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Beings of Legend Lore and Myth

A bestiary, or Bestiarum vocabulum is a compendium of beasts. Bestiaries were made popular in the Middle Ages in illustrated volumes that described various animals, birds and even rocks.

Location: In the stories of past lore myth and tales of old
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Latest Activity: Feb 11, 2014

The natural history and illustration of each beast was usually accompanied by a moral lesson. This reflected the belief that the world itself was the Word of God, and that every living thing had its own special meaning. For example, the pelican, which was believed to tear open its breast to bring its young to life with its own blood, was a living representation of Jesus. The bestiary, then, is also a reference to the symbolic language of animals in Western Christian art and literature.

Bestiaries were particularly popular in England and France around the 12th century and were mainly compilations of earlier texts. The earliest bestiary in the form in which it was later popularized was an anonymous 2nd century Greek volume called the Physiologus, which itself summarized ancient knowledge and wisdom about animals in the writings of classical authors such as Aristotle's Historia Animalium and various works by Herodotus, Pliny the Elder, Solinus, Aelian and other naturalists.

Following the Physiologus, Saint Isidore of Seville (Book XII of the Etymologiae) and Saint Ambrose expanded the religious message with reference to passages from the Bible and the Septuagint. They and other authors freely expanded or modified pre-existing models, constantly refining the moral content without interest or access to much more detail regarding the factual content. Nevertheless, the often fanciful accounts of these beasts were widely read and generally believed to be true. A few observations found in bestiaries, such as the migration of birds, were discounted by the natural philosophers of later centuries, only to be rediscovered in the modern scientific era.

Two illuminated Psalters, the Queen Mary Psalter (British Library Ms. Royal 2B, vii) and the Isabelle Psalter (State Library, Munich), contain full Bestiary cycles. That in the Queen Mary Psalter is in the "marginal" decorations that occupy about the bottom quarter of the page, and are unusually extensive and coherent in this work. In fact the bestiary has been expanded beyond the source in the Norman bestiary of Guillaume le Clerc to ninety animals. Some are placed in the text to make correspondences with the psalm they are illustrating. [1]

The Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci also made his own bestiary.

The Aberdeen Bestiary is one of the best known of over 50 manuscript bestiaries surviving today.

Mediaeval bestiaries are remarkably similar in sequence of the animals of which they treat.

In modern times, artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Saul Steinberg have produced their own bestiaries. Jorge Luis Borges wrote a contemporary bestiary of sorts, the Book of Imaginary Beings, which collects imaginary beasts from bestiaries and fiction. Nicholas Christopher wrote a literary novel called "The Bestiary" (Dial, 2007) that describes a lonely young man's efforts to track down the world's most complete bestiary. Writers of Fantasy fiction draw heavily from the fanciful beasts described in mythology, fairy tales, and bestiaries. The "worlds" created in Fantasy fiction can be said to have their own bestiaries. Similarly, authors of fantasy role-playing games sometimes compile bestiaries as references, such as the Monster Manual for Dungeons & Dragons. It is not uncommon for video games with a large variety of enemies (especially RPGs) to include a bestiary of sorts. This usually takes the form of a list of enemies and a short description (e.g. the Metroid Prime and Castlevania games, as well as Dark Cloud and Final Fantasy).

Some mythical creatures, such as the dragon and griffin, have their origin in traditional mythology and have been believed to be real creatures. Others were based on real baby creatures, originating in garbled accounts of travelers' tales; such as the Vegetable Lamb of Tartary, which supposedly grew tethered to the earth (and was actually a type of fern)[1]. Examples of the legendary creatures can be found in medieval bestiaries.

Conversely, some creatures downplayed as just storytelling, have been rediscovered and found to be real in recent books, such as the giant squid (the Kraken). In Africa, Natives of the Congo told European visitors of an animal that looked like a cross between a zebra and a giraffe. While the visitors assumed the stories were just folk tales, in 1901, Sir Harry Johnston brought back pelts that proved the creature, which we now call the okapi, was real.

Often mythical creatures are hybrids, a combination of two or more animals. For example, a centaur is a combination of a man and horse, a minotaur of a man and bull, and the mermaid, half woman and half fish. These were not always intended to be understood as literal juxtapositions of parts from disparate species. Lacking a common morphological vocabulary, classical and medieval scholars and travelers would attempt to describe unusual animals by comparing them point-for-point with familiar: the giraffe, for example, was called camelopard, and thought of as a creature half-camel, and half-leopard. The leopard itself was so named as it was historically believed to be a half-lion (Latin: "leo") and half-panther (Latin: "pardus"). This etymology has been kept until the present day, despite its zoological inaccuracies.

