Minstrels were traveling musicians and entertainers in medieval Europe, known for performing songs and stories. They often played instruments like the lute or harp and sang about historical events, love, and adventure. Minstrels would visit towns and courts, sharing their art to entertain both common folk and nobility. These performers were important in preserving oral traditions and spreading news. They often worked in groups or as solo artists, and their performances could include juggling, storytelling, and poetry. Minstrels contributed to the cultural life of their time, influencing later forms of entertainment, such as bards and troubadours.