#the ortus club

[theortusclub]

The Ortus Club Tips for Networking Events: Maximising Your Potential

Attending a business networking event can be a game-changer for your career and business. It offers unparalleled opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, forge meaningful relationships, and gather insights from industry leaders. However, to genuinely reap the benefits of these events, one must approach them with a certain strategy and preparedness. The Ortus Club, renowned for its premium networking events and leadership engagements, offers a curated list of tips to help you maximise your potential at any business networking event.

1. Set Clear Objectives:

Before you step into any networking event, have a clear understanding of what you aim to achieve. Whether you're seeking new partnerships, aiming to learn about emerging industry trends, or simply expanding your professional network, defining your objectives beforehand will keep you focused and make your interactions more productive.

2. Research Participants:

Many business networking events provide a list of attendees or speakers. Taking some time to research the participants will allow you to prioritise whom you’d like to connect with. This can also serve as a great conversation starter.

3. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch:

First impressions matter. Prepare a concise and compelling introduction that encapsulates who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart. It should be engaging enough to pique interest and establish a connection instantly.

4. Listen Actively:

Networking isn't just about talking; it's equally about listening. Paying attention to what others have to say not only demonstrates respect but can also offer invaluable insights. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to the speaker, creating an environment of mutual trust.

5. Ask Open-ended Questions:

To stimulate conversation and delve deeper into discussions, opt for open-ended questions. Instead of asking, “Did you enjoy the event?” try, “What was the most intriguing aspect of this event for you?”

6. Be Genuine:

Nothing beats authenticity. Remember, the objective is to build genuine relationships, not just transactional contacts. Being sincere in your approach, showing genuine interest, and valuing the connection more than the outcome will set the foundation for lasting relationships.

7. Follow-Up:

The end of the event isn’t the end of networking. The real relationship-building starts afterwards. Sending a personalised note or email expressing gratitude for the conversation and proposing a follow-up meeting can solidify the connection you made.

8. Stay Organized:

If you’re attending a large business networking event, it’s easy to lose track of the contacts you’ve made. Utilise business cards, digital apps, or note-taking tools to keep a record of your new contacts and any important details about your interactions.

9. Participate Actively:

Be it Q&A sessions, workshops, or group discussions, active participation not only showcases your enthusiasm but also increases your visibility. This could lead to more organic networking opportunities.

10. Keep an Open Mind:

While it's essential to have a target list, be open to connecting with a diverse group of professionals. Sometimes, the most valuable connections come from the most unexpected conversations.

In the dynamic world of business, networking remains a powerful tool for growth and opportunity. When approached strategically and genuinely, a business networking event can propel you towards unparalleled success. Remember, it's not just about the number of connections but the quality and depth of relationships that genuinely matter.

Looking for premium networking events that ensure meaningful engagements? Join The Ortus Club’s exclusive gatherings and see the difference for yourself. Take the next step in transforming your business networking event experience. Connect with The Ortus Club today!

[sevenangrybees]

I still can't believe Abigail Pent was able to summon a thousand year old ghost with nothing but the sheer power of Ortus the Ninth's autism

[theriverbeyond]

"in the club freaking it with a cold and deeply, profoundly sad style" is clearly ortus nigenad I think. Runner up colum asht

this is so correct. also they should kiss

[catastrofries]

Can't stop thinking about Sophos Queen's Thief and Ortus Locked Tomb having a book club.

[mercymornsimpathizer]

2023 Tumblr Top 10

1. 3,381 notes - Feb 17 2023

tbh I think people deeply misunderstand the dynamic between harrow and ortus. imagine ur thirty years old working a minimum wage...

2. 3,244 notes - Apr 13 2023

the thing about judith is that fundamentally she is the most reasonable and level-headed person at canaan house. when you're...

3. 2,306 notes - Jul 26 2023

at the start of gtn Gideon is so determined to win her freedom. and in the end she doesn't just give up her freedom she gives up...

4. 2,052 notes - Aug 24 2023

everyone wants to talk about how gideon must feel about pyrrha's relationship with nona, well I want to talk about how gideon...

