The study of medieval manuscripts is fascinating for many reasons, as they were the primary means of recording and transmitting information at the time. In these ancient texts we find many surprises, from tales of chivalry to medical treatises, and occasionally, strange and funny medieval drawings that make us wonder about the lives and imaginations of those who created them.
In addition to their historical and cultural value, medieval manuscripts also provide a glimpse into the creativity and imagination of those that prevailed at the time. This time we will explore strange and entertaining medieval drawings discovered in manuscripts of the time. Get ready to see illustrations of mythological beings, strange creatures, scenes from everyday life, etc.
We’ll see how medieval illustrators incorporated their creativity and sense of humor into their works, and how these illustrations give us a window into a time when writing and illustration were an art. Join us on this exciting journey through time where you will find some of the strangest and funniest drawings of the Middle Ages.
SEE ALSO: Alexander the Great’s bath discovered in Greece
Twelfth-century German crossword puzzle.
The ironies of fate: you end up crucified on a cross and, a thousand years later, your sacrificial act is used to adorn a CROSSWORD.
A strange axe being in the Flemish Region of Belgium, 14th century.
Have you ever heard of a two-legged blue snake, with one hand instead of a head with which it wields an axe? Not even in fiction literature. Therefore, it is very likely that this illustration is not inspired by reality. Come on, the thing doesn’t even have eyes to see what he’s going to give an axe to.
A dying soldier in thirteenth-century France.
If I were hit with an axe on the head, especially the illustration above, I’m sure the last thing I’d do would be take it easy. However, the knight in this 13th-century illustration seems to say, “Do you call this an axe blow? Even my little 5-year-old brother hits harder.”
Attack by a monster of the deep in France, 16th century.
In the imagination of the average human, a sea monster attack appears as an emotionally charged scene. However, it seems that this illustrator was thinking about something else when he depicted one of those attacks. In fact, judging by the face of the wretch who is in the jaws of the fearsome being, the situation seems extremely ordinary. As if it were the tenth reincarnation in which he dies swallowed by one of these animals.
A man on a fish in the Netherlands, 16th century.
If only we had the context of this scene, as medieval drawing lends itself to the most varied interpretations. Maybe this big-rear pervert is abusing the poor fish in broad daylight. Although, I prefer to believe that the animal is saving the chubby swimmer from drowning.
“Look at this poor fool,” France, 13th century.
The stories and legends of medieval knights inspired countless works in literature and film. They are often depicted as heroic characters, capable of sacrificing their lives on the battlefield to safeguard their honor. And then we have this soldier, struggling to take off his chainmail. Or is he putting it on? Whatever the case may be, he’s making a fool of himself in his life right in front of the king.
A demon with a gun in 15th-century France.
If few things produce more dread than a medieval demon, now imagine a demon with a shotgun. The most interesting thing is that his partner seems to back him up with a metal bar. Are they trying to frighten the monk at the window? If you ask me, they look like two punk demons wreaking havoc in a rural area.
A mermaid monk.
If you think Disney and forced inclusion ruined the most popular story about mermaids, take a look at this illustrator’s reaches. Apparently, it’s a mermaid monk showing off a fish.
A wild boar in trousers in 14th century France.
Do you really think that drawings of animals with pants are a contemporary trend? Mankind has been wondering for centuries what various species would look like if they wore pants. Such is the case of this wild boar that doesn’t seem very happy about it. Maybe your pants are too tight.
A bat in 15th-century France.
Sure enough, this thing is supposed to be a bat. Although, to be honest, it seems more like an illustration of Mothman, a strange being whose appearance supposedly portends disaster. The most curious thing about this illustration is that they depicted the bat with a hat. Although the accessory doesn’t seem to bother him, he looks very happy.
A dog doctor in 15th century England.
In this illustration, a dog doctor from the Middle Ages tends to a bedridden cat. Judging by the presence of plants and the time when this illustration was made, it is very likely that this vessel contains some rare concoction or vomit of Dr. Firulais.
A Dog with a Gentleman’s Face, Switzerland, 16th century.
Apparently, medieval drawings stand out for the high level of stylization they managed to achieve. But, there is no way that this is a dog. We suspect that this artist never saw a dog in his life and that he made the illustration from vague descriptions he heard during a drunken binge. Why did he put the face of a gentleman on it?
A root with a face.
Even by the standards of medieval artists, one would consider something as simple as a root to be easy to illustrate and recognize. But no, besides giving him a face, that thing seems to be judging you. It looks like a primitive version of the Oddish Pokémon.
A crab in ninth-century Switzerland.
What mania did the Swiss of the Middle Ages have with putting a face to everything they drew? This is supposed to be a crab. So why did they give him human eyes and eyebrows? Definitely, this artist elaborated the illustration from an imprecise description of the animal.
Snails climbing a flight of stairs, France, 14th century.
Judging by the swirling body that resembles a shell, we assume that these are three snails. We can’t say the same for his face, which looks more like a dog’s. Also, why would three snails climb up a ladder to release a comet stuck in a branch? What did they smoke at that time?
A Thing with a Bone, Netherlands, 14th century.
We’ll end this series of bizarre medieval illustrations with… One thing. A something that has a bone in its beak. Could it be the legendary Patagonian bird?
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