Medieval entertainer - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Hello, solvers! Today we're looking at a classic crossword clue: "Medieval entertainer". This is a great example of a straightforward, knowledge-based clue that often appears in puzzles. It's a direct definition that asks you to recall a specific historical role. Let's break it down.

Clue Analysis

The clue has two key components:

• "Medieval": This sets the historical period, roughly from the 5th to the 15th century.
• "entertainer": This defines the person's function.

The puzzle is looking for a specific noun that fits this description. There's no wordplay, no puns, just a direct request for a term. Your task is to mentally scan through the types of performers from that era.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, a few strategies can help:

1. Brainstorming: Start by listing related terms. Who entertained people in medieval times? You might think of jesters, minstrels, troubadours, or the answer we're looking for.
2. Consider Word Length: The number of letters in the answer slot is your best friend. If you brainstormed "minstrel" but the answer is only four letters long, you can immediately rule it out.
3. Use Crossings: If you're unsure, getting even one or two crossing letters can be a game-changer. If you have B _ _ D, the answer becomes much more obvious.
4. Pop Culture Association: Think about where you've heard these terms. Shakespeare is famously called "The Bard of Avon". Modern fantasy, like the game Dungeons & Dragons, features a character class with this name, known for music and magic.

Background Context

Historically, a Bard was much more than just an entertainer. In medieval Gaelic and British cultures, they were revered figures responsible for preserving the oral history, genealogy, and laws of their people through epic poems and songs. They were often employed by patrons like chieftains or kings.

While similar to minstrels and troubadours, the term "bard" carries a specific weight, particularly in Celtic traditions. The romanticized image of a lute-strumming storyteller we have today is a simplification, but it's the one that has firmly lodged itself in our collective cultural memory, making it perfect fodder for a crossword clue.

Conclusion

"Medieval entertainer" is a solid, accessible clue that rewards general knowledge. It's a fair and direct definition that serves as a great foothold in a puzzle. Once you connect the medieval period with this specific type of musical storyteller, the answer falls neatly into place.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This person was known for storytelling and music.
2. Hint 2: They often carried an instrument like a lute or a harp.
3. Hint 3: Shakespeare is famously known by a title that includes this word.
4. Hint 4: This word is also a popular character class in role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons.

The answer is: [BAR/D]