5. 1,136 notes - Oct 27 2023

also for the record harrow should NOT be at the club she would hate that shit

6. 568 notes - May 7 2023

for the record Silas Octakiseron would mansplain the Resurection to Jod himself

7. 280 notes - Aug 28 2023

WONDERFUL NEWS FOR MY HATERS!!!!!!

8. 276 notes - Aug 28 2023

she wandered around!! like SHE was the protagonist!!!!!!!!!!

9. 227 notes - Aug 28 2023

alas poor ortus, blown up for being sad...

10. 209 notes - Sep 17 2023

Created by TumblrTop10

[iphisesque]

tlt modern kiwi college au. gideon and harrow have been neighbours since they were born and are now being forced to room with each other. gideon and coronabeth have been rugby team buddies ever since middle school. ianthe keeps trying to get harrow to join mr augustine's drama club and harrow's staunch refusal is partly dictated by the fact that her family friend ortus (former alumni and now semisuccessful local playwright) is a drama club icon. camilla teaches surfing at magnus and abigail's surf shop while still being top of her classes and palamedes thinks she's an insane genius for that. he's right.

[lamyaasfaraini]

Is there any Free gigs nowadays?

Beberapa hari lalu liat ada beberapa event musik diadakan secara gratis, yg di saparua dan di stadion siliwangi serangkaian acaranya jabar. Headliners nya jg ngga ecek2 tp kebayang kan penuhnya. Tiba2 jadi inget jaman masih abg sampe umur 20an, lagi suka2nya dan seneng2nya menikmati musik secara live. Dari mulai SMP sih kayanya, event musik 17an ngundang band besar pada jamannya areanya di taman pendawa, gede kan yah. Di sekolah ya Band2 sekolah. Lama2 pengen nonton ke area dari luar jangkauan ku, bukan area rumah dan sekolah.

Diajakin temennya temen wkt SMP kelas 3, nonton gigs gratis di saparua, ada Peterpan katanya! Wuih ya mau dong mana gratis.. Deg2an jg izin ortu, kayanya aku msh dianggap terlalu kecil jg, tp karena siang2 ya diizinin. Aku lupa event apa yg pst bnyk band lain dan panggungnya lebih dari 1. Udah abg, udah penasaran ini itu yekan. Balik2 abis magrib ya di marahin jg sama bapak, katanya kemaleman huft. Tp ttp ngga bikin aku kapok nonton gigs!

Beranjak SMA makin banyak lg gigs gratisan, berbayar jg ada kek pensi2 yakan. Pensi sekolah sendiri gratis dong ya, dulu nonton The Milo, Cherybombchell, Pas band, acaranya di Gor pajajaran indoor. Kelas 2 SMA ke pensi SMA 2 bdg berbayar inimah tp kan ya msh ramah kantong pelajar, nonton Club 80's, Netral, Kerispatih, Tompi trus siapa lg ya lupaaa. Yg gratisan lagi acara Radio Oz kalogasalah di rooftop BTC wah ini acara gratis yg keren bgt, wkt itu kelas 3 SMA nonton The Sigit, Homogenic. Pernah jg ke saparua liat Nidji jaman belom tenar msh band indiean dan bawain lagu2 The killers kaya Mr. Brightside, somebody told me.

Dulu nyari infonya ya di radio, medsos jg msh jrg, mungkin fb atau twitter tp kurang update yakan. Walaupun lama2 update info pergigsan ya dari medsos terutama twitter. Jaman kuliah makin beragam lagi, band indie makin bermunculan. Tiap fakultas ada aja bikin event, wkt itu ke event anak kedokteran gigi, aku lg suka bgt The tress n the wild.. Duo remedy dan iga massardi yg cuco saat itu. Speaking of Ttatw.. Aku capture in igs nya ex jurnalis majalah rolingstone yg aku follow di ig dan twitternya haha

Yak begitulah, beneran no hope gaksiiii wkwk yaudahlah people change, let it be.. Huft. Yg kanan foto wkt nonton Ttatw ngga ada foto band nya terlalu gelap di fotoin tydac proper padahal visual remedy dan iga teaaa gusti nu agung deh haha. Oiya itu aku pake kaos Suede kebanggan yg beli di officiall merchnya sehabis nonton konsernya di Jiexpo kemayoran. Skrg bajunya kemanaaa? Buluqqq ah euy sad.. Banyaknya baju2 band Koil lungsuran suamiku ada brp sih 4 apa 5? Haha @sagarmatha13

Setelah lulus kuliah, partner gigs ku untung masih ada haha. Gigs hunter kesana kesini, masih nyari yg gratis dong wlpn udah pada kerja wkwk.

