The Entertainers: Minstrels and Jesters




Minstrels:

Minstrels provided a form of entertainment to both the upper and peasant classes of the middle ages. They sang and played songs telling of great battles, honor and chivalry, myths like the story of King Arthur, and of course, love. Minstrels played many different instruments. Usually they played a harp or a flute. Sometimes they could also play bagpipes, a trumpet, or a guitar. Most traveled all around the country, wandering where they pleased. However, some also permanently stayed with a certain person, like a king. The traveling minstrel usually traveled primarily to a castle or manor. He would perform there and would expect to be fed, and sometimes given gifts of clothes. He would also generally pay the lord so that he could get permission to perform for the local villagers. The songs they sang while in the castle or manor's walls were very different from those performed outside. Inside they often sang of knights' honor, love, and great battles. Also, these songs were often performed in French, while songs outside were sung in English. Outside the walls, they sang of stories of Robin Hood and satires of social station and position.


Jesters:

Jesters enjoyed a more sedentary life than a minstrel. While minstrels often traveled all over the country, jesters usually stayed in the same place, serving the same lord. A jester's job was simple: Entertain his master and make him laugh. He was a medieval comedian, of sorts. He wore funny clothes with bells and bright colors. He usually also performed tricks like juggling, acrobatic stunts, and other comedic feats. He also was expected to be quite witty with words, making funny puns and twisting words around.


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