• Registered: 2022-01-21
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Topic: Why did Medieval people draw such strange doodles?

Just been browsing Twitter and amongst the stuff about Ukraine, from someone who makes some really funny Ukrainian versions of the 'Bayeux Tapestry' using an online site, I came across this link - https://twitter.com/culturaltutor/statu … tjojzwmvJA

It takes you through why the Medieval people draw such strange doodles and things in their manuscripts.

'These famous Medieval pictures - of half-human creatures, of odd cats, of implausible scenarios like jousting rabbits - have given rise to much laughter.

But what are they? What is this vein of Medieval humour rising through the centuries?

Their technical name is "drollery".'

Reminded me of this post by Alfred. https://punster.me/images/tongue.gif

Alfred wrote:

From a medieval manuscript, a cat dressed as a nun:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FhdgbmlWQAM6vcl?format=jpg&name=medium

"I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
Death thought about it.
"Cats," he said eventually. "Cats are nice."
Terry Pratchett, Sourcery
  • Alfred
  • Alfred
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Re: Why did Medieval people draw such strange doodles?

How about these ‘normal’ bats (England, ca. 13th century)?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FiDSeaHWQAMwZsV?format=jpg&name=small

"Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?"
― Tennessee Williams
  • Joe
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  • Registered: 2022-01-23
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Re: Why did Medieval people draw such strange doodles?

Interesting subject, and and for cat lovers here's a book about medieval cats.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Cats- … 0712358188

I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure.
  • Registered: 2022-01-21
  • Posts: 214

Re: Why did Medieval people draw such strange doodles?

They are so cute! Love the one with a little smile.
https://punster.me/images/myopera/myg/tongue.gif

Ooh, also found a Ukraine smiley. https://punster.me/images/phpbb3/smilies/flags/ukraine.gif  Yay! https://punster.me/images/thumbup1.gif

Alfred wrote:

How about these ‘normal’ bats (England, ca. 13th century)?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FiDSeaHWQAMwZsV?format=jpg&name=small

"I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
Death thought about it.
"Cats," he said eventually. "Cats are nice."
Terry Pratchett, Sourcery

5 Reply by KarenPL (edited by KarenPL 2022-11-25 14:04:15)

  • Registered: 2022-01-21
  • Posts: 214

Re: Why did Medieval people draw such strange doodles?

Seems not much has changed.

'Cats often had full rein of the dining hall,'.

Our cat certainly holds full rein over the OH when it comes to meal times. https://punster.me/images/laugh.gifhttps://punster.me/images/laugh.gifhttps://punster.me/images/laugh.gif

A similar book - Cats in Medieval Manuscripts (British Library Medieval Guides)

Joe wrote:

Interesting subject, and and for cat lovers here's a book about medieval cats.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Cats- … 0712358188

"I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
Death thought about it.
"Cats," he said eventually. "Cats are nice."
Terry Pratchett, Sourcery