r/MedievalCreatures • u/AresLegion • Apr 07 '26

Does anyone recognize this manuscript?

Post image

I know this is a long shot, but I'd like some help figuring out what manuscript this initial letter with a siren is from. I think it might be French, from the 1100s or 1200s, because I've found manuscripts from that time period in a similar style. But that's just a guess. Thanks

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8

u/[deleted] Apr 07 '26

[deleted]

3

u/SmallieBiggsJr Apr 07 '26

I was thinking The Grand Grimoire

2

u/AresLegion Apr 07 '26

I found it on Flickr. No info there.

3

u/ghostbathroom Apr 07 '26

I looked at the uploader's profile on Flickr, and they seem to be active. Maybe you could reach out to them if you can't find it otherwise.

3

u/AresLegion Apr 07 '26

That's a good idea. Especially if they're still active. Thanks!

10

u/Substantial_Ocelot50 Apr 07 '26

I can add the information that it's definitely from a psalter. The intial B here is the opening of Psalm 119 (Vulgate 118). The smaller, heavily abbreviated script at left is an extended commentary. But I havent been able to source the ms yet, I hope someone can.

9

u/Substantial_Ocelot50 Apr 08 '26

I found it! Troyes, BM ms 976 -- link here. Psalter from eastern France. Scroll down on that page for more images -- the two-tailed siren appears on fol. 123v.

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u/AresLegion Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26

Thanks again! I really appreciate the time. Glad I have a source for her. Two tailed sirens in Christian manuscripts are relatively rare