White Rabbits, Part II

[ed. note: thanks to UC#2 for today’s topic]

Marginalia

Marginalia (or apostils) are marks made in the margins of a book or other document. They may be scribbles, comments, glosses (annotations), critiques, doodles, drolleries, or illuminations.
Wikipedia

The British Library

Medieval killer rabbits: when bunnies strike back

Vengeful, merciless and brutally violent… yes that’s right, we’re talking about medieval bunnies. Rabbits can often be found innocently frolicking in the decorated borders or illuminations of medieval manuscripts, but sometimes, for reasons unknown, these adorable fluffy creatures turn into stone-cold killers. These darkly humorous images of medieval killer bunnies still strike a chord with modern viewers, always proving a hit on social media and popularised by Monty Python and the Holy Grail’s Beast of Caerbannog, ‘the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on!’.

While re-cataloguing the Arnstein Passional, made at Arnstein Abbey in Germany around the 1170s, for the Harley cataloguing project, we spotted a particularly early example of killer bunny imagery (could it be the earliest known?). This decorated letter ‘T’ is being used as a gallows on which two rabbits or hares hang a human hunter. His identity is made clear by the hunting horn slung over his shoulder. The rabbits stand on their hindlegs and point with their front paws as if jeering in sinister glee.
The British Library

What’s Going On Here, Chat?

ChatGPT: In some medieval manuscripts, especially those from the 13th to 16th centuries, you might find illustrations of rabbits and hares in unusual and sometimes amusing poses, often referred to as “killer rabbits” or “armed rabbits.” The reasons for these depictions are not entirely clear, but there are a few theories:

1. **Symbolism:** Some researchers suggest that these images could have symbolic meanings related to fertility or rebirth. Rabbits are known for their prolific breeding, and depicting them in a more aggressive or militaristic manner might have been a playful way to convey ideas about life and death.

2. **Entertainment and Humor:** Medieval illuminations were not always meant to be serious or solemn. Artists of that time enjoyed incorporating whimsical and humorous elements into their work.

3. **Copycat Illustrations:** Once a trend started, it wasn’t uncommon for medieval artists to mimic each other’s work.

While these theories offer some insights, the exact reasons behind the prevalence of armed or threatening rabbits in medieval manuscripts remain somewhat mysterious.

WLBOTT: So, “fear not the rabbit”, correct?

ChatGPT: Absolutely! “Fear not the rabbit” is a wise mantra.

Were Medieval Guys Weird?

According to Olivia Swarthout, Yes!

Availability: Not Yet (i.e. Nyet)

The book looks like a lot of fun. From the Amazon preview page:

If I come back as a 12^th century maiden, I’m going with Swanhilde Aurofina Wobblepot.

Modern Day Killer Bunny

Gloria Steinem is a pretty amazing person – a powerful and positive influence in the late 20^th century. But did you know that Gloria Steinem was an undercover Playboy Bunny?

You can read the essay of her undercover escapades in Outrageous Acts and Everyday-Rebellions.

Ms Steinem participated in a Women’s Peace March in May of 2015, crossing the Korean DMZ with 30 other women, including two Nobel laureates. – NPR

GS/GS: Gloria Steinem / Grace Slick

There are no Google search results that suggest Gloria Steinem and Grace Slick ever met, but if they had, it would have been a lively and interesting conversation. And they would have the rabbit theme in common. And they both have the same initials.