Bestiary

A bestiary is a compendium of beasts. Originating in the ancient world, bestiaries were popular illuminated manuscripts during the Middle Ages. They contained descriptions of various animals, both real and mythical, often accompanied by moral lessons and symbolic interpretations.

Bestiaries were not intended as scientific treatises in the modern sense. Instead, they served as a blend of natural history, allegory, and religious instruction. The animals were often described not only for their physical characteristics but also for their purported behaviors and the meanings ascribed to them within Christian theology and contemporary folklore.

A typical entry in a bestiary might include:

• Description: A physical description of the animal, often based on secondhand accounts or artistic license rather than direct observation.
• Habitat: An indication of where the animal supposedly lived.
• Habits: A description of the animal's behavior and characteristics.
• Symbolic Meaning: The animal's symbolic significance, often related to Christian virtues or vices. For example, the lion might represent courage and royalty, while the fox could symbolize cunning and deceit.
• Moral Lesson: A brief moral lesson or spiritual interpretation drawn from the animal's nature.

The accuracy of the zoological information presented in bestiaries is often questionable by modern standards. Mythical creatures such as griffins, unicorns, and dragons were included alongside real animals, reflecting the worldview of the time. Despite their factual inaccuracies, bestiaries provide valuable insights into medieval culture, beliefs, and artistic traditions. They demonstrate how the natural world was understood and interpreted within a religious and allegorical framework.

Bestiaries influenced art, literature, and heraldry throughout the Middle Ages and beyond. They remain a significant resource for understanding the symbolic language and cultural assumptions of the period.