Institutt for kultur- og språkvitenskap
Universitetet i Stavanger

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Room: HG N-227
Telephone: 5183 2422


The Middle Ages in the 20th and 21st Centuries: Relevance, Reimagination, Inspiration (MARRI) [IN-13167]

MARRI is a two-year project, funded by the initiative Forsking - Utdanning - Innovasjon for the period 1 January 2023-31 December 2024. It brings together scholars from various disciplines with an interest in the medieval period in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of its importance from various angles. For this reason we have gathered scholars of English and Norse in both language and literature as well as from History and the Study of Religion, which shows that academics at UiS who work in separate fields may also collaborate in an interdisciplinary way, thereby strengthening not only the understanding of a common topic but also IKS as a unity. The research group is complemented by external associates from Norway, Germany, Austria, England and the Netherlands in order to allow for a larger European perspective in preparation for a planned later EU project. The programme area is also suitable for MA students as two members co-teach the related course Reading the Past: The History of Written English (MLI 325), which traces linguistic and textual developments from Old English to the present day.

Though there has always been an interest in the Middle Ages since the period ended, there has been a significant increase in the depiction of medieval motifs in recent decades, e.g. in novels, films, TV series or games, as seen, for example in the influential work of J. R. R. Tolkien, who played a vital part in the growing popularity of the medieval-inspired fantasy genre. The influence of the Middle Ages on the modern world is the central aspect of the field known as Medievalism. The project covers anything linguistic, literary, historical, cultural or religious with a medieval connection, which may be examined in any of the three areas that constitute the RRI-part of the MARRI acronym: Relevance covers the general importance and role of the Middle Ages today and shows why this period should not be dismissed as insignificant, e.g. with regard to modern linguistic irregularities that can be explained by earlier forms. Reimagination demonstrates how a medieval setting can be adapted, e.g. by putting a newly developed character into a historical event as depicted within a novel. Inspiration shows how medieval elements can be transformed into something new, e.g. within fantasy films featuring dragons or other creatures also found, for example, in a medieval bestiary. Any additional aspects of medievalism may also be addressed.

In the light of the increasing role of medievalism in the academic world it has been felt desirable that UiS also make its presence felt. The interdisciplinary approach results in a more effective outcome due to the regular exchange of ideas within the group. The international associates help make UiS more noted on a European level. A two-day symposium is planned for 23-24 August 2024.

Members at UiS
Oliver M. Traxel (Professor of English, project leader)
Ellen Fenzel Arnold (Associate Professor of History)
Roderick Thomas Duncan Dale (Project Coordinator at The Greenhouse Center for Environmental Humanities)
Markus Eldegard Mindrebø (Associate Professor of History)
Klaus Johan Myrvoll (Professor of Nordic)
Merja Stenroos (Professor of English)
Inge Særheim (Professor Emeritus of Nordic)
Kjetil Thengs (Head of Department of Cultural Studies and Languages)
Sonya Veck (Associate Professor of English)

External Associates
Verena Höfig (Professor of Nordic, University of Munich)
Thomas Honegger (Professor of English, University of Jena)
Monika Kirner-Ludwig (Assistant Professor of English, University of Innsbruck)
Gabriele Knappe (Professor of English, University of Bamberg)
Carolyne Larrington (Professor of European Medieval Literature, University of Oxford)
Kerstin Majewski (Junior Professor of English, University of Bochum)
Thijs Porck (Assistant Professor of English, University of Leiden)
Delia Schipor (Associate Professor of English, University of South-Eastern Norway)
Jane Skjoldli (Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Bergen)

Guest Lectures
Thomas Honegger (University of Jena), Beautiful and sublime - and never mind the pointed ears. Visualizing the Elves throughout the centuries. (information here)
Monika Kirner-Ludwig (University of Innsbruck), Going medieval: How obsolete frames are linguistically evoked in Game of Thrones. (information here)
Markus Eldegard Mindrebø (University of Stavanger), Klimadeterminisme og fremstillingen av "vikinger" i digitale fantasy-spill (Climate determinism and the presentation of "Vikings" in digital fantasy games). (information here)

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