Nobility and Female Rule in the Dragon Age Series

Abstract

BioWare’s Dragon Age series has often been cited as an example for meieval fantasy games being inclusive of women despite their medieval worlds. This article, in contrast, argues that the kingdom of Ferelden constructed by the game is based on the idea of the Middle Ages as an era where any form of female rule is deemed impossible or at least a sign of a deep crisis. This becomes clear through both the remarks made by the developers and authors about the ideas behind the construction of these medieval worlds and the analysis of Queen Anora’s female rule (or the lack thereof). Furthermore, the article compares the construction of nobility, restricted female rule, and queerness in Ferelden as a fictional medieval-inspired kingdom and the Empire of Orlais inspired by the early modern world.