The Jester, as Hero
We all know one, or wish we did …
I got another email today from Jim. They show up randomly from time to time, like dandelions, they are lovely bursts of sunshine interrupting the mundane background of life. If that analogy disturbs your OCD tendencies and pride of a perfect lawn … scroll past this entry and work on getting a life. Jim’s posts almost always make me smile and sometimes burst out laughing. Unless they are meant to make me stop and think real thoughts about significant sign posts along the road of life.I would admit to also having shed an occasional tear or two when poignancy penetrated the dense outer shell of my consciousness filter. Most of us have one of those too.
In any case my musings wandered as I appreciated the gift of my friend’s generosity. I am one of a few lucky people on his short list that he has chosen to share his meditations. And so, in his honor, I hear by recognize him for his significance in my world and, as an archetype, give tribute to all those who make an effort to bring some sunshine to our lives. Jesters are among the heroes of the digital age and all that existed before QUERTY.
The Attributes of the Jester Archetype in history
“The Jester appreciates beauty, change, surprised and wicked intellect. Known for exuberant antics, the Jester transcends tradition, convention and societal norms. Boldly original, irreverent and mischievous, this archetype sees life as a wild and crazy playground of opportunity.
Many jesters were essentially household names, almost equivalent to a popular television comedian. They lived luxuriously in their master's palace, often dined with the king, and were given gifts of appreciation. Jesters were permitted to hurl insults but still had to be cautious not to take it too far.
Jesters would ride in front of their troops, provoke or mock the enemy, and even serve as messengers. They played an important part in raising their own army's spirits by singing songs and reciting stories.
An individual court jester in Europe could emerge from a wide range of backgrounds: an erudite but nonconformist university dropout, a monk thrown out of a priory for nun frolics, a jongleur with exceptional verbal or physical dexterity, or the apprentice of a village blacksmith whose fooling amused a passing nobleman. Just as a modern-day television stand-up comedian might begin his career on the pub and club circuit, so a would-be jester could make it big time in court if he was lucky enough to be spotted. In addition, a poet, musician, or scholar could also become a court jester.”1
So raise a glass in toast to those souls who make light of the world. In the immortal words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”
Quotes taken from the musing of Beatrice K. Otto in her Fools are Everywhere, and from a Map and Fire.com website piece on the definition of the Jester archetype.