quotes, research, stories
Spring has arrived and we’re entering the ten day countdown to the annual fool-fest of 1st April, when folly rules the world … if it isn’t ruled by folly the rest of the time too. Either way, folly reigning or raining folly, the kind people at...
16th century, England, English, Europe, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories
An anecdotal (or perhaps just fictive) account of how an historical jester was ‘interviewed’ by the king. Will Somers was indeed fool to Henry VIII (r. 1509-47) and appears in a family portrait of Henry. In this exchange he doesn’t hesitate to poke...
Arabic, fictive fool, Middle East, primary source, quotes, stories
Physical deformity was in many times and places a positive asset in a jester, as this example from the 1001 Nights demonstrates. In other contexts, mental disability could also be an asset. We will reference fools and jesters of either type as we go, and also bring to...
11th century, folk fool, historical figure, Persia, Persian, primary source, quotes, stories
One of the most famous jesters is Talhak, whose name may be derived from, or have spawned, the Persian word for jester (dalqak). Â He is one of those great folk fools to whom any number of jokes can be pegged.Talhak served Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni (r. 998-1030), and...
7th century BCE, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories
As far as we know, the first Chinese jester on (available) record is Jester Shi (You Shi) who served Duke Xian during the reign of King Huiwang (r. 676-652 BC). He may even be the first relatively reliable historic record of a named jester anywhere, though this is a...