Pernah nonton ERK venue nya di sblh sutei sumatra duh namanya apa ya dulu, disitu ERK bawain 20 lagu, banyak lagu side B yg jrg dibawain keren gaktuhh saking lamanya belom kelar w dah plg krn dah malem atut dimarahin bapak. Di ciwalk pernah jg ERK gratisan, yg ini singkat tp happy dong!

Pure Saturday, gratisan di PVJ sampe foto bareng kang iyo saking gigsnya humble dan warm bgt, anggota bandnya bawa istri dan anak2. Pernah di balkot siang2 ngabelentrang, sepi bgt tp cuek aja singalong dapet merch totebag PS dilemparin dr panggung yippie~ dan smpe skrg msh ada.. Ini dia

Gigs PS 2012. Totebag PS 2012, di thn 2022

Foto dibawah ini terakhir nonton PS dan gratis thn 2016 diajak pacar ikut reunian sama kawan2 eiger course. Ini capture an di ig video PS sambil ada suara emas w singalong wkwkwk

Dulu di taman musik wkt walkot dulu lg gencar2nya bikin taman ini itu, ada gigs di taman musik sebelah SMA 5 bdg itu loh. Gratis ofc! Lupa ada siapa aja, PS dan the sigit gt ya?

Sekelas Maliq n D'essentials aja nonton gratisan di PVJ, keren bgt performnya haaaa.. Thn brp ya? 2012 gt, trus nonton lg Maliq di sabuga inimah berbayar eeh sama kerennya dari gigs gratisan haha.

Nonton gratis Mocca, Payung Teduh, Juicy Luicy thn 2012/2013 gt ya di per4an dago cikapayang dibikin panggung, lupa event apa ini. Kerennn ngga rusuh pdhl terbuka bgt. Payung teduh malah nyuruh kita duduk menikmati aksi panggung mereka hahaha.

Inimah Payung Teduh di kickfest, gasibu. Gratis.. Kalo ini gara2 dpt free pass temen kerja di event nya hahaha rejekiii. Persis sama dpt freepass dr sodaranya temen masuk ke event hijab fest di sabuga, thn 2013. Foto bareng Tulus yg msh belom bnyk yg tau.. Ada ordal jd bisa seseleket ke backstage pdhl gasuka2 bgt sama Tulus ya gpp mayan aja taunya skrg jd penyanyi besar haha.

Sarasvati! Beuh.. Nonton showcase nya di cafe celebrate, gratis dan sedeket itu pulaaa. Lupa ini thn 2012/2013 kayanya. All out aja gt teteh risa nya huhu keren.

Barasuara~ yaampun tydac menyangka memang iga massardi membentuk band baru pasca keluar dr Ttatw, surprisingly saat itu aku suka musiknya, meriaaaah! 4-5 lagu fav aku bgtt. Tahun 2014 ke acara anak kampus, baru lulus kuliah 2-3thnan berasa udah paling tua wkt itu diantara dedek2 gemez. Venue nya di baksil cuy malem2, tiris berasa di lembang. Lightingnya ijo biru jd dramatis gaksie. Outfit iga seperti biasa udah pake batik yaa saat itupun.

