How dangerous was it to be a jester?

1,683,791 plays|

Beatrice K. Otto |

TED-Ed

• August 2023

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. [Directed by Yael Reisfeld, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Jan Willem de With].