Saura, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230
The saura lizard, an emblematic creature in ancient myths and medieval bestiaries, is renowned for its unique journey of renewal and enlightenment. According to legend, when the saura lizard grows old, its eyes become blind. In response to this blindness, the lizard seeks refuge in a crack or hole in a wall, positioning itself to face the east. As the sun rises, it gazes directly at the sun's first light, a mystical act believed to restore its sight. This act of regaining vision through the sun's rays is more than just a tale of natural renewal; it serves as a powerful allegory for spiritual awakening, rejuvenation, and the triumph of light over darkness.
The lizard’s journey from blindness to sight may have symbolised the cycle of death and rebirth, a theme prevalent in various ancient myths. This transformation through the sun—a universal symbol of life and energy—suggests that the lizard harnesses the power of light to rejuvenate itself, embodying the hope of new beginnings and the eternal return to life.
Its dependence on sunlight to regain its vision connects it to solar deities and sun worship found in many ancient cultures. This myth highlights the sun's role as a healer and restorer, making the saura a creature closely tied to the divine power of the sun.
The lizard’s orientation toward the east—the direction of the rising sun—parallels Christian traditions of praying toward the east, where Christ was believed to return. The lizard's behaviour might symbolise the soul's journey towards divine truth, urging believers to look towards Christ, the light of the world, for salvation.
li eius et intrat in foramen parietis. Aspici-
ens contra orientem et orto sole; intendit. et
illuminatur.
Further Reading
Josh Goldenberg (BA 2012) and Matt Shanahan (BA 2014, Logeion, November 2022, https://logeion.uchicago.edu/
Castiglioni, L. and Mariotti, S. (1996). Vocabolario della Lingua Latina: Latino-Italiano Italiano-Latino. Terza Edizione. Loescher Torino
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Wikipedia: The Elephant, 28 November 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephant
Matthews, J. and Matthews C., (2010), The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, HarperCollins UK, London
Curley, M. J., Physiologus: A Medieval Book of Nature Lore (University of Chicago edition 2009)
Rackham, H., M.A., Pliny Natural History Volume III, Libri VIII-XI (London: William Heinemann Ltd, 1949)
Collins, A. H., M.A., Symbolism of Animals and Birds (New York: McBride, Nast & Company, 1913)
Henderson, C., The Book of Barely Imagined Beings (London: University of Chicago Press, 2013)
White, T. H., The Bestiary: A Book of Beasts (New York: G.P Putnam’s Sons, 1960)
Barney, S. A., Lewis, W. J., Beach A., Berghof O., The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006)