Date of Award

Spring 4-14-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in English

Department

English & World Languages

College

College of Arts & Humanities

Committee Chair

Dr. Arwen Taylor

Second Committee Member

Dr. Paola Gemme

Third Committee Member

Dr. Emily Hoffman

Program Director

Dr. Paola Gemme

Dean of Graduate College

Dr. Michael J. Bradley

Abstract

Different medieval and fantasy works have utilized race in different ways. Medieval Europe used race as a structural relationship to morally and religiously other certain people groups. J.R.R. Tolkien used race in a similar way, othering the fantasy races like orcs as a way to give the audiences clear antagonists. Direct film and video game adaptations of Tolkien uphold him as the authority on fantasy race, using orcs as antagonists and glorifying violence against them. The table-top role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons initially held up the antagonistic portrayal of orcs, but through different editions, the restrictions placed on orcs have lessened. This development is due to games like Dungeons and Dragons being a participatory neomedievalism, which allows for greater audience participation. An audience’s participation weakens the power of fixed fantasy archetypes and tropes because the authority shifts from a sole author to a wider audience.

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