16th century, 17th century, historical figure, Persia, Persian, primary source, quotes, stories
Kachal MusÌ£tÌ£afaÌ„ was a jester to the Persian Safavid king, ShaÌ„h Ê¿AbbaÌ„s I (r. 1588-1629). Typically for a jester, he was given broad access to the court, although with the notable exception of the Shah’s harem. On one occasion, no doubt presuming on his usual...
16th century, Europe, fooleum, France, French, historical figure, manuscript, painting, primary source
This curious series of illuminations features the French jester Triboulet in various states of interaction with Death and others.There does appear to be a fairly clear narrative: Triboulet meets Death; Triboulet is struck down by Death; Triboulet lies in his grave...
10th century, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, Southern Tang, stories
Jesters could use their freedom in the court to intervene on behalf of others. In most cases this would mean interceding with the king to protect someone more vulnerable or hard done by, and to reverse an injustice.This is a rare case of the jester stepping in to save...
6th century, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories
A vivid example of a jester’s talking his way out of imminent execution after overstepping the mark. Sometimes, even jesters went too far and got more of a reaction than they bargained for.In this case, Shi Dongtong (Moving Bucket 石動ç©), riled the ruler by...
20th century, bibliography, English, Europe, historical figure, Poland, research
Amos Goldberg’s lecture brought a new jester to my attention. Rubinstein cavorted – you cannot say flourished – in the Warsaw Ghetto between 1941 and 1942. Goldberg presents a detailed and touching picture of this poignant character operating in a...
20th century, Europe, historical figure, Poland, primary source, quotes, stories
One of the most intriguing and touching fools is Rubinstein, who took it upon himself to act as the jester of the Warsaw Ghetto. Part comic relief, part ‘street philosopher’, part madman, like many archetypal fools he operated at the edge, in some senses...
16th century, folk fool, India, primary source, quotes, stories
Another example of a jester feigning death, in this case to reveal – or expose – the intentions of the king which Tenali Rama may have suspected weren’t entirely noble.Tenali Rama is one of a handful of superstar jesters in India, and while his name...
