Physiologus#

Physiologus ("Naturalist"), late Greek work of natural history, which describes plants, stones and animals as an allegory for the history of salvation. Illustrated with a strong didactical intent proper behaviour for the secular and monastic world. German versions of the 11th to the 15th century were written as revisions of Latin intermediate versions, such as the "Althochdeutsche Physiologus" (Alemannic, 11th century, the manuscript is kept in Vienna), the "Wiener Physiologus" (also "Juengerer" or "Prosa Physiologus", Bavarian-Austrian, 12th century, manuscript kept in Vienna), the "Millstaetter Physiologus" (revision in rhyme around 1200, handed down in the Millstatt Manuscript (Millstaetter Handschrift)) and the "Melker Physiologus" (before 1419, library of Melk Abbey).

Ed.: F. Maurer (ed.), Der altdeutsche Physiologus, 1967.

Literature#