Bestiaries were profoundly dynamic teaching tools in the Middle Ages. Compendiums of animals—both real and fantastic, wild and domestic—their purpose was to provide information about the natural world, to draw moral examples from animals’ behavior, and to reveal their mystical meaning. Each animal was viewed as having its own special significance—a reflection of how the Word of God was revealed in all creation. The animals present in medieval bestiaries were also placed in church architecture and iconography as visual representations of teachings. Each animal's multifaceted symbolism was a reminder of God’s presence, grace, and faithfulness.

The Old English Physiologus originates from the tenth century. It includes three poems, describing the qualities of the panther, the whale, and the partridge. The poems are allegorical, each providing the reader with a moral lesson. This text not only includes the poems in their original Old English, but also offers modern English verse and prose translations. This resource contains the original text.

The Old English Physiologus originates from the tenth century. It includes three poems, describing the qualities of the panther, the whale, and the partridge. The poems are allegorical, each providing the reader with a moral lesson. This text not only includes the poems in their original Old English, but also offers modern English verse and prose translations. This resource contains the notes on the text.

The Old English Physiologus originates from the tenth century. It includes three poems, describing the qualities of the panther, the whale, and the partridge. The poems are allegorical, each providing the reader with a moral lesson. This text not only includes the poems in their original Old English, but also offers modern English verse and prose translations. This resource contains the translation of the text.