Episode
How hazardous was it to be a jester? - Beatrice K. Otto
- Podcast
- TED-Ed
- Published
- Jul 16, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 460
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG1281551891.mp3
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Summary
Explore the history of court jesters, from 7th century China to medieval Europe, and how they were able to speak truth to power.--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.Support Our Non-Profit Mission----------------------------------------------Support us on Patreon: http://bit.ly/TEDEdPatreonCheck out our merch: http://bit.ly/TEDEDShop----------------------------------------------Connect With Us----------------------------------------------Sign up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/TEDEdNewsletterFollow us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/TEDEdFacebookFind us on Twitter: http://bit.ly/TEDEdTwitterPeep us on Instagram: http://bit.ly/TEDEdInstagram----------------------------------------------Keep Learning----------------------------------------------View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-was-life-like-for-a-court-jester-beatrice-k-ottoDig deeper with additional resources: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-was-life-like-for-a-court-jester-beatrice-k-otto#digdeeperAnimator's website: https://www.yaelreisfeld.com & https://www.instagram.com/yaelreisfeldEducator's website: https://www.foolsareeverywhere.com & https://www.instagram.com/foolsareeverywhereworldMusic: https://www.janwillemdewith.com & https://www.instagram.com/janwillemdewith----------------------------------------------Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not b…