Yg aku inget segitu gigs gratisan totalitas dan memuaskan. Kalo skrg mana mungkin yakan jarang bgt, orientasinya udah duid dan duid, ya memang itu hak mreka sih. Gpp jg, cuma ku sudah kenyang merasakan kepuasan nonton band gratis wkt masih usum2nya ngga kaya skrg haha. Memang si paling gratis deh~

Begitulah kesenangan itu sudah berhenti di usiaku yg ke 25 thn, mau bayar mau gratis udah gapernah dtg ke acara musik. Kawan2 udah sibuk kerja, cari uang, pacaran, nikah, beranak. Konsennya udah lain, prioritas udah bukan ngegigs, uang ada tp waktu ngga ada buat hiburan kaya gt. Sama halnya kaya aku, sibuk cari uang, membina hubungan sama calon suami eey, persiapan nikah. Apalagi ada anak makin susah lagi. Temenku ada yg hobi nonton gigs aja udah ngga minat skrg, berubah bgt ya.. Begitulah fase yg kita jalani, gaakan bisa terulang jg. Untuk aku pribadi msh minat sih karena anak dirasa udah besar, ada uang gow, uang buat SPP anak ya gpp itumah dah wajib wkwk. Se easy itu skrg sih ngga menggebu gebu lg. Konsen sudah lain..

[internationalplayboysdotcom]

ortus hug got me crying in the club

[arinailma]

Hubungan Ibu dengan Anak Gadisnya

Tulisan ini dibuat setelah nonton series netflix judulnya "Wednesday", genre nya horor komedi, banyak yang harus dipilah mana yang bisa kita ambil mana yang nggak. Jelas latar belakang nya dibuat orang-orang yang mungkin ga percaya akan adanya Tuhan.

Tapi aku ambil sedikit dari sisi Wednesday, anak gadis suram usia 16 tahun, nyentrik kaku, walau sebenarnya peduli. ubungan dia ke Ibunya. Ada sedikit yang bisa terbilang sama, mungkin. Dia yang sekolah di tempat ibu nya dulu sekolah, ibunya yang dulu jadi ini itu lah ketua club anggar, primadona sekolah, dan selama ini wednesday ngerasa gabisa untuk jadi kayak ibunya. Intinya, dia ngerasa hidup di bawah bayang-bayang ibunya.

Well, memasuki umur belasan, dengan latar belakang ummi yang dikenal sebagai ustadzah, kurang lebih ceritaku sama kayak Wednesday. Menjadi anak pondok yang materinya kepesantrenan kek bahasa arab, hadits, tafsir jadi bukan hal yang istimewa kalau dapet nilai bagus. Biasa aja, umi dulu juga gitu, bahkan mumtaz berkali-kali. Walaupun sebenarnya umi udah kasih apresiasi. Tapi orang, temen- temen, guru, bilangnya "turunan umi, kayak uminya". Pandangan orang sih ya, ga perlu kita pikir pusing. Kayak gini cuma sementara aja, semakin besar aku tau itu ga sepenuhnya buruk.

Wednesday merasa di bayang-bayangi sama ibunya, tapi sejujurnya dengan tulus dia sadar kalau dia mengagumi ibunya. Yah dan bener aja. Sebenarnya kalo mau di telisik lagi, rasa kagumnya lebih besar sih. Sama kayak pas Wednesday bilang "Ibu tampak keren juga tadi" di depan Pak Walikota yang selama ini menutupi fakta kasus pembunuhan di sekolahnya dulu. Sama ketika aku liat ummi ngajar, bisa gitu ya ilmunya ngalir gitu aja dan mudah dipahami. Sama setiap kali umi ngaca sambil ngecek makhorijul hurufnya sebelum nguji tahsin.

Lucunya, aku kecil yang masih duduk di kelas 3 SD waktu itu selalu gamau kalau disuruh ngaji atau tilawah bil jahr di rumah. Aku gamau dikoreksi umi, gasuka dah kalo udah umi tegur "itu panjang teh, kalo ga panjang nanti beda artinya" atau abi yang juga (aku inget banget) negur pas hafalan surat al-buruj, katanya akhir ayatku ga qolqolah padahal jelas itu huruf "bajuditoqo" Dari situ aku beneran anti baca Al-Quran keras-keras di rumah.

