Bestiaries: A view of nature from medieval times

Bestiaries are collections of animals, both real and imagined, presented alongside descriptions and interpretations. They were widely circulated in medieval Europe and often included detailed illustrations. At first glance, they resemble early attempts at natural history, but their purpose was different (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bestiary).

Each entry usually follows a simple structure. An animal is introduced, its behaviour is described, and a moral or symbolic meaning is assigned to it. The focus is not on accuracy in the modern scientific sense. Instead, the emphasis is on what the animal represents.

For example, the pelican was believed to revive its young by feeding them its own blood. This behaviour became a symbol of sacrifice and was associated with Christ in Christian teaching. The factual accuracy of the claim was less important than the meaning attached to it (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bestiary).

It is easy to assume that these texts reflect a misunderstanding of the natural world. A more useful way to read them is as part of a different system of knowledge. Medieval readers often approached nature as something that could be interpreted, with visible forms pointing toward deeper truths. Bestiaries provide a structured way to make those connections.

Their popularity suggests that this approach resonated widely. The combination of text and imagery made them accessible, even for readers with limited literacy. The illustrations reinforce the meanings described, allowing the ideas to be understood visually as well as through words.

Bestiaries show how meaning can be layered onto observation. Animals are not just described but used as a way to communicate ideas. This approach creates a framework where the natural world becomes a source of interpretation as well as information.