Snake, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230

The Latin word anguis broadly refers to all types of snakes, deriving from its serpentine, angular shape that never lies straight. Another term, cŏlŭbĕr, is used for snakes that are often found in shady places or that glide through slippery, winding paths, reflecting their sinuous movement. The term serpens describes snakes as they slither through hidden routes, moving silently with tiny scales, unlike the more open and visible paths.

In contrast, creatures like lizards and geckos, which crawl on four legs, are categorized as reptilĭa or reptiles. These animals move differently, typically on their bellies and chests. The diversity of snake species is matched by their variety of poisons and dangers, illustrating a spectrum of perils and sorrows associated with their different colours and forms.

The snake was often associated with temptation and sin, particularly due to its role in the Biblical story of the Garden of Eden. In Genesis, the serpent tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, leading to the fall of man. This narrative established the snake as a symbol of temptation, deceit, and the introduction of sin into the world. In medieval Christian thought, this symbolism extended to represent the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the moral struggles against sin.

This creature was frequently linked with the Devil or Satan, drawing on its role in the Eden narrative. Its stealthy, sinuous movement and its venomous nature made it a fitting metaphor for malevolent forces and spiritual corruption.

Its cunning and ability to move quietly and unnoticed were symbolic of deception and falsehood. It represented the subtle and insidious nature of lies and deceit that can lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness. This representation emphasised the need for vigilance and discernment in the face of deceitful influences.

Interestingly, the snake also had positive connotations in some contexts. In Christian symbolism, the serpent was sometimes associated with healing and redemption. This is seen in the symbol of the brazen serpent (Numbers 21:8-9)[1], which was used by Moses to heal the Israelites from its bites. This symbolism foreshadowed the healing and redemptive power of Christ, who, like the brazen serpent, brings salvation and healing to humanity.

Anguis omnium serpentium commune est. vocabu-
lum. Et dicitur anguis; quod angulosus sit. et
numquam rectus. Colubrum ab eo aiunt dictum; quod
colit umbras. vel quod in lubricos tractus flexibus
sinuosis labatur. Nam lubricum dicitur quicquid
labitur dum tenetur; ut piscis. serpens. Serpens no-
men accepit; quia occultis accessibus serpit. non apertis
passibus. set squamarum minutissimis nisibus repit
Ille enim que quatuor pedibus repunt(dots underneath) nituntur. sicut la-
certe et stelliones; non serpentes sed reptilia dicuntur
Reptilia autem sunt que ventre et pectore reptant;
Quorum tot sunt venena; quot genera. tot pernici-
es. quot species. tot dolores; quot colores; habentur.

The word anguis[2], snake, is a common name for all snakes. It is called anguis, for it is serpentine, angŭlōsus and never straight. The term cŏlŭbĕr[1], snake, is said to be derived from its tendency to dwell in shady places or for it glides through slippery paths with winding curves. In fact, lūbrĭcus means slippery, sinuous and is used to describe anything that slips when held, like a fish or a snake. The name serpens[3], snake or serpent, is given, for it moves through hidden passages, not through open paths but by creeping with its very small scales. Those creatures that crawl with four legs, like lizards and geckos, are not called snakes but are termed reptilĭa, reptiles. Reptiles are those that crawl on their belly and chest. There are as many kinds of poisons as there are types of these creatures, as many perils as there are species and as many sorrows as there are colours among them.

Further Reading

David Badke, The Bestiary Blog: Animals in the Middle Ages, Snake, November 6 2023, https://bestiary.ca/beasts/beast264.htm

Josh Goldenberg (BA 2012) and Matt Shanahan (BA 2014, Logeion, November 2022, https://logeion.uchicago.edu/

Castiglioni, L. and Mariotti, S. (1996). Vocabolario della Lingua Latina: Latino-Italiano Italiano-Latino. Terza Edizione. Loescher Torino

Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Wikipedia: The Elephant, 28 November 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephant

Matthews, J. and Matthews C., (2010), The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, HarperCollins UK, London

Curley, M. J., Physiologus: A Medieval Book of Nature Lore (University of Chicago edition 2009)

Rackham, H., M.A., Pliny Natural History Volume III, Libri VIII-XI (London: William Heinemann Ltd, 1949)

Collins, A. H., M.A., Symbolism of Animals and Birds (New York: McBride, Nast & Company, 1913)

Henderson, C., The Book of Barely Imagined Beings (London: University of Chicago Press, 2013)

White, T. H., The Bestiary: A Book of Beasts (New York: G.P Putnam’s Sons, 1960)

Barney, S. A., Lewis, W. J., Beach A., Berghof O., The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006)

Endnotes

[1] Numbers NKJV 21:8-9: 8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.”
So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

[2] Although the words anguis and cŏlŭbĕr can be both translated as snake, there is a slight difference between them. Anguis often implies a more specific or potentially dangerous type of snake, whereas cŏlŭbĕr often refers to a type of snake that is typically non-venomous or less dangerous. The term is more neutral and can describe a range of snake species.

[3] The term serpens is a general word for a snake or serpent derived from the Latin verb serpo which means to creep or to crawl, reflecting the snake’s method of movement. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to refer to snakes in general without implying particular characteristics of venom or danger.