddings were much more straightforward. They often consisted of a betrothal ceremony, a church blessing, and a modest feast. Extravagance was the exception rather than the norm, as most medieval people lived rural lives with limited resources.
Moreover, medieval weddings weren’t always love matches. Marriages, particularly among the nobility, were arranged for political, economic, or social reasons. While romantic love wasn’t entirely absent in these arrangements, it was not the primary consideration, a fact often glossed over in movies.
In the end, although the grandeur and romance of medieval weddings, as depicted in movies, make for engaging viewing, they often fail to capture matrimonial practices’ diverse and pragmatic nature during this period.Â
Medieval Time Travel Movie: Manipulating History
Time travel movies involving the medieval era take liberties with historical accuracy to a greater extent, owing to the unique genre requirements. Modern characters are often portrayed as superior to their medieval counterparts, with the implication that today’s society is the pinnacle of progress.
Although it’s understandable for time-travel narratives to exhibit some degree of ‘presentism,’ it can be misleading. It’s worth remembering that, despite their limitations, people of the Middle Ages had their sophistication and achievements, such as the development of universities, impressive architectural feats, and a rich body of literature and arts.
The Reality Behind Medieval Era Movies
Despite these common misconceptions and inaccuracies, it’s essential to note that filmmakers often consciously choose to bend historical facts to create a compelling narrative. After all, movies are a storytelling medium, and filmmakers sometimes sacrifice historical accuracy for dramatic effect.
Balancing historical reality and cinematic creativity can enrich a film’s authenticity and enhance the viewers’ overall experience. Understanding these discrepancies not only adds depth to our appreciation of movies set in medieval times but also opens a window to the fascinating and multifaceted world of medieval history.
Conclusion: Reimagining the Medieval Era Through Movies
Despite the inaccuracies and misconceptions often found in medieval-era movies, the genre remains popular and appealing to audiences worldwide. While filmmakers may take liberties with historical facts, it’s essential to enjoy these movies for what they are: an imaginative exploration of a bygone era.
On the other hand, the richness and complexity of the medieval world cannot be fully captured in a two-hour film. As viewers, we can use these cinematic misrepresentations as a springboard to delve deeper into the fascinating realities of the Middle Ages. After all, understanding our past helps us to better comprehend our present and potentially shape our future.