Abstract

IANNELLO, Fausto. The Motif of the aspidochelone in the Literary Tradition of the Physiologus: Exegetical and Historical-Religious Aspects. Nova tellus [online]. 2011, vol.29, n.2, pp.151-200. ISSN 0185-3058.

The aim of this article is to reconstruct the motif of the enigmatic animal called aspidochelone first in the Greek Physiologus and then to compare its use in all the ancient and medieval versions that followed. This comparative approach may prove useful as a way to bring more clearly to light the religious meanings that the unknown Alexandrian author wanted to conceal from the outset behind the hybrid creature. Therefore, we will carry out a historico-literary and then exegetical analysis of the succesive adaptations and outlooks showed by the aspidochelone in the different versions, so as to point out both formal and substantial continuities, analogies or differences.

Keywords : Physiologus; aspidochelone; bestiary; animal symbolism; Alexandrian School; Christian exegesis.

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