There’s something magical about medieval literature that’s always been deeply ingrained in who I am. It’s not just the stories of knights and dragons or the romantic poetry of Chaucer; it’s the entire world these works transport you to, where honor, love, and morality are writ large across the page. This genre is a passion of mine and it’s a cornerstone of how I view storytelling (and maybe even life itself).

When I was younger, my favorite book was Beowulf. There was something about the epic battle against Grendel, the call to heroism, and the deep, poetic prose that captured my imagination. I remember devouring Eragon in a weekend when I was in fourth grade, collecting anything dragon-related I could find: books, toys, posters, you name it. I begged my mom to take me to the Renaissance Faire every year, and she once bought me a shoulder dragon puppet that I could control to make its head move. It was the crown jewel of my childhood, alongside my decision to take up Latin in middle school and high school. I wanted to speak like the characters in my favorite stories, to immerse myself in their world even more deeply.

My imaginary worlds always had me as a knight, wielding a sword and saving the day. Medieval stories were just as much entertainment as they were a gateway into a life filled with wonder and heroism.

The Lessons of Love and Morality

What resonates most with me about medieval literature is its emphasis on love and morality. These stories are bold in their exploration of right and wrong, teaching lessons about integrity, courage, and loyalty. At the same time… I’m fascinated by the ways these boundaries are crossed. There’s a certain allure in moral ambiguity, like when a knight betrays his code for love or a cutthroat rogue has a hidden heart of gold. These themes have shaped my sense of right and wrong while allowing me to appreciate the gray areas where humanity truly lives.

From a sapphic standpoint, I’ve always been drawn to the archetypes of secret feminism, forbidden love, and women wielding power behind the scenes. There’s something thrilling about the subversive roles women often play in medieval stories, where you can have queens with iron wills, sorceresses bending fate, or ladies whose whispers shift kingdoms. It’s a balance of subtlety and strength that feels timeless.

Iconic Archetypes and Timeless Appeal

Medieval literature gave us knights, damsels, dragons, and monsters, but it also gave us something deeper: archetypes that still dominate modern storytelling. The rogue, the tragic hero, the noble king; they all have their roots in these ancient tales. Le Morte d’Arthur and The Canterbury Tales remain unmatched in their scope and influence, while Sir Gawain’s quest for honor feels as relevant today as it did centuries ago. Even something as playful as watching A Knight’s Tale as a child gave me a window into how these stories still captivate us.

Modern fantasy owes so much to this era. Alchemy, magic, and necromancy (all the elements of medieval storytelling) have shaped the witches, wizards, and mystical worlds we see today. Whether it’s the intricate political intrigue of Game of Thrones or the rise of Dungeons & Dragons as a pop culture phenomenon, we’re still pulling threads from the medieval tapestry.

Why Medieval Literature Inspires Me

Reading these stories inspires me in ways few other genres can. They make me yearn for that larger-than-life, romantic kind of love and the kind of purpose that only comes from quests and battles. It’s why I’ve learned niche skills like sword twirling or how to make sourdough from scratch, or why I still obsess over dragon books.

At the same time, I wish more medieval-inspired works would explore beyond the clichés. Sure, swords and bows are iconic, but what about the lesser-known weapons and strategies? Let’s see some flails, morning stars, or siege engines! There’s so much untapped potential in the world of medieval warfare and culture.

The Timeless Allure of Medieval Stories

In the end, what keeps me coming back to medieval literature is its ability to create worlds that feel both grand and deeply personal. War isn’t fought with drones or nuclear weapons; it’s sword against sword, with skill and bravery determining the victor. Love isn’t swiped right on an app; it’s written in poetry, fought for in tournaments, and whispered in forbidden chambers. These stories remind us of a time when everything felt both simpler and infinitely more profound.

Medieval literature is a reminder that we tell stories to inspire, to teach, and to dream of worlds just beyond our reach. No matter how many books I read, I’ll always find myself coming back to the knights, the queens, and the dragons that started it all.

— Signing off from the Literary Haven