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The Man Who Slapped A King’s Butt, Insulted The Queen And Lived To Tell About It
Quick wit saved a fast-thinking court jester named Triboulet from meeting an early end
In the past, being disrespectful or rude to royalty could be a great way to increase the likelihood of receiving a severe punishment, or perhaps even death. A renowned Renaissance-era French court jester named Triboulet made a living with his witty yet ribald behavior. So skilled was he at this kind of humor that he somehow survived the unforgivable acts of slapping a king on the rear end and insulting his wife, the queen.
Born Nicolas Ferrial in France in 1479, it has been speculated that he had some sort of physical affliction such as microcephaly, which would have impacted him both physically and neurologically. At the time, people with more severe disabilities like that lived on the fringes of society and struggled to find ways to make a living. Due to his appearance and affect, along with a razor-sharp wit, he secured a position as a court jester performing under the name of Triboulet. He parlayed his skill into a lengthy career that served under the reigns of both Louis XII and Francis I (going back as far in service to him as when he was the Count of Angouleme).
To call his comedic style cutting edge might be an understatement. Of course, he did the natural clowning, originally starting his career accentuating his physical disabilities that some likened to him resembling a monkey because of stubby legs and long hanging arms. He could also be crude as his supposed ability to loudly pass gas at will, but it was soon discovered that he was quick with the quips and comebacks, popularizing himself among the courtesans who witnessed him throughout his career.
Despite his lowly position, Triboulet was involved in some infamous incidents that have persisted in story over time. While serving Francis I, he enjoyed making jokes at the expense of the queen, Eleanor of Austria, including needling her about her home country. During one such episode, Francis commanded the jester to stop but he kept going, as he took his job of providing non-stop entertainment seriously. After the monarch expressed displeasure at not being heeded, Triboulet, attempting to soften the mood, reached…
