Europe, fictive fool, Ireland, Irish, medieval, primary source, quotes, stories
From an Irish myth, a curious shopping list of what subordinate chieftains need as proof of your elevation above them: not only you should provide ample food and beer (as evidenced by greasy knives and ale-breath), but you should equally ensure they be lavishly...
16th century, Europe, folk fool, German, Germany, medieval, Poland, primary source, quotes, stories
Till Eulenspiegel is a folk fool and trickster whose exploits were recounted across Europe and translated into multiple languages. He moved freely, sometimes as a jester, sometimes a wandering rogue. There are cheeky children’s tales about him and then more...
Europe, folk fool, medieval, primary source, quotes, stories
Marcolf is the eternal folk fool, paired with a king noted for his wisdom, Solomon, whom Marcolf always manages to best. Tales of his irreverence were in wide circulation in medieval Europe. Here he resorts to a classic fool trick which is to follow the king’s...
19th century, Europe, folk fool, fooleum, Germany, medieval, primary source
Till Eulenspiegel was a medieval European hit as far as folk fools go. Stories about this fictitious impish character circulated in many languages. His name – Owlglass – hints at the role of fools in holding a mirror up to our pompous selves, mocking all...
Europe, France, French, medieval, primary source, quotes
The mirror is a recurring theme in the history of folly, particularly in Europe, where there are many images of a fool holding up a mirror, whether to himself or to you, the bystander. This device can still be seen in some European carnivals.In China too, it is worth...
12th century, Europe, France, French, historical figure, medieval, primary source, quotes, stories
From the Roman de Rou, the 12th century verse chronicle of the Normans commissioned by the English king Henry II, in which the author Robert Wace mentions a jester of Duke William of Normandy (c. 1029-1087, later ‘William the Conqueror’). He recounts how...
13th century, 14th century, bibliography, book chapter, England, English, Europe, medieval, research
A clear account of attitudes and beliefs in medieval England regarding mental disability and illness, Buhrer’s paper highlights distinctions between temporary and congenital madness or mental impairment, as it was considered in society and by the courts. The...
Europe, fooleum, German, Germany, medieval, primary source, quotes
The mirror is a recurring theme in fooldom, both as a symbol and a function of the role – fools hold a mirror up to show things as they really are, in turn allowing us to ‘reflect’ on our behaviour. In European iconography, the jester can be seen...