Many legendary creatures appear prominently in fantasy fiction. These creatures are often claimed to have supernatural powers or knowledge or to guard some object of great value, which becomes critical to the plot of the story in which it is found. Dragons, for instance, are commonly depicted as perched on a gleaming hoard of gold which becomes the target of adventurers.

Other legendary creatures are thought to exist even today, including chupacabras, Bigfoot, Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster, the Jersey Devil, Mothman, Yowie, Yeren, Pukwudgie, and even space aliens. These are called cryptids by cryptozoologists.

Throughout history legendary creatures have been incorporated into heraldry and architectural decoration. Legendary creatures have also been accepted into many facets of popular culture, most notably in fantasy role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons or Everquest, video games, and Hollywood movies.

Discussion Forum

RAVEN FOLKLORE by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven) 2 Replies

RAVEN FOLKLOREThey slept until the black raven,the blithe heartedproclaimed the joy of heaven- BeowulfNative AmericanAccording to Jamie Sams and David Carson, in their excellent book Medicine Cards (which accompanies a beautiful deck of animal…Continue

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Feb 11, 2014.

~ The Crow ~ by Christine Narducci 2 Replies

Here is a different take on what we know of the Crow. Some of which is obviously myth...and some might actually be fact. I had to make a few corrections to this article, but it is not mine in any way. I borrowed this excerpt from:…Continue

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Feb 7, 2014.

Hecate, Greek Goddess of The Crossroads by Teths Place 5 Replies

Hecate, Greek goddess of the three paths, guardian of the household, protector of everything newly born, and the goddess of witchcraft -- once a widely revered and influential goddess, the reputation of Hecate has been tarnished over the centuries.…Continue

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Feb 1, 2014.

The Goddess Nerthus & the Ancient Franks:

The Goddess Nerthus & the Ancient Franks:(Pictured:Nerthus (1905) by Emil Doepler) During the time of Roman expansion in Europe, the Romans encountered many Germanic tribes on the other side of the Rhine and Danube rivers. The German people…Continue

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Feb 1, 2014.

Water Deities

Water DeitiesA water deity is a supernatural being in mythology associated with water or various bodies of water. Water deities are common in mythology. Water deities usually were important among civilizations in which the sea or ocean, or a great…Continue

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 31, 2014.

Vampire Graves Unearthed 1 Reply

World News - Construction sites are becoming popular scenes for discoveries of everything from prehistoric mammoth fossils to newly discovered spider species. In following that trend, a recent construction project near Gliwice, Poland uncovered a…Continue

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 26, 2014.

Power Animals & Guardians by Michelle Clarke

Shamans…Continue

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 25, 2014.

Lycanthropy by Dark Reaper 1 Reply

I was just doing a little reading and came across this. It just amazes me what some people will believe sometimes. The blind and misled are only out numbered by the things they choose to believe it seems. LycanthropyLycanthropy is the transformation…Continue

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 25, 2014.

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Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 8, 2014 at 1:40pm

Marti Finizio 1:39in the evenin' Jan 8
A bat means long life and happiness, a good omen (China and Poland). If a bat lands on your head, you should hope the Cricket sees rain coming because the bat won't get off until it hears thunder. When you see a bat, you might actually be seeing the Devil, a witch, a ghost, or Dracula.

The poet Virgil helped to establish the bat's reputation by identifying it with the winged monsters of Homeric legend. It is considered bad luck to kill one. If one flies past you then watch out for someone is trying to deceive you.

Bats have always had a connection with witches, and can have good or bad connotation, depending on the tradition. According to one, if a bat flies three times around a house, it is a death omen. Conversely, when bats come out early and fly about playfully, it is a sign of good weather to come.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 6, 2014 at 3:56pm

Agayu 1 of 16 Orichas

Agayu 1 of 16 OrichasAgayu is One of SIXTEEN  Orichas identified in Cuba today.

At One time there was somewhere between 400 and 1,700 but one can however have an excessive amount of a good thing and a few of them had managed to move on or had taken an early retirement.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 6, 2014 at 3:52pm

ON CIMETIERE Lord of Cemeteries

BARON CIMETIERE Lord of Cemeteries BARON CIMETIERE
Also referred to as CIMETIERE, MAITRE-CIMETIERE

Lord of : Cemeteries
Religion : Haitian Voodou
Persuasion : Rada

The Voodou Baron of Cemeteries and Protector of the Ultimate Resting Place.
Each and every grave under the protection of Cimetiere is recognized by the cross that adorns it.

