Students joust with knights

By DITA DE BONI

A resurgent interest in Lord of the Rings and the romance of knights and princesses has led to the creation of the country's first medieval studies centre.

The Centre for Medieval and Early Modern European studies is planned for next year at the University of Auckland in response to increasing interest in the artistry and austerity of the period.

Covering the years between the end of the Roman Empire (600 AD), through the Crusades and ending at the Renaissance, between 1550-1650, the medieval era marked the first period of warfare and "extremist positions" between Christians and Muslims, according to the university's Professor Stephanie Hollis.

But she says it also introduced many Arabic elements to the European diet, including citrus and almonds.

She says the interest in the era is increasingly reflected in the wider community in medieval re-enactment societies, weddings with medieval themes and the popularity of J.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis books, which deal in mythology and warrior culture.

"The medieval period holds many attractions for people, including the beauty and stylisation of the period, the excitement of a culture both recognisable and familiar, as well as appealing to people who are interested in pre-industrial thoughts and lifestyles."

Medieval times are also seen as being highly romantic, despite being plague-ridden.

Professor Hollis says the most fascinating thing about the "materially deprived" historical era is the "superbly beautiful art and literature" it generated.

Around 24 undergraduate papers covering the medieval period are already available at the university's arts faculty, including "sex and gender in pre-modern Europe", "art and architecture of the high Renaissance" and the mechanics of lute playing in a smattering of music papers.

Another paper, "medieval Icelandic language and literature", is proving a big hit with Lord of the Rings fans because J.R. Tolkien used so much of that region's ancient-speak in his work.

Students can also take a bachelor of arts (honours) or masters degree in medieval and early modern European studies.

Some papers, such as the literature of the ribald author Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400), attract as many as 50 second-year students.



But the new centre's main proponents hope all areas of medieval study and research receive a boost from next year, and say it will interact with a growing number of community medieval re-enactment and early music societies.

A recent "medieval day" at the Auckland Museum attracted around 1000 medieval buffs, according to live programmes events manager Natasha Beckman, many clad as knights and "damsels in distress".