Chapter 1
The ancient roots of sacred fools
Chapter 2
The birth of the modern clown
Chapter 3
From beloved icons to screen stars
Chapter 4
The dark side of the smile
YOUR GOAL
Master of The painted history of fools and frights
Ch 1 · The ancient roots of sacred fools
misslily European rulers in the Middle Ages tolerated direct criticism because they viewed these court entertainers as harmless fools.
misslily A Chinese opera performer with white nose makeup smiles under warm stage lights.
Fun Fact
Jester diplomacy: In 1340, French court jester Triboulet was the only person brave enough to tell King Philip VI that his entire navy had just been destroyed in battle.
Glossary
heyoka (noun)
A sacred contrarian or ritual clown in Lakota culture who behaves in opposition to established social norms. The Lakota Sioux traditionally honored these clowns, who flipped social norms by riding horses backward.
A sacred contrarian or ritual clown in Lakota culture who behaves in opposition to established social norms. The Lakota Sioux traditionally honored these clowns, who flipped social norms by riding horses backward.
Quiz
During which ancient Roman festival did a mock king rule over chaotic celebrations?