As far as fantasy literature, I would say that most authors probably just don't think of it. Given that the majority of medieval fantasy is based much more heavily on the established genre tropes than an understanding of the wider context of medieval history (and since fantasy publishers seem to be incredibly conservative), there's a lot of regurgitation, and the inclusion of Jews simply hasn't been established.
Mmm, absolutely.
That, and it would be quite hard to reconcile modern sensibilities about race with the actions of authentic medieval characters (without making the Jewish analogue one of those inherently evil non-human races that it's okay to oppress and still be heroic).
I don't know that it would be any harder than reconciling the horrible classism and sexism, which people seem to manage. Or the equally nasty racism towards the Roma. You just make your hero above that sort of thing :)
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Mmm, absolutely.
That, and it would be quite hard to reconcile modern sensibilities about race with the actions of authentic medieval characters (without making the Jewish analogue one of those inherently evil non-human races that it's okay to oppress and still be heroic).
I don't know that it would be any harder than reconciling the horrible classism and sexism, which people seem to manage. Or the equally nasty racism towards the Roma. You just make your hero above that sort of thing :)