The Arts: Henry's Medieval Occupations Quiz

Answer: Bard

My lord, the Earl of Warwick, employs a bard to write poems and songs in praise of his ancestors and his own exploits. It is a way to preserve family genealogies and transmit and preserve other information. I have heard of a bard who wasn't paid in full by his patron. He composed a song that was not very complimentary; we all thought it was very funny!

Answer: Courtly Love

The songs of a troubadour will generally deal with courtly love or chivalry. A troubadour may make his living in a variety of ways. Generally he is employed by a nobleman, and he stays at his court for as long as the patronage lasts. Many troubadours are educated; some even began as clerics who receive voice training and are taught musical and poetic forms.

Answer: Barker

A barker's job is to attract customers to circus and fair events. He describes what will be seen, emphasizing the most exceptional feats. Sometimes, if we are lucky, he will show us a short preview of the show that is free!

Answer: Drum

A naker is a drum that was introduced to us Europeans during the Crusades. It is constructed with a metal or wooden body that is dome-shaped, and covered with a goatskin. The drum head can be either struck with sticks or hands. Usually the nakerer plays them in pairs.

Answer: Fiddler

Sometimes also called a "geiger", the fiddler's instrument, the fiddle or lira, probably came north from Italy. Most of the instruments have four strings, but they come in a variety of sizes. They can either be held under the chin, or in the crook of the arm, and plucked or played with a bow.

Answer: Pantomimist

I have seen mummers before; they usually provide entertainment for us at Christmastime. The theme of their plays is the battle between good and evil, which results in the death of the good hero. Many times he is brought back to life by a magic potion after being slain. My favorite play shows the duel between Saint George and the Turkish Knight.

Answer: A jester can perform any of these.

Jesters can either be employed by a patron, or travel from fair to fair to make a living. They wear brightly colored clothing, and strange hats. Many people call them "fools", but I can assure you - they are not! They are the best storytellers. They can sing, play music, perform magic tricks, and even perform acrobatics. My favorite part of their entertainment is figuring out their riddles!

Answer: True

The lute is an instrument that has been around for a long time, but in my day, the best style of lutes comes from Spain. It is a very popular instrument, and many of us pages have tried to learn to play as part of our "chivalry training" from my lady, the Countess of Warwick. Apparently, the ladies like songs accompanied by the lute!

Answer: Limner

A limner not only illuminates manuscripts, he also applies paints and ornamental decorations, such as initials and borders. Unfortunately, this is an art that we seldom are able to see. Most of the manuscripts are religious in nature and are kept in monastery libraries.

Answer: European Brown Bear

Even though the Romans nearly hunted bears to extinction, from time to time, we see a bear-ward at a fair or circus with his performing bears. I have also heard of a noble employing bear-wards to take care of the bears in his personal zoo. It always makes me sad to see such noble creatures in captivity, especially since they are not always treated well.