The Physiologus original: "Phisiologus"; a term derived from Greek meaning "The Naturalist." It refers to a famous tradition of medieval books that described animals and gave them moral or Christian meanings. of

Bishop original: "episcopi" Theobald

on the Natures of

Twelve Animals

This specific version of the Physiologus is a famous poetic adaptation. While many "bestiaries" (books of beasts) were long and prose-heavy, Bishop Theobald—often identified as an 11th-century Abbot of Monte Cassino—wrote this version in verse to help readers memorize the moral lessons associated with each creature.

Natures of Twelve Animals The text focuses on twelve specific creatures, typically starting with the Lion. Each entry describes a biological "fact" (such as a lion breathing life into its cubs) followed by a theological explanation (the Resurrection of Christ).