Sampai pada akhirnya, aku belajar di pondok yang artinya ummi abi gaakan negur saya lagi kalo lagi ngaji wkwk. Tapi dari sana aku sadar, kalo bukan karena umi abi yang cerewet akan gimana kita baca Al-Quran dengan benar, kayaknya kelas pertama di pondok aku bakal masuk kelas tahsin. Alhamdulillah nya nggak.

Jadi kalo di bidang ini, maksudku seputar Al-Quran, bahasa arab, ilmu agama, aku punya minat yang sama besar kayak minat umi ke subjek-subjek itu. Walaupun hari ini lebih mendalami biologi yang sampai saat ini masih berusaha kumaknai setiap harinya. Tapi aku ga masalah kalau suatu hari diminta untuk belajar atau mengajar lebih dalam tentang salah satunya.

Kemarin ketemu mas presbem dalam satu forum, terus dia cerita kalau kita harus menyadari takdir kita. Ceritanya mas nya bilang, dari nasab ortu, kakek-neneknya lebih banyak dari mereka yang terjun di bidang pendidikan. Walaupun saat ini bukan kuliah pendidikan. Jadi, mungkin emang ini yang bisa bikin kamu nyaman. Mungkin emang ini yang lebih cocok untuk saya. Kita gaakan tau, tapi jangan berhenti untuk mencari tau. Dengan memaknai semuanya lebih luas, pelan-pelan, seiring berjalannya waktu.

Bus kota || Rabu, 07 Desember 2022

[magicallyimprobable]

You tagged me @varjopeura? You tagged me with your thought words? Jail for you!

I mean, um, Get to know me Tag Game!

Last song played: Summer is the Champion by Laura Veirs, it seems. It's kinda nice? Not as beautiful as Make Something Good by the same. Though I think the last song I consciously sought out to listen was I made a Promise to the Moon by Jason Webley? Other songs I've been feeling: Closer by the Tiny and Source by Fever the Ghost.

Favorite color: Oh, um… I like all kinds of broken colours? One of the best things this time of years are all the colours of the dying leaves, from red to yellow to orange to purple. Pumpkin orange and spooky purple works fine too!

Favorite dish: I feel like I keep finding new favourites? Except mostly it's the same things reappearing. Fajitas, but in the Finnish style where you have like 10 different fillings and most of them aren't very Mexican.

Current Favorite characters: I just started rereading Harrow the Ninth, so the answer is obvious: Harrow, Palamedes and Ģ̷̷̵̷̸̶̴̨̗̣̒̈́̀͝ï̴̴̶̷̶̷̸̱̺͉͇̅̑̆d̷̴̴̴̴̷̷̯̘̥̝́̅͘͠e̶̵̶̵̷̵̶͎̪̺͙͐̔̂̄o̶̵̶̸̶̸̷̠̟̟͓̽̍̽͘n̸̷̴̷̶̵̵̨̤̞̪̈̍̄̀ Ortus Nigenad and the gang. Oh and Magnus and Abigail!

Currently watching: Just got through Umbrella Academy - season 4 was easily the worst of the bunch but luckily they made it end and did not keep going. Before that… I guess it was Dungeon Meshi? Watched that one during summer, so um, not watching much!

Last movie I watched: I'm supposed to watch a biweekly movie for a film club, but I forgot it this week, which is nice, because otherwise the answer would be Sommersby. Instead, I watched the Wind Rises, which was kinda nice, but not as good as earlier Miyazaki. It had some pretty wild A cappella sound effects though that I thoroughly enjoyed (until they just… stopped appearing?) and pretty paintings.

Last thing I googled: Octopus. Because why not? Though what I was looking for apparently translates more properly as coleoidea, or all the non-nautilus cephalopods out there.

Current obsession: Not octopi! Man I don't even know. Had a shibari thing but it might be lessening its grip on me? Sewing whenever I manage to get back to obsess over it. Always animation. Would like to obsess a bit over figure painting too, since now I seem to have like… over 200 models to paint?

I don't even know who to tag. Maybe some new(ish) mutual I don't know much about? @sainamoonshine? No pressure but might be fun! Am I allowed to tag @varjopeura back as retaliation?

