Glory and Legitimation in the Aristocratic Hall

Kjær, Lars (2020) Glory and Legitimation in the Aristocratic Hall. In: Nordic Elites in Transformation, c. 1050–1250, Volume III: Legitimacy and Glory. Routledge, London, pp. 154-174. ISBN 9781003097143

Abstract

Timothy Reuter identified the central question in any investigation of the medieval aristocracy as being: “How did they get away with it?” This paper explores one element in the elite’s strategy for normalising their dominant position, namely the role of conspicuous consumption in the aristocratic hall. Generosity and hospitality served numerous purposes for the medieval elite: it was an opportunity to demonstrate wealth and power in the form of the food and drink consumed, precious tableware and the buildings in which festivities took place. Feasting was an opportunity to reinforce and display political alliances. Besides this, however, it was also an opportunity to demonstrate virtue and class through the correct treatment of the prestige goods assembled. By treating the rich foodstuffs and precious gifts with a studied, courteous indifference, the medieval elite sought to demonstrate to their peers, subjects, themselves and their maker that they were not enthralled to worldly riches and deserved their exalted status.

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