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TED-Ed

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

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903 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

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.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


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Meet The Creators

Educator
Beatrice K. Otto
Director
Yael Reisfeld
Narrator
Alexandra Panzer
Music
Jan Willem De With
Sound Designer
Jan Willem De With
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Produced by
Anna Bechtol, Sazia Afrin
Editorial Director
Alex Rosenthal
Script Producer
Cella Wright
Script Editor
Molly Bryson
Fact-Checker
Charles Wallace

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