How did Sigrid Undset research medieval life for her novels?
To bring the world of the Middle Ages to life, I delved deeply into historical sources. I pored over sagas, chronicles, legal texts, and material culture – everything that could offer insight into the daily lives, beliefs, and social structures of my characters. It was not enough to simply know the dates and events; I needed to feel the textures of their lives, the scent of their homes, the weight of their societal expectations. This meticulous research allowed me to create a world that felt authentic, where the choices of my characters, their spiritual quandaries and their enduring strength of faith, resonated with the truth of their historical moment.
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