CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2013
| Author | Nestorov, Marijana |
|---|---|
| Title | Killing and Being Killed: The Medieval Crocodile Story |
| Summary | This study deals with the perception of the crocodile in the Middle Ages. As perception can only be accessed through source material, textual and pictorial representations of the crocodile form the basis of the study. Even though the Middle Ages are the focus of the research, a review of ancient sources dealing with the animal is offered, as medieval authors drew most of their knowledge from the ancient authors. This is why this study covers, in more or less depth, the period from the seventh century BCE until the fifteenth century CE, with some remarks as to how perception of the crocodile developed from the sixteenth century onwards. Descriptions of the relations between the hydrus (today: Egyptian mongoose) and the crocodile are a case study for the transmission of knowledge about the natural world. The perception and symbolism of the crocodile developed and changed over time. Ancient sources were adapted, compressed, and used by medieval compilers such as Isidore of Seville. Their works were then re-copied and illustrated in many later works, such as bestiaries and medieval encyclopedias. Travelers’ accounts, especially the work of Felix Fabri, were used in this study to show how first-hand observation of crocodiles interacted with previously acquired knowledge. It appears that this was a turning point in the perception of crocodiles, as references to the hydrus and similar notions cease. Early modern period saw another change concerning the crocodile, namely, the dried and stuffed animal as an object was used to denote a dragon. |
| Supervisor | Jaritz, Gerhard; Sebok, Marcell |
| Department | Medieval Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2013/nestorov_marijana.pdf |
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