Re: VMs: Re: Catoblepas

[ajb <ajb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In message <D6EAA7B3-1CC8-11D9-9D53-00306580396E@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Andrew
Sweeney <andrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes
>
>[....]
>
>I assume the figure is a commentary on the moral character of the 
>figure immediately below it: "She's as _____ as a catoblepas." What the 
>moral connotations of the catoblepas are, I don't know. I assume it has 
>moral connotations because it was commonly found in bestiaries, which 
>often made moral points about the animals depicted therein.
>

Hello

There seems to be one of these creatures in the Hereford Mappa Mundi.

It having been included in such a work, presumably the beast had some
moral significance.

TTFN

Anthony


" The map bears the name of its author 'Richard of Haldingham or
Lafford' (Holdingham and Sleaford in Lincolnshire). Recent research
suggests a date of about 1300 for the creation of the map.

"Mappa Mundi is drawn on a single sheet of vellum (calf skin) measuring
64" by 52" (1.58 x 1.33 meters), tapering towards the top with a rounded
apex. The geographical material of the map is contained within a circle
measuring 52" in diameter and reflects the thinking of the medieval
church with Jerusalem at the centre of the world.

"Superimposed on to the continents are drawings of the history of
humankind and the marvels of the natural world. These 500 or so drawings
include of around 420 cities and towns, 15 Biblical events, 33 plants,
animals, birds and strange creatures, 32 images of the peoples of the
world and 8 pictures from classical mythology."



-- 

     ajb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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