Medieval Ireland features a wide variety of entertainment, professional
entertainers, and performers. Most prominent is an array of performing
fools. Several early Irish terms exist for these performers. Foremost as
a performing fool was the druth. The
term is related to the term druid, although the two figures are
distinct. The druth offered various kinds of entertainment, most
prominently physical and vocal antics best associated with the medieval
jester. Impersonating and mocking the congenital fool, also known as
druth, was also featured. Several descriptions of the druth include
comments suggesting the performing fool was indeed mentally deficient.
The professional druth is often described in colourful motley clothing,
with long shaggy hair. This semblance was clearly an important part of
his trade. According to several Law Tracts, damage to his clothing or
hair demanded compensation. A common figure of the saga texts, the druth
is most closely associated with royal and other high-ranking members of
society. A professional fool was often part of a retinue, receiving
both payment and protection from his patron.
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