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Wyverns fighting - did you know that a Wyvern is a smaller type of dragon with only two, as opposed to four legs?


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These mythological creatures were called Blemyae. During the MIddle Ages people believed that these and other mythological beings lived on the edge of the known world.

Ripon Cathedral has many fine examples of woodcarvings, but of special interest
and beauty are the medieval misericords. A misericord is a ledge attached to a stall (seat) so that the canon could lean and rest whilst standing during the long services. Many Ripon misericord carvings date from the 15th century, but some may be of an earlier date.  

The carvings are often based on popular medieval and biblical stories, including "The Romance of Reynard the Fox" and "Jonah and the Whale".

The mythological figures find their prototypes in medieval bestiaries, books describing all kinds of real animals and mythological creatures. Ripon Cathedral even has a mermaid!

The heritage project manager, Toria Forsyth-Moser, does illustrated talks  for community groups on "Mythological Creatures in Ripon Cathedral"


looking at the centaur and the elephant

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