[theortusclub]

Navigating Networking Events with Expert Tips from The Ortus Club

In today's interconnected business landscape, the significance of attending a networking event cannot be overstated. These events offer the opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and form partnerships that benefit your career or business. The Ortus Club, known for its curated events that bring industry leaders and decision-makers together, provides invaluable tips to ensure your next networking event is successful.

The Power of Pre-Event Research

Preparation is one of the keys to making the most out of a networking event. Spend some time researching the companies and individuals who are expected to attend. This will help you tailor your conversations and identify potential synergies or business opportunities. Being familiar with the event's agenda can also give you the upper hand in discussions and make you look more informed and engaged.

Make Lasting First Impressions

The initial interaction at a networking event is critical for setting the tone of the relationship that might follow. Therefore, it's essential to maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and listen attentively. A well-prepared elevator pitch that encapsulates who you are and what you do can also go a long way in making your conversations more impactful.

Focusing on Quality Interactions

A common mistake people make is trying to meet everyone in the room, which can spread you thin and make your interactions less meaningful. The Ortus Club suggests focusing on quality over quantity. Aim to have a few thoughtful and impactful conversations rather than exchanging business cards with everyone you meet. The goal should be to form genuine connections that can be nurtured into productive relationships.

The Art of Active Listening

Another overlooked yet critical skill is the art of active listening. Rather than waiting for your turn to speak, listen attentively to the other person. This shows that you value their opinion and can offer insights into their needs and how you or your organisation can fulfil them.

Leveraging Social Media for Post-Event Engagement

The networking should continue once the event is over. Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, can be valuable tools for continuing conversations and keeping relationships alive. A quick message summarising your discussion and suggesting a future catch-up can go a long way.

The Importance of Follow-Up

The true power of a networking event lies in the follow-up. Sending a timely and personalised email thanking the person for their time and recapping your conversation can make a difference. It shows you are interested and committed to building a relationship. 

Networking events offer more than just the opportunity to collect business cards. They serve as a platform for valuable interactions, building relationships, and initiating partnerships or collaborations. Companies like The Ortus Club, focusing on creating high-quality networking events, understand the importance of these relationships and offer the perfect setting for them to blossom.

Ready to up your networking game? Check out The Ortus Club's upcoming events and reserve your seat to ensure you are making the most of every networking event opportunity that comes your way. Take your networking to the next level; your future self will thank you.

[sadcypress]

Tonight, the resident book club overthinker has completely convinced himself of several points:

1, Ortus the First is actually Gideon the First (yes! Well done!)

2, Harrow has managed to brainwash herself to forget Gideon and other things (I mean, close? Very close!)

3, Harrow is part of a conspiracy of sleeper agents (hence the brainwashing!) that are going to assassinate the emperor and Ianthe is definitely a part of it and maybe she and Harrow are an Item in reality and Ianthe just has to PRETEND to snipe at her for now so they can stay Undercover.

(Oh dear)

This is the same guy who had to be talked down from believing this was a book about infinite alternate universes and time travel bc he hates those things so much it was ruining his ability to get anything out of the book. The other book club member is MUCH more open to the simplest explanations and has a beautiful sense of character emotional states. I think when they discover it’s not a conspiracy on Harrow’s part, it’s just her enormous, world-ending loss and love for Gideon behind it all, she’ll feel justified and he’ll be shocked. I only worry that he’s built up this theory so much he’ll be disappointed but hey, that’s on him!

So my book club is working through Harrow the Ninth now, and yes, they remain preternaturally good at picking up all the little clues and last night, made the connection between what the Sleeper wears and what Gideon’s mom wore, and even suggested that Harrow might have tried to do some sort of separation of herself and Gideon, but THAT IS NOT WHY I AM HERE.

One member has a friend who has already read these books like I have, and sent him a text specifically for me, knowing I knew the book and he did not.

The message was just “NAPOLEON DYNAMITE.”

Hey folks? I have never seen that movie. What on earth is the connection???

