The Court Jester is a storytelling podcast that dives into the sauciest, funniest, and most outrageous stories of the Middle Ages. Hosted by medievalist and humour scholar Kleio Pethainou, each episode brings you a real tale from medieval literature—fabliaux, fables, legends, and more—featuring scandal, fart jokes, sex, tricksters, and chaotic peasant drama.
Think rude jokes, wild mishaps and the messiest love triangles you’ve never heard of (but absolutely should).
⚔️ Based on real medieval texts
📜 Translated and adapted with historical context
🎭 Told with flair, irreverence, and dark humour
If you're into medieval history, historical comedy, uncensored storytelling, or want to laugh at the weirdest things humans used to do—this one’s for you.
🔔 New episodes every other week.
Support the show on Patreon for bonus content and medieval mischief.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Court Jester is a storytelling podcast that dives into the sauciest, funniest, and most outrageous stories of the Middle Ages. Hosted by medievalist and humour scholar Kleio Pethainou, each episode brings you a real tale from medieval literature—fabliaux, fables, legends, and more—featuring scandal, fart jokes, sex, tricksters, and chaotic peasant drama.
Think rude jokes, wild mishaps and the messiest love triangles you’ve never heard of (but absolutely should).
⚔️ Based on real medieval texts
📜 Translated and adapted with historical context
🎭 Told with flair, irreverence, and dark humour
If you're into medieval history, historical comedy, uncensored storytelling, or want to laugh at the weirdest things humans used to do—this one’s for you.
🔔 New episodes every other week.
Support the show on Patreon for bonus content and medieval mischief.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This fabliau has it all: trickery, fine dining, and a wildly escalating prank that ends with gospel readings, public humiliation, and a very confused innkeeper.
I give you Cortebarbe’s Li trois avugles de Compiègne (The three blind men of Compiègne).
Content note: includes period-typical ableism.
📜 Text: Translation by Nathaniel E. Dubin
🎵 Title music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada
📲 Updates & mischief: @kpethainou.bsky.social | @thecourtjesterpodcast on Facebook
🃏 Bonus content: patreon.com/CourtJesterPodcast
☕Buy me a coffee https://ko-fi.com/thecourtjesterpodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.