How dangerous was it to be a jester? - Beatrice K. Otto

Explore the history of court jesters, from 7th century China to medieval Europe, and how they were able to speak truth to power.

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Contrary to common belief, jesters weren’t just a medieval European phenomenon but flourished in other times and cultures. The first reliably recorded jester is thought to be You Shi, of 7th century BCE China. Jesters had unique relationships to power: they could be viewed as objects of mockery or as entertainers and trusted companions. Beatrice K. Otto digs into history's most infamous jokers.

Lesson by Beatrice K. Otto, directed by Yael Reisfeld.

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[patrickcharpentier]

I like Triboulet, a French jester who apparently crossed the line with one of his jokes and was sentenced to death by François 1st.
He asked him how he wanted to die and triboulet answered "of old age"
And François 1st spared his life

[lauraknight]

It fascinates me how a significant part of history can be described by saying, "The Monarch is very sensitive, so we hired this funny man to give him all bad news and criticism"

[hkayakh]

That “is there a famine?” “Yes I see your majesty is only eating 5 times a day” joke is great

[zerotooneisinfinity]

Honestly its a travesty that modern day politicians dont have jesters, it would probably help a lot

[dr.markus-levelresearcher]

0:46 that will Smith reference was crazy, wasn't expecting that from TED-ed 😂

[benitoharrycollmann]

Keep in mind that for his annual jump-whistle-fart routine, Roland the Farter was granted 30 acres of land in Suffolk by King Henry II. Moral of the story: sometimes, flatulence pays

[frankensteinlives]

It's nice to know that the "No offense, it's just a joke" bs has a noble history.

[mestre]

Its very intresting the history of Jester. I heard stories of people asking for the Jester to give the bad news to king, because, the knew he could escape the punishment.

[notfunny]

Calling your king might be a one-way ticket to a death sentence

But doing so while he's laying his head on your lap, that's a power move.

[jervey]

"What is your relation with cuckolds?" The sultan asked as he rests his head on the jester's soft lap. "I am their pillow!"
lol, what a sick burn!!!

[barbiquearea]

William the Conqueror had a jester name Taillefer, who was a beast. He rode beside William during the Norman invasion of England, and would lift the troop's spirits by singing about heroic deeds. When they reached enemy lines at Hastings, he taunted the English by juggling his sword and was challenged by an English soldier, who he killed before charging the English lines alone, while singing and was said to have killed at least four more Englishmen before being cut down.

[arcie]

It’s cool seeing how jesters existed throughout multiple cultures throughout centuries

[Fugitivez]

The ability to laugh at oneself is so profound. One would assume that old royalty was ruthless and cruel, unquestionable - however the presence of jesters seem to indicate that they too had a good laugh. This is one of the few cultural characteristics found across the medieval period in human history. I recall watching an art form called 'Chakyarkoothu' from my state in India which was practiced by court and temple jesters. Truly an art!

[CatIsMad]

2:35 Jester: *Points out the flaw in the emperors anger*

Emperor: 🤭💅

[M.A.C.]

Jester: *takes his mockery too far*
King: I’ll give you a choice how do you die?
Jester: how about with old age?

[jarekwrzosek]

I'm shocked you haven't mentionned that Jesters often were advisors to the rulers. Like famous polish Jester Stańczyk, who also acted as advisor to Polish king Sigismund I.

[SteveGamesFTW]

Jesters are like your homies that roast you but still give honest and sincere advice (most of the time).

[Blokewood]

Female jesters were actually not rare, but Mathurine is special because we know more about her life and the jokes she told.

[simondurso]

pretty sure that the difference between clowns and jesters is that clowns make fun of themselves while jesters make fun of others

[mollyhoffman]

Jesters deserve more respect than they get.
That is not a joke.