Bodleian Library, MS. Ashmole 1511, Folio 86v Latin name: The AspidocheloneA magnificent many-finned whale catches fish, while misguided sailors, thinking it to be an island, try to land on its back. —The Medieval Bestiary

Bodleian Library, MS. Ashmole 1511, Folio 86v

Latin name: The Aspidochelone

A magnificent many-finned whale catches fish, while misguided sailors, thinking it to be an island, try to land on its back.

—The Medieval Bestiary

The Aspidochelone lures hapless mariners to land on its back According to the tradition of the Physiologus and medieval bestiaries, the aspidochelone is a fabled sea creature, variously described as a large whale or sea turtle, that is as large as an island. The name aspidochelone appears to be a compound word combining Greek aspis (which means either “asp” or “shield”), and chelone, the turtle. It rises to the surface from the depths of the sea, and entices unwitting sailors to make landfall on its huge shell. In the moralistic allegory of the Physiologus and bestiary tradition, the aspidochelone represents Satan, who deceives those whom he seeks to devour. more

The Aspidochelone lures hapless mariners to land on its back

According to the tradition of the Physiologus and medieval bestiaries, the aspidochelone is a fabled sea creature, variously described as a large whale or sea turtle, that is as large as an island. The name aspidochelone appears to be a compound word combining Greek aspis (which means either “asp” or “shield”), and chelone, the turtle.

It rises to the surface from the depths of the sea, and entices unwitting sailors to make landfall on its huge shell. In the moralistic allegory of the Physiologus and bestiary tradition, the aspidochelone represents Satan, who deceives those whom he seeks to devour.

more