The History of Jesters
The commonly known medieval jester
Recognizable by their motley clothing and distinctive cap-n-bells, jesters appear throughout history.Though court jesters from Medieval Europe are what most of us think of when these fools come to mind, jesters existed in ancient Egypt, China, and the Roman Empire.
No matter when or where in history, the definition of a jester seldom changes. They were witty fools and entertainers, some of which even had the power to influence ruling monarchs. While the role of the jester evolved over time, their influence on history remains undeniable.
Jester History Begins in Ancient Times
The first accounts of jesters date back to the 5th dynasty of Egypt (circa 25th to 24th century BC). Egyptian pharaohs were intrigued by people from different lands, especially those with unique physical attributes.
They employed pygmies from the south of Egypt, known for their short stature. They were made to dance and perform as entertainment for the ruling elite. This is what is referred to as a Natural Fool, rather than a Licensed Fool who was more of a social pawn. The Natural Fool was chosen for their physical appearance and often included many dwarfs or hunchbacks.
Ancient Rome adopted a similar tradition. Roman jesters, known as balatrones, were bought in slave markets. Many had physical deformities or unusual traits that made them stand out and be sought after.
As for the Licensed Fool, these jesters played a different role in history. The privilege of some jesters allowed them to voice opinions and criticisms that would have been dangerous for others to express.
A famous example is Twisty Pole. This Chinese Imperial court jester cleverly dissuaded Emperor Qin Shi Huang from painting the Great Wall of China. He joked that they wouldn’t have a drying room big enough. The Emperor, amused, abandoned the idea.
While this may be a folk legend, there are many accounts of jesters in history playing the peacemakers, the intermediaries and the messengers. There was a lot more to these fools when you looked past their mostly garbs.
What was the Role of a Court Jester?
If we move forward in history to the most famous example of jesters, we find ourselves in Medieval England. Here royalty sought new ways to entertain their guests, gain favour with other members of the monarchy, and showcase their wealth and status. These court jesters were skilled in music, juggling, storytelling, and comedy, and became a staple in royal courts. Their ability to captivate audiences made them valuable assets, so much so that nearly every European monarch employed at least one jester.
Jane Foole in Henry the Eighth and His Family (1545)
These court jesters had a sharp wit and often dark humour, using comedy to critique political figures and court decisions. In many cases, jesters were given a surprising amount of freedom to mock nobility without fear of punishment (in most cases anyway).
The Middle Ages marked the golden age of jesters. Some notable jesters include Will Sommers, the jester of King Henry VIII, and Jane Foole, one of the few well-documented female jesters.
The Decline of the Court Jester
The history of jesters takes a turn during the Restoration period (1660s). The role of the court jester was fading and Charles II of England broke with tradition by not employing a court fool.
History shows the jester as someone who mocked and critiqued with some degree of impunity. However, during the Restoration, there was a more cautious approach to maintaining the monarchy's image. Unfortunately for the jester, the potential disruptor of royal authority was less than welcome.
The Restoration period was also a time of flourishing arts and culture. As society grew more refined, the entertainment provided by jesters may have seemed out of place. Theatrical performances and music halls became the primary sources of amusement. Replacing the role of the medieval jester in the upper-class parties.
Jesters in the Present Day
The legacy of the jester lives on through modern retellings
While the court jesters faded from prominence after the Restoration, they did not vanish entirely from history. We still see them throughout entertainment, though their roles may have shifted. We see them in television, film, stand-up comedy, and theatre.
How has the history of jesters affected the current entertainers of today’s time? What is the Difference Between a Clown and a Jester? Though they may not offer commentary on political figures and be more involved with slapstick comedy, clowns are a great example of modern jesters. We can also see a glimmer of the past jesters in comedians, buskers, circus entertainers, and in much beloved characters from popular culture.
The history of the jester lives on, and these much-beloved fools, while not always dressed in motley, continued to spread their joy and laughter.
About the Author
Darryl King is the founder of Jester Planet, a site that is dedicated to being a comprehensive guide to jesters throughout history. Writing under the pen name D.E. King, he is also the author of the In All Jest series. The epic fantasy series revolves around a secret society of Jesters who navigate changes to their world. Darryl lives on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.