'Medieval romance overflowed with sexually active fairies': the surprisingly long roots of romantasy
Critics mock it as raunchy trash – but this enchanting genre is much older, and wilder, than you might imagine
TL;DR
- Romantasy is a genre with a centuries-old heritage, dating back to 12th-century medieval romances.
- Medieval romances, like modern ones, provided escapism with themes of adventure, glittering palaces, and powerful fairy beings.
- These stories served as a safe space for women to explore their desires, particularly sexual freedom, in repressive societies.
- Medieval romances often featured sexually active fairies and mortals, detailed descriptions of fairy bodies, and challenged traditional gender roles.
- Both medieval and modern romantasy have faced criticism and dismissal, often attributed to their popularity among women.
- The genre's enduring appeal lies in its freedom, imagination, and ability to explore complex themes of desire and power.