Kristian Barnes

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Supervisors

Dr Andrew Lind (UHI), Dr Shane McLeod (UHI) & Prof. Ullrich Kockel (UHI)

Research Title

The Ethics of Representation. The Norse in modern popular culture.

Research Abstract

Appropriating ancient mythologies from non-living cultures (for example, Norse, Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, or Mesopotamian) lacks the immediate emotional harm, impact, and potential media circus associated with appropriating a living culture’s myths, such as those of the Australian Aboriginals or Native Americans.

With no living culture to defend or counter this appropriation, the risk of transforming and distorting those myths, including the loss of original meaning, homogenization of cultural elements, perpetuation of misconceptions, and erosion of cultural heritage, is a significant ethical concern.

Norse culture and mythology have been appropriated and adapted in various modern entertainment mass media formats, including comics, graphic novels, books, film, TV, and gaming. However, over the last 15 years, the appropriation, revisionism, and simplification of Norse culture and mythology in entertainment mass media, such as television and film, which have a global reach and influence, have increased significantly. As these are drivers of modern popular culture, these representations raise ethical questions about whether they contribute to an increased genuine interest in Norse culture and mythology or have normalized a distorted and revised version of it. Research has shown that these mass media representations may often be the younger generation’s first, primary, and even only source of knowledge about Norse Mythology.

This leads to two key research questions: "What ethical responsibilities do creators of entertainment mass media have when adapting and representing the mythology of non-living cultures?” and “What is the measurable impact of these adaptations on contemporary understanding of Norse culture and mythology?”

Biography

I spent my career life working in advertising and marketing globally, with time spent living in the UK, Australia, and Asia. In my post-career life, I completed an MSc in Psychology in 2022 and an MLitt in Viking Studies in 2024, and have contributed to nine published peer-reviewed papers as part of REACH. I am excited now to undertake my PhD in Viking Studies at UHI as part of this ongoing journey.