10th century, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories, Tang dynasty
Generally speaking, jesters enjoyed a widely recognised licence which included the latitude to be irreverent. However, they were dealing with very powerful individuals and sometimes their barbs or mockery would hit home too hard and they would find themselves...
10th century, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories, Tang dynasty
Some of the most startling examples of a jester’s being impudent to the point of lèse-majesté can be found in anecdotes concerning Emperor Zhuangzong of the Later Tang (r. 923-26) and Jing Xinmo 鏡新磨 (Newly Polished Mirror). This brassy jester constantly pushed...
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). 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...
16th century, folk fool, India, primary source, quotes, stories
Another example of Tenali Rama’s quick-witted defiance. He is said to have served King Krsnadevaraya (r. 1509-1529), though in all probability was a vivid figment of the collective imagination pegged to a real king.This curious anecdote concerns the scatological...