It might be a grave error for anyone to tinker with a resting place within the Barons guard or the ones from his female cohort Maman Brigitte.

Baron Cimetiere is a close associate or perhaps a manifestation of leading Voodoo man Baron Samedi.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 6, 2014 at 3:48pm

ORICHASThe term ‘ORICHA’  are soul/spirit Guides that are comparable to or perhaps identical to the Africa ORISHAS.

Each ‘Orisha’ and ‘Oricha’ are correct spellings.  We’ve made use of each to distinguish the African and Caribbean model. Hopefully to prevent misunderstandings.

Cuba determined they’d way too many ORICHAS and slimmed them right down to 16.

Those not talked about are mainly much like the African Spirits that they’re based on.

For instance, INLE, OBATALA, OLOKUN, ORUNMILA, OSANYIN, Oshosi, OSHUN, SHANGO and even. YEMAYA.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 5, 2014 at 7:29pm
Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 5, 2014 at 12:11pm

GNOMES
Gnomes are nature spirits that represent the element of Earth, direction of North, and the Autumn season. They are associated with knowledge, stability, grounding, security, safety, guardianship, and protection.
Gnomes are Earth dwellers, full of knowledge, who care for & tend the Earth.
Gnomes create the fabric of Nature. They paint the colors on plants, flowers and trees, as well give the crystals & all minerals of Mother Earth their individual energy signatures.
Gnomes are diligent workers & the guardians of Earths treasures. They tend to be very serious, strategic, & miserly in their ways. They love to hide things. Gnomes may be malicious & tricky, but once their trust is earned, they are very loyal & nurturing.
Garden Gnomes are a form of sympathetic magick, calling on the Earth spirits to bless your garden.

☆★ Rayne ★☆

source - BOS

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 5, 2014 at 12:06pm

SYLPH
Sylphs are nature spirits who's element is Air. They're associated with secrets, travel, knowledge, intelligence, inspiration, and freedom.
Breezes follow Sylphs wherever they go. They can calm or renew winds at will. Being in tune with the weather and sky, they can sense the slightest change in our atmosphere. Sylphs can manifest in gathering clouds, blowing winds, downpour of rain, and the formation of snow.
Sylphs blend into crowds to spy and eavesdrop on the people around them. This hobby of theirs is called "listening to the wind". They rely on their capable, calculating intellect and knowledge gained from eavesdropping to deliver them from danger. )O(

☆★ Rayne ★☆

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 5, 2014 at 12:02pm

GRECIAN
DEMETER --- TO THE ROMAN CERES GODDESS OF GRAINAND THE FRUITFUL EARTH. AN EARTH MOTHER WHO WAS CERTAINLY
ONE OF, IF NOT THE OLDEST OF THE GODS. DEMETER'S IMMENSELY POPULAR FESTIVALS, HELD TWICE A YEAR AT ELEUSIS WERE SO HIGHLY REVERED THAT NO INITIATE WAS EVER KNOWN TO BREAK THE VOW OF SECRECY. DEMETER GAVE THE GIFT OF GRAIN TO MEN AND INSTITUTED THE ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES. THE NATURE OF THESE MYSTERIES HAS BEEN LOST TO US, THOUGH WE KNOW THAT THE MYSTERY CULT CELEBRATED THE LESSE MYSTERIES IN FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AND THE GREATER MYSTERIES IN SEPTMBER OF EVE3RY FIFTH YEAR. MOST LIKELY THE SITES INCLUDED PROCCESSIONS RITUAL CLEANSING AND RELIGIOUS DRAMAS.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 5, 2014 at 11:45am

"Mance" my snake

The snake is one of the helping spirits of the witch .Through the stripping of it's skin embodies the eternal. New birth is the subject of rebirth. The snake biting its own tail, that is endless, represents the cycle of the universe

The life force of the people, the Kundalini is called serpent power. Serpent power is in all of us.

Even the researchers Monnier went about the various myths, collected illustrations of witches or fairies that were entwined with serpents, and compared the Central European traditions with related images from India.

The jewelry in the shape of the spiral, also known as a snake, was the popular jewelry of the wise women who knew all the secret forces of the stars and herbs. The wise women had brought with them their knowledge of the traditions of the Indian mountains?

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 4, 2014 at 2:10pm

Baka Spirits of Dark Magicians

Baka spirit of Black MagiciansBaka’s are souls of Dark Magicians.

They are “Creatures of the Night” and not an entity to be taken lightly.

 

They are known to take the form of an animal and generally stalks the night. So if you come across one of these… its to late.

 

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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.

 

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.

 

Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.

As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.

We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.

Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.

Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"

A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?

After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...

Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.

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