Episode
The Strange Story of the Court Jester, Roland the Farter
- Published
- Jan 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1802
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-strange-story-of-the-court-jester-roland-the-farter--69360560
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Summary
In medieval England, humor could earn you land, status, and a place in royal history—if you were strange enough. This episode explores the bizarre but true story of Roland the Farter, a 12th-century court jester who served King Henry II with an unforgettable annual performance: a jump, a whistle, and a fart. Beneath the shock value lies a fascinating window into medieval court life, the role of jesters, and how humor, power, and patronage worked in the Middle Ages. Was Roland merely a joke, or was his act a symbol of social order, ritual, and royal favor? This episode separates myth from historical record and reveals why one of history’s strangest entertainers is still remembered today. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-infographics-show-podcast--6317257/support .