4 Less-Known Court Figures That Helped Influence The Course Of History

The royal courts were a place of unusual happenings. While the kings boasted of their court’s power, they also intended to keep their guests entertained throughout history. How did they do that? Through court jesters. They were a crucial part of a regular court day. They may have appeared to make up nonsense in order to keep the lords laughing, but during the Renaissance period, they did a bit more than just that. They were witty and their wit made them invincible even among the royals.

By changing the course of royal court history, they became immortal. These fools may be less known, but their influence in court is crystal clear to historians. Here are four of the lesser-known court jesters.

Below you will read the stories of 4 less known court jesters throughout history. Image source: www.unsplash.com

1. Triboulet: The French Court Jester


Triboulet belonged to the French court in the reign of Francis I. His scandalous jokes after hitting the king on his backside earned him a death sentence. But instead of pleading mercy, he amused the court with his wit. In reply to how he wished to die, he said, “of old age.” The king had no choice but to laugh. His death sentence was averted.

Most of his sayings are converted into quotations. He even inspired a plethora of literature, including the writings of the celebrated French author Victor Hugo.

He, by his example, showed the court that the king wasn’t God and should be treated like a human. It would not be wrong to say that he sowed the very first seeds of the french revolution.

2. Chicot of the French Royal Court


Chicot was a smart court jester in the 16th-century Royal French court. He is well known for his active military life, particularly his swordsmanship. With staunch political beliefs and a cunning mind, he influenced the French people and made them see that it is possible to be in two opposing roles. He was brave, and his bravery earned him a victory against a skilled knight.

Moreover, he was an extraordinary person who could carry his sword with him even in court. It was most unlikely that a jester carried a sword. Only his wit and skillfulness earned him that honor.

If this is not inspirational, what is?

3. Stańczyk: The Polish Court Jester


You might have seen the famous painting of Stanczyk, sitting grieved in vivid red-colored clothes. Although his presence has been disputed, his importance in Polish history can not be denied.

Pertaining to the 16th-century Polish court, Stańcyzk is considered the intelligentsia of his time. Not only did he use satire to comment on the political woes of his times but he brought the attention of the courtiers to grave public concerns through his comedy. He wasn’t just seen as a Court Jester but came to be known as a symbol of the Polish independence movement. Many paintings and character archetypes were based on him, making him a literary figure.

4. William Sommers


Being a court jester of the famed King Henry VIII, William Sommers not only achieved an insurmountable feat but was also able to create a special place for himself until the death of the king.

William Sommers not only used wit to criticize the extravagance of the royal court but also maintained his status even after the king’s death by becoming a ceremonial figure in the court of Queen Mary I. His presence in literature speaks volumes about his wit and influence over the English court. It is clear that court jesters were full of wisdom even if they exhibited foolishness. Their actions left a long-lasting mark on not only the ruling monarchs but also on the way royal courts operated.

Image source: www.unsplash.com

They became symbols of resistance, wit, and freedom of speech even at the time of the worst tyrants. Their contribution to literature, art, and performing arts can be less known but never denied. They paved the way for freedom of expression.

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