Thursday, April 2, 2009

Court Jester

Yesterday was Court Jester Day in the Realm of Knights of Moleskine, Spirit and Ale. Otherwise known in the unknowing world as April Fools Day.

The jester has a long, historical tradition. Contrary to modern perception, the jester was no fool, and was more than a clown or an entertainer.

Although usually associated with medieval Europe, the jester goes back to the earliest period of civilization. Rome, China, India, even Africa and pre-Columbus American Indians had varying roles for a jester.

It was in Europe where jesters had some of their greatest influence. Often called a fool, joker, clown or even less honorable names, the jester's position was actually one of entertainment and political advice.

The jester often walked a fine line between the acceptable and the profane, a quality much admired by the Founding Father's of the Knights of Moleskine, Spirit and Ale. This, however, was because the jester could speak of things no one else in a king's court dare. Since the jester did outrageous things all the time, he could speak the grave truth and get away with it as something said in "jest".

The jester could dispense advice to a king that no one else dare. Undoubtedly, many who wished to influence the king did so through the jester. The fine line between entertainer and advisor did not give the jester immunity, however. Advice that was too critical could lead to the same fate as any other who opposed the king. Many jesters lost their jobs and lives by overstepping their verbal license.

A jester did not have to be of noble birth. He could be a commoner. He could be learned as a monk or a scholar. He could also be an apprentice of a trade or even a peasant. Jesters were often employed by nobles and could move up to the royal court, as their antics became known. As such, the jester was one of the few upwardly mobile positions in medieval times.

Sir Hook Who's Walking a Fine Line Between the Profound and the Profane Everyday of Warrick


Anonymous said...

Surely, you jest.

Sir James, the class clown, of Taylor

Anonymous said...

Lol.. you just want to wear the Tights, Hookster