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Writing a Non-European Medieval setting

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punkreader Since: Dec, 1969
#1: Apr 6th 2011 at 4:57:50 AM

A lot of the fantasy people read follows Medieval European Fantasy. Europe is rich in its history and possibilities, certainly, but it's not the only continent to undergo a Medieval period. Personally, I think that other continents/Fantasy Counterpart Cultures need some love. Not that they don't get it, of course, they just get it far less often (at least from what I've seen and read - then again, I don't often get to read books from other countries than the U.S., the U.K., and occasionally Canada, courtesy of being an Eaglelander with limited resources to spend on precious, precious books and a paltry local library.)

What non-Europe Medieval setting have you seen used to great effect, or you would like to see be used? Have you written one of your own?

I've written Medieval Japan, specifically Genki Jidai. I've enjoyed doing the research and writing it - I've found it quite fun (and a good learning experience regarding the very different cultural attitudes of other peoples) to do something other than Europe.

edited 6th Apr '11 5:55:52 AM by punkreader

theindefiniteone Unfazed Everyman from the End of the World Since: Dec, 2010
#2: Apr 6th 2011 at 5:22:32 AM

I've never written any non-European Medieval setting literature (I haven't even written medieval-setting literature. It's just not my thing), but the only other Medieval Settings I can think of would be Medieval China and the Medieval Middle East.

By that, I mean the Arabs, Jews and Muslims, basically.

AirofMystery Since: Jan, 2001
#3: Apr 6th 2011 at 5:52:24 AM

I'm writing a Heroic Fantasy in a setting based on Tang and Song Dynasty China.

blueharp Since: Dec, 1969
#4: Apr 6th 2011 at 9:58:00 AM

Depends what you are thinking of "medieval" as representing. Would it be the time period in general, or more its status as a transition phase?

And let's consider how long the period is, from about 400 to 1500 AD is a wide range, and in Europe things did not stay static.

If you can find some maps that depict world history through the ages, you can find places like India, Africa, even the Americas had civilizations developing. Cahokia, Timbuktu, how many people know these places existed??

I don't blame people for being mostly ignorant, there is a lot to learn.

MattII Since: Sep, 2009
#5: Apr 6th 2011 at 12:00:51 PM

Also, don't consider Europe as one lump, the differences between Spain, Italy, France and Germany were pretty substantial.

captainbrass2 from the United Kingdom Since: Mar, 2011
#6: Apr 6th 2011 at 12:23:42 PM

You might also consider India of that period (which IIRC is basically the story of various Muslim invaders establishing empires and fighting the Hindu kingdoms) and pre-Colombus South or Central America (Aztecs in Mexico, Incas in Peru).

"Well, it's a lifestyle"
AirofMystery Since: Jan, 2001
#7: Apr 6th 2011 at 6:35:51 PM

[up]Yeah, a story about medieval India would be really cool, and it's not a setting that's been used much.

GlassPistol Since: Nov, 2010
#8: Apr 6th 2011 at 6:51:26 PM

I love pre-industrial age Japan. Frickin' samurai with Portuguese hand cannons.

Also, barely anyone writes about Mexico in the time of the Mayans(wherein the Mayan is the main character.)

NarniaRanger Narnia Ranger from The Moors Since: Feb, 2011 Relationship Status: In love with love
Narnia Ranger
#9: Apr 6th 2011 at 11:53:01 PM

I've been building a world modeled after Japan during the Heian Period, along with a Fantasy Pantheon, and a Fantasy Counterpart Culture of the Philippines. It's actually been a lot of fun doing all the research. :)

I do wish there were more fantasy worlds modeled after Asian countries, or even pre-colonial American (Native Americans, Aztecs), it would be a nice change from the norm.

"RPM! Get in Gear!"
Gault Laugh and grow dank! from beyond the kingdom Since: Feb, 2010 Relationship Status: P.S. I love you
Laugh and grow dank!
#10: Apr 7th 2011 at 1:25:40 AM

This is an example from other fiction, but you should look at what Bethesda did with constructing the world of Morrowind. Giant mushroom trees and freaky local creatures, man Vvardenfell kicks ass!

yey
annebeeche watching down on us from by the long tidal river Since: Nov, 2010
watching down on us
#11: Apr 7th 2011 at 6:10:27 AM

I'm a bit partial to Sengoku period Japan.

I'd also like to see a bit of east coast pre-settlement America.

edited 7th Apr '11 6:11:04 AM by annebeeche

Banned entirely for telling FE that he was being rude and not contributing to the discussion. I shall watch down from the goon heavens.
Temassasin Since: Dec, 1969
#12: Apr 15th 2011 at 3:25:48 PM

pre european South America would be awesome especially if moved away from starioyipes of the time and people

MadassAlex I am vexed! from the Middle Ages. Since: Jan, 2001
I am vexed!
#13: Apr 15th 2011 at 7:43:50 PM

The most obvious one is the Medieval-period Middle East, especially since they were on an upward intellectual path at the time. Plus, even the Christians liked Saladin. So there's a lot of room for values that would resonate well with general audiences.

You can also pick and choose the adversaries of your protagonists a bit more. Perhaps they're the Europeans. Or a rival territory in the Middle East. Or perhaps they come from further East?

Swordsman TroperReclaiming The BladeWatch
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