This week's medieval beast is the little-known zifius simply described as a sea monster unlike any other animal. This particular zifius is from the earliest known version (c1287) of "Der Naturen Bloeme". #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #zifius

The Bestiary of Ann(e) Walsh(e) is particularly known for the whimsical nature of many of its illustrations as on this page which shows a parrot at the top and a caladrius curing a sick man at the bottom. #medievalmanuscripts #bestiary #annwalsh #annewalshe

Medieval bestiaries are classified into four "Families". The classification refers to the contents of the bestiary. The Bestiary of Ann(e) Walsh(e) is a Second Family bestiary which means that it has been compiled from several sources. #medievalmanuscripts #bestiary #annwalsh #annewalshe

The Bestiary of Ann(e) Walsh(e) is dated to c1400-1425 but Anne Walshe is thought to have lived around 1531. She not only practised her signature on certain pages but also scribbled on other pages as on this page. #medievalmanuscripts #bestiary #annwalsh #annewalshe

This week we're going to focus on one of the books often referred to in our images of medieval beasts: the Bestiary of Ann Walsh (or Anne Walshe). It is named for the signature which appears scribbled on several pages as per this image. #medievalmanuscripts #bestiary #annwalsh #annewalshe

This medieval torpedo from an English Third Family bestiary dated to 1220-1240 has unusually been illustrated as a starfish. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #torpedo

The medieval torpedo was said to be so strength that even its breath could create limb weakness. This disgruntled-looking fish is from the Bestiary of Ann Walsh, 1400-1425. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #torpedo

The medieval torpedo was said to paralyse who/whatever touched it even if it was touched at a distance using a spear. This image is from a version of "Der Naturen Bloeme" dated c1300-c1325. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #torpedo

The medieval torpedo was said to be a large fish that lived in the Indian Ocean. It was said to bury itself in mud and stun any fish that swam over it. This image is from a 13th century version of "Liber de natura rerum". #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #torpedo

The medieval cacus was said to signify angry people pouring fires of vituperation that inflame others. This image from a 14th century Dutch version of "Der Naturen Bloeme" is yet another generic dog-like beast. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #cacus