In the midst of the social revolutions, countercultural movements, and technological advances of the 1960s and 1970s, a curious cultural phenomenon took root: a revival of medievalism. At first glance, the Middle Ages—often characterised by feudalism, religious orthodoxy, and monarchic power—might seem an unlikely source of inspiration during such a forward-looking era. Yet, the medieval revival of this period captured the imagination of artists, musicians, scholars, and activists alike, blending historical romanticism with modern ideals.
The 1960s and 70s were decades of rapid transformation. As Western societies grappled with the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, the sexual revolution, and growing ecological awareness, many looked backward—not to regress, but to reimagine alternative ways of living. The medieval period, with its rich symbolism, artisan culture, and perceived closeness to nature, provided a stark contrast to modern industrial life and political disillusionment.
This revival was less about historical accuracy and more about cultural reinterpretation. It drew on the mythologized Middle Ages found in Arthurian legend, medieval romance, and Renaissance fairs rather than medieval realities.
Key Elements of the Medieval Revival
1. Music and Folk Culture
The folk music revival of the 1960s often embraced medieval themes and instruments. Artists like Fairport Convention, Pentangle, and Steeleye Span blended traditional British folk songs with lyrics and melodies inspired by medieval ballads. Even mainstream acts like Led Zeppelin dabbled in mysticism and medieval motifs, blending electric rock with lyrics referencing castles, knights, and ancient magic.
2. Fashion and Aesthetic
Flowing gowns, cloaks, embroidery, and tunics became symbols of bohemian and hippie fashion. Designers took cues from pre-Raphaelite art, and popular festivals adopted a whimsical, pseudo-medieval flair. The fashion evoked a sense of timelessness and anti-industrial simplicity, appealing to those who rejected postwar consumer culture.
3. The Rise of Renaissance Fairs
The first Renaissance Pleasure Faire, held in California in 1963, launched a movement. These fairs were immersive environments where modern people could "live" in a romanticized version of the past—complete with jousting tournaments, costumed performers, handcrafts, and minstrel music. The phenomenon grew rapidly throughout the U.S. and U.K., fusing education, entertainment, and escapism.
4. Medievalism in Film and Literature
The revival of medieval themes extended to literature and cinema. J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, though published in the 1950s, gained massive popularity in the 60s and 70s counterculture scene, particularly among young people disillusioned with modernity. The fantasy genre itself—often deeply medieval in inspiration—exploded during this time, mirrored in films like Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), which both celebrated and parodied medieval tropes.
5. Alternative Lifestyles and Neo-Medievalism
Back-to-the-land movements and intentional communities often looked to the medieval past for inspiration in sustainable living and communal values. The idea of a guild-like society, with artisanal craftsmanship and close-knit community, resonated deeply with those seeking alternatives to capitalist modernity. In more spiritual circles, medieval mysticism and neopaganism also gained traction.
Though the height of the medieval revival waned by the 1980s, its legacy persists. Renaissance fairs continue to draw large crowds. Fantasy literature and gaming—think Dungeons & Dragons or Game of Thrones—carry medieval themes into the mainstream. And elements of medieval aesthetic still inform everything from wedding designs to music festivals.
The 1960s and 70s didn’t just revive the medieval—they reinvented it. In doing so, they created a space where myth, rebellion, and imagination merged—a space where the past became a canvas for dreaming of a better world.
