Old King Cole

Old King Cole: A Timeless Tale of Merriment

Old King Cole, a British nursery rhyme first attested in 1709, paints the picture of a merry monarch who called for his pipe, bowl, and musicians. But have you ever wondered about the identity behind this jolly king? Is he just a figment of our collective imagination, or could there be some historical truth to the tales surrounding him?

The Speculative King Cole

One theory suggests that “Old King Cole” might be connected to “Coel Hen”, an ancient British king. However, despite the intriguing name, there is no concrete evidence linking these two figures. Other theories propose that King Cole could have been Richard Cole of Devon or a Cornish king named Coel. Some even speculate about a connection to Colchester and the legendary Constantine the Great. How fascinating it would be if one of these theories turned out to be true!

The Theatrical Origins

In the 19th century, William Chappell suggested that “Old King Cole” was derived from a nickname used in Elizabethan theatre. This theory adds an intriguing layer to the rhyme’s history, suggesting that it might have originated as a theatrical joke or a character name. Meanwhile, Thomas Deloney’s story may have contributed to the character’s origins, further enriching its narrative tapestry.

Modern Symbolism and References

In modern times, Old King “Coal” has been used as a symbol of the coal industry in political cartoons. This connection between the rhyme and the industrial world is quite ironic, considering that the original rhyme speaks of merriment rather than hard labor. The song has also found its way into popular culture through various mediums:

• A Maxfield Parrish mural (1894) worth $662,500
• A 1923 ballet by Ralph Vaughan Williams
• Versions used in marching cadences since the 1920s
• Use in Harry Belafonte’s album Belafonte Returns to Carnegie Hall (1960)
• Quoted lines in Genesis’ song “The Musical Box” and Queen’s song “Great King Rat”
• Inspiration for the second track on Nathaniel Coles’ album Once Upon a Time (In Space) (2012)
• A reference in Ween’s song Old Queen Cole
• Appearances in L. Frank Baum’s collection Mother Goose in Prose, P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins Opens the Door, and James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake

The Cartoon and Film Appearances

The Old King Cole theme has also appeared in various cartoons and films, including Silly Symphony’s Old King Cole, The Merry Old Soul, Have You Got Any Castles, Fiddlers Three, and other works. King Cole is depicted in comic books, tabletop role-playing games, and has been parodied by poets like G.K. Chesterton and Edgar Allan Poe. Each of these appearances adds a unique twist to the character, making him a versatile figure in popular culture.

Conclusion

Old King Cole remains a mysterious yet beloved figure in our cultural landscape. From his humble beginnings as a nursery rhyme to his modern-day incarnations in art and literature, he continues to captivate us with his timeless charm. Whether you see him as a historical king or just a fun character from childhood, Old King Cole is here to stay, reminding us of the joy and merriment that can be found in simple pleasures.