The ultimate purpose of this study is the analysis of the basilisk in four English bestiaries — the Aberdeen Bestiary [Aberdeen University Library, Univ. Lib. MS 24], the Cambridge Bestiary [Cambridge University Library, Ii.4.26], MS. Ashmole 1511 [Bodleian Library, MS. Ashmole 1511], and MS. Bodley 764 [Bodleian Library, MS. Bodley 764], all of them from the 12th century, and the Portuguese manuscript Orto do Esposo, which belongs to the late 13th century or the early 14th century. To accomplish this analysis, a brief study of the origin and evolution of the Bestiary is made, as well as of its structure and content. The study of the four books that form the Orto do Esposo is followed by an analysis of the serpent and its symbolic meaning. Lastly, a comparative reading of the basilisk is made, based on our diverse sources. We give emphasis to neoplatonic philosophy and biblical imagery, as important reference points which are present across our study. - [Abstract]

Language: Portuguese