Historical Roots of Medieval European Jesters and Fools

    The earliest predecessors of the medieval European jester or fool were in all probability the comic actors of ancient Rome. Several Latin terms used in medieval references to jesters such as scurrae, mimi, or histriones, originally referred to either comic actors or entertainers. In Rome, the comic actors fulfilled many of the same functions of the jester, sometimes even bearing a physical resemblance to what is usually considered a medieval or Renaissance archetype. With regular purges against actors and comedians for their outspokenness, many of them were forced to flee and spread across the frontiers of the empire in search of new audiences and greater freedoms. These recurring waves of refugee actors and wandering comics most likely laid the foundations for medieval European jesterdom.

    The European jester and fool inherited some of the common traits of the Roman historians and other features of the bards of Gaul and Germany. During the summers, they would dress themselves in parti-colored costumes with a harp or viol across their shoulders and amble from town to town and from castle to castle. Their songs and acts were introduced and followed by feats of agility and legerdemain, and were often accompanied with music. Common themes included miracles of the saints, stories of Scripture, and legends of heroes. They were prevalent at fairs, market places, and in castles. High and low, old and young, glowed with enthusiasm as they sang of the prowess of Christian warriors. Lords and ladies took delight in rewarding them with gifts, and kings and princes retained the most skillful of their class to their court. Even bishops and abbesses sought to retain the services of jesters on a permanent basis.

Created by David Woodford
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Revised: 25 Nov 2003 16:35:42 -0600

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