How dangerous was it to be a jester? - Beatrice K. Otto

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How dangerous was it to be a jester? - Beatrice K. Otto with tags jesters, jester, court jester, medieval courts, fool, professional fool, court entertainment, court entertainer, jing xinmo, you shi, entertainers, sexten, king henry, henry viii, roland the farter, mathurine, king henry iv, archy armstrong, archbishop of canterbury, talhak, karim shir'ei, riddles, jokes, skits, history, power, monarchy, rulers, mockery, education, animation, beatrice k otto, yael reisfeld, ted, ted-ed, ted ed, teded, ted education

Explore the history of court jesters, from 7th century China to medieval Europe, and how they were able to speak truth to power.

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Contrary to common belief, jesters weren’t just a medieval European phenomenon but flourished in other times and cultures. The first reliably recorded jester is thought to be You Shi, of 7th century BCE China. Jesters had unique relationships to power: they could be viewed as objects of mockery or as entertainers and trusted companions. Beatrice K. Otto digs into history's most infamous jokers.

Lesson by Beatrice K. Otto, directed by Yael Reisfeld.

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