Medieval books on animals, in which the real or fabulous
characteristics of actually existent or imaginary animals (such
as the griffin, dragon, siren, unicorn, etc.) were figuratively
treated as religious symbols of Christ, the devil, the virtues
and vices. The origins of a symbolism of this character, taken
from nature, are to be sought in antiquity and above all in the
ancient East. Eastern literature, as well as the Greco-Roman
literature dependent on it, ascribed to certain animals, whether
fabulous or real (the lion, the tiger, the snake, the eagles) a
certain connection with the life and actions of man and the
gods, and made a corresponding religious use of them. This is
exemplified in the Oriental and especially Egyptian worship of
animals. Many reminiscences of this animal symbolism are
encountered in the Old Testament. From the earliest period
Christian fancy interpreted these animals according to the
symbolism of the Old Testament, and so depicted them in
Christian art. Thus, for example, in the Ca