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Roland, The Man Who Became Rich Farting For A King
A jester popular with England’s Kind Henry II was given a large estate because of his talent passing gas
Over time humans have devised numerous ways to make a living. Some of them are pretty straight forward and address everyday needs of society. Others are a bit more niche, such as the case of Roland the Farter, a court jester who was rewarded with a large estate after years of entertaining 12th century English King Henry II with his flatulence.
Roland the Farter was born with the name George. As an adult he became a jester in the court of Henry II (who reigned 1154–1189). As with most entertainers, he developed a specialty that delighted the crowds. In his case, it was his ability to pass gas. In particular, he was expected to do an annual Christmas rendition of a gassy performance called Unum saltum et siffletum et unum bumbulum (one jump and whistle and one fart- he essentially did all three things simultaneously). This was considered a high point of the lavish holiday pageant that occurred each year, and to be done at the command of the King during this special time of year. Despite the naughtiness of the act, it was considered the high point of the festival, capping off the merriment.
