#medieval jester

Following on from my last two posts about the symbolism and history of the fool as a character, I of course have to complete this spotlight with a shout out to my beloved Fool from Robin Hobb's epic fantasy series Realm of The Elderlings.

Reading these books was already a delight, satisfying my love of medieval history, misunderstood magic systems with tight restrictions, and deeply complex, imperfect characters. I really wasn't expecting to also come across the canonically non binary / gender fluid icon that is The Fool.

Echoing the jesters of European history, Hobb's Fool has status outside of normal societal roles. He is both an entertainer and deeply insightful, more honest than others at court, but rarely taken seriously. He is perceived as a freak by some, and treasured by others. Driving the plot forward by encouraging the main protagonist to journey into the unknown, the Fool also encompasses so much tarot symbolism it's like he's walked straight out of his own deck.

I drew this piece as an ode to how much I love this character. The joy in drawing for fantasy means I can lean on some medieval influences in fashion and patterns without having to worry too much about historical accuracy. Heraldic animals in the boarder link to different characters in the series, and the Fool's intrinsic connection to all of them.

~~~ Spotlight series This post is part of a series of spotlights on my artwork and some of the stories behind it. Search the tags leith spotlight and leith illustrates to see more of the series.

Here is my Malevolent OC!!! Their name is Larkin (his original name is Lorcán because he is originally Irish) and they used to be a 12th century medieval itinerant jester, travelling with their Fools Guild, performing all across England in various courts, towns and fairs. UNTIL Larkin somehow gets trapped in the Dreamlands (idk how just yet-)

He wanders through the Dreamlands alone until the King in Yellow comes across him and brings him back to Carcosa- mostly out of curiousity, which is why he wasn't immediately killed.

THEN HE becomes Hastur's court jester. And his performances mainly consist of Hastur torturing and terrifying them, and Larkin making his escapes with quips and jokes.

Larkin has a quick wit, is really intelligent and a fast thinker, which is mainly how he has survived so long. They're always nervous, but he plays it off as a bit most of the time. He can play the flute and it is the only item he owns while in the Dreamlands.

Clown be apon ye

The Tragedian

Crochet. Acrylic yarn.

For sale on my kofi:

Pride Month Day 29: Kiwi

Questioning/Experimenting

Big sad

Here is drawing of the jester outfit im making for the Renaissance Fair im going to next month ☆