Library Oasis

libraryjournal:

The University of Aberdeen library has made available all of The Aberdeen Bestiary online with a full translation and commentary. Wowza.

Here are some choice facts about lupi, pictured above:

Solinus, who has a lot to say about the nature of things, says that on the tail of this animal there is a tiny patch of hair which is a love-charm; if the wolf fears that it may be captured, it tears the hair out with its teeth; the charm has no power unless the the hair is taken from the wolf while it is still alive.

and

The fact that the wolf cannot turn his neck without turning the whole of his body signifies that the Devil never turns towards the correction of penitence.

The bestiary’s advice for scaring off a wolf?

But what is to be done? The man should take off his clothes and trample them underfoot, and taking two stones in his hands, he should beat one against the other. What happens then? The wolf, losing the boldness that comes with its courage will run away.

Duly noted, you beautiful 12th century English manuscript, you. (h/t Kate Beaton)