[theriverbeyond]

"I speak your name, Matthias Nonius, cavalier of the Ninth House. I charge you to protect the Reverend Daughter of Drearburh, and to slay her enemies"

[procrastinationaccount]

Protesilaus the Seventh, Colum the Eighth, and Ortus the Ninth could have made such a good Boring Squad

[uwmspeccoll]

Summer Series: The Spectacle of Nature

Physiologus

Earlier this month I outlined an Independent Study I am doing with the Head of Special Collections, Max Yela, where I am exploring the European tradition of plant and animal illustrations in books. I named the Summer Series “The Spectacle of Nature." As a refresher, I am investigating illustrated natural history books in the West, starting in the manuscript tradition through the advent of printing in the 15th century. From there I will track how illustrated natural history books have changed over the centuries. My goal is to form a foundation for my thesis research in the popularization of natural history books in the 19th century, when new printing technologies made books cheaper and more accessible to a wider consumer base.  

Today I am highlighting the Physiologus, a collection of animal legends compiled by an anonymous author in Alexandria, Egypt around the 2nd century CE. The word “Physiologus” can be translated as “naturalist,” or more accurately, “allegorist,” someone who interprets the hidden meanings of the natural world. The Physiologus was originally written in Greek, with early translations appearing in Latin around the 4th century, and Ethiopian, Syrian, and Armenian around the 5th century. These translations increased the popularity of the stories, which were incorporated into Isidore of Seville’s encyclopedic work Etymologies (ca. 623). Illustrations and stories from Physiologus formed the primary basis of medieval bestiaries (book of beasts).

The Physiologus is a compilation of folklore from various traditions including Indian, Hebrew, and Egyptian legends, that were passed down through ancient scientific writers such as Pliny the Elder. These legends were then filtered through a Christian framework of the world. Natural things like plants, animals, and stones are shown as representing qualities of Christ. For example, the Physiologus describes the serpent growing old and losing its vision. To restore its eyesight, the serpent will fast for forty days and forty nights to shed its skin and renew itself.  

My interest in the Physiologus is its visual representations of plants and animals, and how those depictions became iconographic over hundreds of years. The earliest surviving illustrated copy is the Bern Physiologus from around the 9th century CE. I’ve included illustrations of the lion and elephant from the digitized Bern Physiolgus from Europeana.  

Many illustrations that first appear in copies of the Physiologus later appear in medieval bestiaries, and even early printed books.  

One of my favorite examples is the pelican bird. From Michael J. Curley’s English translation:

“Physiologus says of the pelican that it is an exceeding lover of its young. If the pelican brings forth young and the little ones grow, they take to striking their parents in the face. The parents, however, hitting back kill their young ones and then, moved my compassion, they weep over them for three days, lamenting over those whom they killed. On the third day, their mother strikes her side and spills her own blood over their dead bodies (that is, of the chicks) and the blood itself awakens them from death.”  

The illustration shows the mother pelican rejuvenating the chicks with her blood. I included three visual examples of this: A woodcut from UW-Madison's copy of Ortus sanitatis (Latin for The Garden of Health) from the 1490s, a woodcut from the 1587 G. Ponce de Leon edition of Physiologus from the Newberry Library in Chicago (scanned from Michal J. Curley’s book), and the 1953 Book Club of California edition of Physiologus illustrated by Mallette Dean, which we have featured in several Fine Press Friday posts. Francis J. Carmody‘s translation for the Book Club of California is a composite of Greek, Syrian, Ethiopian, and Latin.  

I will explore other illustrated natural history books from the manuscript tradition in upcoming posts before moving on to early printed zoological and botanical books. 

View more posts in the Summer Series: The Spectacle of Nature.  

–Sarah, Special Collections Senior Graduate Intern

Scholarly works that I consulted while researching the Physiologus:

Curley, Michael J. Physiologus: A Medieval Book of Nature Lore. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2009.

Kay, Sarah. Animal Skins and the Reading Self in Medieval Latin and French Bestiaries. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2017.

Morrison, Elizabeth, and Larisa Grollemond, eds. Book of Beasts: the Bestiary in the Medieval World. Los Angeles: Published by the J. Paul Getty Museum, 2019.

[iwan1979]

Rebuilding the Next Phase of Digital Success: Connectivity and Integration at Scale Asia-pacific | 13th of August 2020