The essay follows traces of Weimar Republic and Third Reich medievalism in open air pageants in the Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz) region in Bavaria. It demonstrates the longevity of national tempers and ritual performances and their resistance to the changes often showcased by scholars practising history of ideas approaches that would link paradigmatic change to major historic events (wars; elections).

Richard Utz is Chair and Professor in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Before joining GT, he gathered experience as a educator and administrator at the Pädagogische Hochschule Dresden, the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Tübingen, and Western Michigan University. To find out more about him and his writings please visit http://richardutz.blogspot.com/