The History of the Court Jester

The jester has a long, historical tradition. Contrary to modern perception, the jester is more than a clown or an entertainer. Although usually associated with medieval Europe, the jester goes back to the earliest period of civilization. Rome, China, India, even Africa and pre-Columbus America had varying roles for a jester.

It was in Europe where jesters had some of their greatest influence. Often called a fool, joker, clown or even less honorable names, the jester's position was actually one of entertainment and political advice. The jester often walked a fine line between the acceptable and the profane. This, however, was because the jester could speak of things no one else in a king's court dare.

Since the jester did outrageous things all the time, he could speak the grave truth and get away with it as something said in "jest". The jester could dispense advice to a king that no one else dare. Undoubtedly, many who wished to influence the king did so through the jester.

The fine line between entertainer and advisor did not give the jester immunity, however. Advice that was too critical could lead to the same fate as any other who opposed the king. Many jesters lost their jobs and lives by overstepping their verbal license.

A jester did not have to be of noble birth. He could be a commoner. He could be learned as a monk or a scholar. He could also be an apprentice of a trade or even a peasant. Jesters were often employed by nobles and could move up to the royal court, as their antics became known. As such, the jester was one of the few upwardly mobile positions in medieval times. Some became quite famous in their day, like a David Letterman or Jay Leno.

Jesters were entertainers foremost. Even their clothes were to make them look like a clown. With dangling bells, colorful and mismatching patterns, the jester was amusing to look at. The jester's cap or cockscomb had three points for the ears and tail of the ass.

Many jesters were gifted athletes. They were gymnasts and jugglers, even magicians in a simple way. The jester was not to be taken seriously. His job was to bring laughs. Some were dwarfs or even slightly mentally challenged. The expert jesters were much more. They were as erudite as any of the King's councilors.

Although the antonym of a fool is a sage or genius, the jester was the real master of wit. It is not a coincidence that in a deck of cards, the joker is the wild card. In a king's court, the jester was also the wild card.

Today, the roles are reversed for the jester. He once amused the king, ruler of a nation. Now it seems that the rulers amuse the people with their antics. No longer are we a monarchy or democracy, but a foolocracy where the jesters run the court and run for election.