About this video

• Video Title: Why Fantasy Worlds SHOULD Be Stuck in Medieval Times
• Channel: Perseus Grim
• Speakers: Perseus Grim
• Duration: 00:32:57

Overview

This video explores the concept of "medieval stasis" in fantasy worlds, where societies appear perpetually stuck in a medieval-like era. The presenter argues that this trope, while often criticized for lacking realism, makes sense from several perspectives: the inherent advantages of magic over technology, the narrative suitability of medieval settings for fantasy stories, and potential in-world reasons like suppression by elites or divine intervention.

Key takeaways

• The Prevalence of Medieval Stasis: Many popular fantasy worlds (e.g., Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones) exhibit a lack of technological advancement, remaining in a medieval-like state for extended periods.
• Magic's Superiority: In worlds where magic exists and is capable of fulfilling most needs (food, healing, housing, travel), there's less incentive to develop technology, as magic offers a more efficient solution.
• Narrative Convenience: The medieval era, with its inherent elements of knights, castles, dragons, and a more readily defined hero's journey, provides a natural and inspiring backdrop for traditional fantasy stories.
• Generational Cycles: The argument is made that frequent generational shifts, inherent in shorter lifespans, can be beneficial for societal progress by introducing new perspectives and challenging old ideas, something that may be hindered by extremely long-lived populations.
• Suppression of Technology: Elites (like mages) may actively suppress technological advancement to maintain their power and privilege, fearing that accessible technology could equalize power dynamics and threaten their existence.
• Divine Intervention: Gods or powerful entities in fantasy worlds might intentionally prevent technological progress to maintain their own influence or to avoid potential apocalyptic outcomes of advanced technology.
• Romanticization of Simplicity: Fantasy often romanticizes a simpler, pre-industrial life, offering an escapist alternative to the complexities and stresses of modern society, making medieval-like settings appealing to both creators and audiences.

The two main in-world reasons presented in the video for fantasy worlds remaining in medieval stasis are:

1. Suppression of Technology by Elites: Powerful groups, such as mages or those who benefit from magical power, may actively suppress the development of science and engineering. This is to maintain their own power and privileges, as advancements in technology could create a counter-power accessible to the common folk, potentially threatening the existence of the magic-wielding elite.
2. Divine Intervention: Gods or other powerful divine entities in these worlds might intervene to prevent technological progress. This could be to maintain their own influence, prevent humanity from reaching a point where they could challenge the gods (like the Tower of Babel story), or to avoid the potentially catastrophic outcomes of advanced technology, such as nuclear apocalypse.