Buzz
First released in 1658, The History of Four-Footed Beasts, Serpents and Insects provides an extensive catalog of the era's recognized wildlife across multiple volumes (Volume 1 can be accessed via the provided link). Authored by English clergyman Edward Topsell, the work draws heavily from Konrad Gesner's earlier Latin writings. Alongside realistic portrayals of creatures ranging from antelopes to wolves and various goat species, the collection features fantastical beings such as satyrs and dragons.
1. Aegopithecus
Aegopithecus bears a closer resemblance to the classic depiction of a satyr compared to the later entry on the half-man, half-goat hybrid. The name was later attributed to an ancient anthropoid species that existed approximately 33 million years ago.
2. Monster
Initially, the unnervingly human-like profile of this unnamed creature might seem the most alarming feature, but a closer inspection reveals its massive chicken-like feet on the hind legs—a detail sure to unsettle anyone who has ever provoked an angry rooster.
3. Dragon
Unlike contemporary depictions, these dragons lack legs entirely, appearing as colossal winged snakes.
4. Gulon
As depicted in the illustration, the artist has portrayed the gulon in the act of excreting amidst a heap of bones. This depiction is not an arbitrary insult to the legendary Scandinavian beast. The gulon, described as a hybrid of a cat and a dog, was notorious for its peculiar eating habits. After voraciously consuming food to the point of excess, "it seeks a narrow passage between two trees and squeezes through, forcing out the ingested meal by compressing its body."
5. Hydra
By the time this catalog was compiled, hydras were no longer alive, but the discovery of a seven-headed serpent carcass in Venice was deemed sufficient evidence to validate the legend of Hercules and the Hydra.
6. Lamia
The catalog acknowledges that the term "lamia" has historically referred to various creatures, including fish. Topsell suggests this may originate from the myth of Lamia, a beautiful maiden who captivated Jupiter and bore him several children. Upon discovering her husband's affair, Juno cursed Lamia, killing her offspring and condemning her to eternal, sleepless grief. In response, Jupiter granted Lamia the power to shapeshift—though this still does not clarify why she is depicted as shown above.
7. Man Ape
A hybrid of human and ape, this creature resembles a blend of a scarecrow and an anatomical wooden model used in art classes.
8. Mantichora
Featuring a human head, a lion's body, and a dragon's tail, the mantichora was frequently employed in medieval iconography as a representation of the Devil.
9. Satyre
Topsell explains that, in contrast to the Aegopithecus mentioned earlier, true satyres lack goat-like characteristics and are instead a type of ape, often believed to be the earthly form assumed by the Devil.
10. Sea Serpent
To me, it resembles an eel.
11. Sphinga or Sphinx
"If a man first notices these natural sphinges before the creature detects him, he will remain unharmed," Topsell notes, "but if the beast spots the man first, it will prove fatal for the man."
12. Unicorn
Among all the mythical beings, Topsell devotes considerable attention to the unicorn. He elaborates on the numerous and diverse accounts of the horn's healing powers, yet acknowledges that the extraordinary nature of these claims casts doubt on the existence of such a fantastical creature.
All images provided by University of Houston Digital Library
