The Strange Story of the Court Jester, Roland the Farter

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.