Fama in Medieval Denmark (c. 1240-1340): Rumors, Reputation and Public Opinion

Medieval Denmark (c. 1240-1340) witnessed the growing influence of fama - the complex interplay of reputation, rumors, and public opinion - in both legal proceedings and political power dynamics. As rulers wielded fama to maintain social control and undermine rivals, common people could harness it as a tool to expose misconduct by their superiors. This medieval phenomenon resonates with contemporary discussions about the weaponization of hearsay and "cancel culture." Through examining how fama shaped Danish politics and jurisprudence, this project offers fresh insights into the evolution of public opinion and social structures in medieval Scandinavian society.

The project Fama in Medieval Denmark (FMD) is supported with the Semper Ardens Accelerate grant from the Carlsberg Foundation.