The feathered companions of bygone eras, birds of the medieval period were not merelyaissez-faire creatures in a world unspoiled by human influence. They were integral components of cultures, economies, and folklore. Many were named in accordance with their appearances, behaviors, or theoky beliefs. Let us delve into the fascinating world of medieval names for these winged wonders.
Medieval Europe was a tapestry woven with a multitude of regional languages and cultures. Hence, it's unsurprising that bird names varied significantly from one region to another. Nevertheless, certain species held universal fascination and inspired widespread naming conventions.
The Raven's Reign
The raven, with its intelligence, adaptability, and totemic significance to many cultures, was a favourite subject of medieval nomenclature. It was often associated with intelligence and cunning, giving rise to names like 'Scarp' from Old English, meaning cunning or sly.
Variations on the theme of cleverness were prominent across Europe. The German 'Rabe' evolved into 'Ravenus', while the French 'Corbin' derived from 'Corvus', meaning raven. Others, like the Welsh 'Brenhinog', denoted majesty or royalty, reflecting the raven's reputation as a bringer of troubles or omens.
Raven as Omens
The raven's special place in folklore led to many names derived from auspices and omens. The Scottish 'Fachan' was believed to indicate death, while the Irish 'Carrion Crow' signified misfortune. Conversely, the Occitan 'Corbier' was auspicious, representing protection against evil.
In Norse mythology, the two ravens Huginn and Muninn represented thought and memory. Similarly, many medieval cultures attributed supernatural abilities to the raven, reflected in names like the Cornish '>(A)raghen', meaning mysterious or otherworldly.
Raven in Lore and Legend
The raven's appearances in medieval literature and legend inspired numerous names. In the Old English 'Beowulf', the character Grendel's mother is referred to as a 'hæþen rón', leading to the name 'Heth', meaning heathen or pagan.
Arthurian lore contributed names like 'Morvran', the raven son of King Arthur and queen Morgan le Fay. The Welsh 'Brych' or 'Brân', meaning raven, stemmed from the legendary king Bran the Blessed who transformed into a raven.
Hawks and Kestrels: Birds of Prey
Birds of prey held significant importance for medieval societies due to their hunting prowess and symbolism. Names for these avian predators echoed this reverence, particularly for the hawk and kestrel.
From Old English, 'hawk' evolved into 'hauca' and 'hauke', while the kestrel retained its Latin nomenclature 'Pernis apivorus'. Regional variations abound; the Cornish 'Howk' and ' irmão' (brother), alluding to the kestrel's perceived sibling-like relationship with the hawk.
Hawk Names
Hawks were named after their color, size, or agility. The Old Norse 'Fálki' denoted the peregrine falcon's pale color, while 'Lj�止' referred to the lanner falcon's speed.
The French 'Geier' and German 'Greif' pointed to bird sizes, respectively meaning vulture and griffin. Meanwhile, the Welsh 'Caeth' or 'captor', denoted the hawk's hunting prowess, capturing or seizing prey.
Kestrel Names
Kestrels were recognized by their aspect and behavior. The Welsh 'Ysgyfn' and Old English 'Hwæl', both translating to 'whirlpool', referred to the kestrel's hovering hunting style.
The Cornish 'Botou', meaning 'little hawk', differentiated the kestrel from larger, more abundant hawk species. The French 'C-tabs' echoed this distinction, using 'c-tabs' for 'small hawk'.
The medieval worldview, rich in folklore and symbolism, bequeathed a wealth of bird names to posterity. Today, these names remind us of the intricate relationships forged between our ancestors and their feathered neighbors. Delving into this lexicon transports us back to a time when birds bore the weight of human myth and wonder, reflecting our enduring connection with the natural world.