Visiting Medievalist Reminds Norman, History Is Still Important

A visiting Medievalist reminded audiences of the value of antiquity this past Friday evening. Dressed in medieval garb, Dr. Stephen Law presented a slide show of his trip to the Bygdøy Viking Ship Museum in Norway to an audience of about 50 at the Norman Public Library. Local Medieval scholars in conjunction with the Norman Medieval Fair organized the event as part of a free Medieval Fair lecture series.

Liberal arts education budgets have shrunk over the past five years across the country and in Oklahoma. Law, however, continues to study the ancient past, making it tangible for his students at the University of Central Oklahoma and in his personal life.

“There’s nothing like being there. People can tell you all about Delhi, but until you actually go, you won’t understand why it’s worth the pilgrimage.”

Law used several of the 660 pictures he took at the museum of its three Viking boats the Oseberg, the Gokstad and the Tune to explain the Vikings’ evolution in naval technology. He says, “It was an honor to stand in the awe and majesty of the boats themselves.”

A regular at the Norman Medieval Fair, Law often showcases the small Viking faering boat he built in his garage according to medieval models. A sommelier of Viking Age beer, Law hosts tastings at the fair and the annual meeting of the International Congress on Medieval Studies.

Event coordinator Dr. Joe Sullivan says Law is dedicated to “recapturing and reliving the past” as he “marries the book knowledge with the practical and hands-on.” Sullivan, a professor of German Medieval Literature at the University of Oklahoma, collaborates with Dr. Joyce Coleman, a Medieval Literature professor at the University of Oklahoma, to invite medieval scholars from around the state to share their knowledge with the Norman public.

Though the lecture series is free, many in Friday evening’s crowd were Medieval Fair cast members or local medieval scholars. Dr. Amber Rose, a Classics and Letters professor at the University of Oklahoma, attended because of her academic interest.

“Any investigation of the past is worthwhile. Understanding what our values are and what we share as a culture are important.”

The Norman Medieval Fair would like to encourage the public to get involved. More information about the next lecture event and the Medieval Fair can be found at www.medievalfair.org.