BESTIARY Meaning and
Definition
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A bestiary, traditionally known as a medieval compendium, is a detailed and comprehensive compilation or catalog of animals and mythical creatures, often accompanied by vivid illustrations and descriptions. It typically encompasses both real creatures from the natural world and fantastical beings from legend, mythology, or folklore.
Originating in the Middle Ages, bestiaries served as valuable educational tools, aiming to capture the essence of various creatures through anecdotal accounts, moral interpretations, and symbolic associations. They were intended to provide moral lessons, allegorical teachings, and religious symbolism within a zoological context. Bestiaries were influenced by earlier Greek and Roman works, such as the Physiologus, but gradually took on a distinct Christian character, becoming an important part of medieval Christian literature.
Each entry in a bestiary would generally contain a description of an animal's physical characteristics, habits, habitats, and remarkable traits, followed by a moral or spiritual interpretation associated with the featured creature. These interpretations often drew parallels between animal behavior and human virtues or vices. For example, the lion might represent bravery and Christ-like qualities, while the serpent could symbolize cunning and deceit.
While the traditional bestiaries of the Middle Ages focused on religious symbolism and moral teachings, modern iterations have expanded to include a broader range of creatures from various cultural and literary sources. Contemporary bestiaries can explore fantastic creatures from works of fiction or present scientific knowledge about animals in a visually appealing and informative manner.
Common Misspellings for BESTIARY
Etymology of BESTIARY
The word "bestiary" is derived from the Latin term "bestiarius", which means "of beasts". It is further traced back to the Latin word "bestia", meaning "beast" or "animal". The term "bestiary" originally referred to a medieval book or manuscript that described various animals, often with moral or symbolic interpretations. These bestiaries were common during the Middle Ages and were meant to provide moral and religious lessons through the depiction of animals. The word has since expanded in meaning and is now used to refer to any collection or study of animals.
Similar spelling words for BESTIARY
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