Medieval views on “harmful animals” // Medieval views on “harmful animals”

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In France, the list of ESODs (Espèces Susceptibles d'Occasionner des Dégâts - species likely to cause damage) is set out in decrees that are regularly updated: because they are considered a threat to human health and safety, to the conservation of wild flora and fauna or to agricultural activities, hunting is encouraged.
How did people in the past view animals such as weasels, rats and ravens, which are now considered “harmful animals”? The very idea that there are evil beasts whose destruction benefits man deserves to be questioned: does it not run counter to the medieval vision of nature and creatures as manifesting divine power through their diversity? What attitudes were advocated towards”harmfus animals”? The relevance of this category in the Middle Ages is questionable: were they the same species as today, and are any variations due to changes in the fauna and human ecosystem, or to changes in representation?
Philological, linguistic and ecocritical tools will be used in order to investigate the human-nature relationship embodied by these animals. Literature is understood in the medieval sense, including narrative (tales, fables, novels) and poetic works, as well as scientific and technical texts such as encyclopaedias and treatises on hunting and agronomy.
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Début de la thèse : 01/09/2025
WEB : https://research.univ-unita.eu/en/choral-project.html

Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour

481 Sciences Sociales et Humanités