Anachronisms: Why They’re Bad (Except When They Aren’t)

Anachronisms—the placement of objects, language, or ideas in a time period where they don’t belong—are often seen as immersion-breakers. Whether it’s a medieval knight checking their phone or a Viking chieftain casually discussing democracy as if they had just binge-watched a political documentary, these misplaced details can yank readers out of a carefully crafted world.

But while unintended anachronisms can be jarring, writers who use them intentionally may discover a powerful storytelling tool.

Why Anachronisms Cause Problems

For most writers, anachronisms happen by accident. They often stem from unconscious assumptions or oversights. Here’s why they’re usually problematic:

• Breaking Immersion: Readers engage with a story by believing in its world. If a wizard in a high-fantasy setting casually quotes corporate jargon (“Let’s circle back to that potion formula.”), it fractures the illusion. Even minor slips can make a well-built setting feel hollow.
• Historical Inaccuracy: Many readers—especially in genres like historical fiction—expect a certain level of authenticity. If a medieval adventure introduces tomatoes and potatoes in a European setting decades before they were imported, some readers will catch the error.
• Confusing the Audience: Even in speculative fiction, where the rules are more flexible, unintentional anachronisms can disrupt consistency. If a steampunk world suddenly introduces fingerprint-scanning technology without explanation, it leaves readers questioning the logic of the setting.

When Anachronisms Are Useful

Not all anachronisms are bad. Some authors use them deliberately for stylistic or thematic effect:

• Humor & Satire: Anachronisms can fuel comedic storytelling. Monty Python and the Holy Grail delights in absurdity—modern police interrupt a medieval tale, characters reference contemporary problems, and historical accuracy is cheerfully abandoned for entertainment.
• Alternative History & Speculative Fiction: Some stories thrive on rewriting history. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court builds an entire plot around a time traveler introducing modern knowledge to the medieval world. Similarly, in the movie Army of Darkness, Ash’s chainsaw-wielding antics in the Middle Ages are an intentional clash of eras that fuels the film’s cult status.
• Stylized Dialogue: Writers sometimes modernize speech for accessibility. An authentically period-accurate dialect may alienate contemporary audiences, so strategic anachronisms—like streamlined dialogue—help bridge the gap between historical realism and readability.

How to Handle Anachronisms Wisely

• Research Thoroughly: When writing historical fiction, speculative worlds, or time-specific narratives, fact-checking prevents awkward missteps.
• Consider Your Audience: Are they expecting rigorous accuracy, or would they enjoy a playful twist? Reader expectations should guide how anachronisms are handled.
• Use Intentional Anachronisms: If an anachronism serves a clear purpose—whether comedic, thematic, or accessibility-driven—it can enhance a story rather than detract from it.

Anachronisms are like seasoning: too much can overwhelm a story, but the right amount adds flair. Used thoughtfully, they can entertain, illuminate, and even elevate a narrative beyond strict historical constraints.