When and why did the idea of clowns (and similar comic performers like jesters and harlequins) as scary and unknowable figures first emerge?

by reproachableknight

Is it really only as old as the trial of John Wayne Gacy and the release of Stephen King's "IT" in the 1980s? Or does it go back much further in history?

mikedash

There is always more to say, but I answered a similar question here a few months ago and you might like to check out that response while you wait for fresh answers to your query.

Fear of clowns is a fairly common fear today. Are there records of fear of jesters in Medieval or Renaissance Europe?