The Old English Physiologus by Cynewulf
QR code
"The Old English Physiologus" by Cynewulf is a collection of three poetic writings likely composed during the early medieval period. This work serves as a bestiary, offering moral and religious lessons derived from various creatures. Unlike typical bestiaries that include numerous animals, this text focuses on specific allegorical interpretations of a panther, a sea monster (asp-turtle), and a partridge, reflective of the era's fascination with nature's symbolism. The content revolves around the
unique characteristics and lessons associated with each of the chosen animals. The panther, depicted as kind and enchanting, symbolizes Christ, with its beauty representing divine glory and the fragrance of redemption that draws followers to God. The asp-turtle, likened to a deceptive fiend, warns against the perils of temptation and the treachery of evil that ensnares the unwary. Lastly, the partridge serves as a metaphor for the soul's journey; just as the partridge raises chicks from stolen eggs, the narrative conveys a message about reclaiming one's true divine parentage. Each creature's portrayal not only engages the reader's imagination but also invites reflection on deeper spiritual truths embodied in the narratives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Download for free
For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.
Kindle → Use Send-to-Kindle
- Download the EPUB3 file above
- Upload it on the Amazon site your Kindle is registered with: amazon.com/sendtokindle for the US, amazon.co.uk/sendtokindle for the UK etc.
- It appears on your Kindle and in the Kindle app
Kobo, Nook etc. → Transfer via USB
- Download the EPUB3 file on your computer
- Connect your e-reader by USB and tap "Connect" on its screen
- Drag the file onto the e-reader drive
Phone, Tablet or Computer → Online or Reading App
Easiest: read online in your browser. Nothing to install.
Or use a reading app:
- Find and install one you like, for example Apple Books, ReadEra or Thorium Reader
- Download the EPUB3 file above
- Open it in the app
More help: iPhone / iPad · Android · Computer
Other formats & older devices
There may be more files related to this item.
About this eBook
| Translator | Cook, Albert S. (Albert Stanburrough), 1853-1927 |
|---|---|
| Author | Cynewulf |
| Translator | Pitman, James Hall, 1896- |
| Title | The Old English Physiologus |
| Series Title | Yale Studies in English: LXIII |
| Note | Three short poems of the Exeter book: The panther, The whale, and The partridge; often ascribed to Cynewulf. |
| Credits |
Produced by David Starner, Ben Beasley and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 60.9 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| Language | Old English |
| LoC Class | PR: Language and Literatures: English literature |
| Subject | Exeter book |
| Subject | Bestiaries |
| Subject | Animals -- Folklore -- Early works to 1800 |
| Subject | Didactic poetry, English (Old) |
| Subject | Animals -- Folklore -- Poetry |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 14529 |
| ISBN (HTML) | 979-8-238-14529-7 |
| Release Date | Dec 30, 2004 |
| Last Update | Oct 28, 2024 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 931 downloads in the last 30 days. |
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!