I was in central London today browsing through an excellent second hand book market when I came across a sixteenth century print – a genuine one of course. What it shows is a map of Asia but more to the point – the horrific creatures that were believed to lurk at the fringes of the known world, in the terra incognita that terrified the medieval mind.
These included the ‘dogheads’ – creatures with the bodies of humans but the heads of canines that were believed to live much closer by, in forests for example. It may seem bizarre to know that Saint Christopher – the saint who bore child Jesus across a stream without realising the identity of the young one – was himself reputed to be a doghead.
I couldn’t afford the print – but I was allowed to take some snaps (non copyright of course).
What other fantastic creatures did people believe in during the medieval period?
- Dragons: They were typically depicted as large, fire-breathing reptiles with wings and sharp claws, sometimes with horns, bat-like wings, and a long, muscular tail.
- Griffins: The griffin’s body was that of a lion, with the head and wings of an eagle, combining the attributes of the “King of the Beasts” and the “King of the Air”.
- Unicorns: In medieval European lore, a unicorn was a mythical, white, horse- or goat-like creature with a single, spiraling horn, often depicted as wild and untamable, symbolizing purity, grace, and even Christ, and could only be captured by a virgin.
- Mermaids: Medieval mermaids were typically depicted with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. Mermaids could also be portrayed as temptresses who seduced the weak into the sin of lust. They were often shown combing their hair and gazing into mirrors, symbolizing vanity and the sin of luxury.
Plenty of fantastic creatures to consider then! Now, if you want to know more about the Knights Templar – it’s time to get a copy of my book: The Knights Templar – History & Mystery – published by Pen & Sword – available on Amazon, WHSmith, Waterstones, and Barnes & Noble.
