The Third Family manuscript Cambridge, University Library MS KK 4. 25, produced in 13th-century England, represents a unique example of textual innovation within the conservative tradition of Latin bestiaries. By incorporating clusters from Second Family bestiaries, particularly in the Birds section, the scribe addressed didactic gaps in the Third Family text, thereby enriching its moral content. Among these additions are two unique chapters—one devoted to the rainbow and another to the Four Causes of Sin—which illustrate the scribe’s effort to expand the theological and symbolic scope of the bestiary. This article examines the structure and purpose of these additions, focusing on their role in reshaping the textual tradition of medieval bestiaries.

Language: English