Pop Culture Explainer: Why are we so Obsessed with the Middle Ages

The Medieval Revival: A New Aesthetic Takeover

Move over Y2K and cottagecore— we have a new obsession, and it's straight out of the Middle Ages. From the fantasy drama of House of the Dragon to the chaotic questing of Baldur’s Gate 3, medieval aesthetics are taking over. But let’s be real—it’s not just about cool armour and epic battles. The medieval era is having a moment, and it’s influencing everything from fashion to pop music. Even Chapel Roan turned heads at the VMAs with a Joan of Arc-inspired look, proving that medieval glam is officially in.

The Rise of Medieval Energy in Pop Culture

Medieval vibes aren’t just a TikTok trend; they’re everywhere:

  • TV & Film: House of the Dragon keeps us hooked on royal drama, while The Green Knight and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves serve up epic quests with a modern twist. Historical retellings with a feminist edge, like The Last Duel, have also gained traction, showcasing a more nuanced look at medieval society.

  • Gaming: Baldur’s Gate 3 is the game of the year, and Elden Ring has us all living our best knightcore fantasy. Medieval-inspired RPGs aren’t just about combat—they provide deep, intricate storytelling and immersive world-building that allow players to feel like true adventurers.

  • Music & Theater: Ever heard of SIX the Musical? It’s turning Henry VIII’s wives into pop royalty, giving historical women a modern voice. Meanwhile, Chapel Roan is bringing back medieval icons with high-fashion vengeance, proving that historical figures can still be cultural trailblazers.

  • Fashion: Chainmail tops, corset dresses, and renaissance-inspired fits are flooding our feeds. Designers are incorporating medieval silhouettes with modern sensibilities, making armor and regal gowns part of everyday wear. Joan of Arc walked so that knightcore could run.

Why Are We All Living for Medieval Vibes?

  1. Escape Mode: Activated Life is chaotic, so why not immerse ourselves in fantasy worlds where we can be powerful queens, badass knights, or mystical wizards? The allure of medieval fantasy stems from the stark contrast to modern-day struggles—here, every problem can be solved with a sword or a well-crafted spell.

  2. Dungeons & Dragons Is Mainstream Now Thanks to Critical Role and Dimension 20, D&D isn’t just for nerds—it’s the blueprint for creating epic stories with friends. The rise of actual-play RPG streams has inspired thousands to pick up dice and build their own medieval-inspired sagas.

  3. Social Media Is Medieval AF TikTok is full of medieval makeovers, AI-generated feudal OCs, and people rewriting pop songs in Old English. Creators are bringing medieval history into the digital age, proving that historical aesthetics can coexist with modern humour and trends.

  4. We Love a Good Glow-Up From SIX reclaiming the narrative of Tudor queens to Chapel Roan making medieval armour look high fashion, this trend is all about rewriting history on our own terms. The past is no longer just something to study—it’s something to reinvent and reclaim.

  5. A Shift Toward Myth & Legend With the increasing popularity of mythology and folklore-inspired content, there’s a growing desire to embrace the mystical elements of the medieval era. Whether it’s Arthurian legends, Viking sagas, or reimaginings of Joan of Arc’s legacy, historical figures and myths are being revived with fresh storytelling perspectives.

The Medieval Renaissance Is Just Getting Started

With The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim and new RPGs on the way, the medieval obsession isn’t going anywhere. Whether we’re LARPing, gaming, or jamming to historical bops, the growing obsession with the past is proving that medieval times aren’t just old news—they’re the future.

So grab your (fake) sword, channel your inner Joan of Arc, and get ready to storm the castle—because this trend is here to slay.

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