Original scientific paper

Demonic Features of Animals in Marulić's Evangelistarium and Medieval Bestiaries

Vinko Grubišić

Abstract

In Evangelistarium, one of Marko Marulić’s most important works written in Latin, the Croatian humanist often speaks of demons, their genesis, their worldly might, their dwelling place, as well as their animosity toward God and men. It was printed fifteen times from 1516 to 1601 and translated in the sixteenth century in Flemish and Italian.
This paper focuses on the naming of demons and their identification with animals in the Evangelistarium and in medieval bestiaries. Bestiaries regularly point out both positive and negative features of beasts and animals because of their size, ugliness and grotesqueness. Marulić, however, insists only on beasts’ similarities with the demons, for they continually extend their temptations towards mortals.
Marulić quotes Biblical texts in which demons are called — among other names
‡ foxes, wolves, leeches, Bahomet (elephant, leviathan /whale/), lions, dragons and snakes.
Some animals in Evangelistarium have extensive descriptions in the bestiaries. In addition to the dragons and basilisks, the most interesting mythical animal is the siren. In his description of the siren, Marulić evokes ingenious ways by which Ulysses may avoid the enticing songs.
This paper also differentiates between Marulić’s Evangelistarium and medieval bestiaries. Through his daring allegories and numerous examples, Marulić exposes the demonic dangers to which a vulnerable human being is steadily exposed. On the other hand, the bestiaries, along with their moral purpose, offer to readers a light entertaining text.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

7971

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/7971

Publication date:

22.4.2003.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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