5 Medieval Creatures That Would Make Wild Pets (According to Marginalia)
Have you ever dreamed of having a pet that’s part rabbit, part knight—and fully unhinged? Medieval scribes certainly did. In the margins of illuminated manuscripts, artists let their imaginations run wild, doodling absurd and oddly endearing creatures that feel more like fantasy pets than fearsome beasts. From snail-riding knights to trumpet-butted demons, these medieval marginalia animals would make the most chaotic (and unforgettable) companions.
Here are five fantastical medieval creatures that would definitely keep your neighbours talking.
1. The Snail Knight
Forget hamsters—how about a valiant knight riding a giant snail into battle? These recurring characters in marginalia were likely symbolic of cowardice or futility, but honestly, they’re weirdly majestic. As a pet, your snail knight would be slow, proud, and probably very dramatic.
🛡️ Fun fact: Some historians believe these scenes mock chivalry itself. We just think they’d make a great mascot.
2. The Killer Rabbit
Before Monty Python made it cool, medieval artists were already sketching murderous bunnies wielding axes and swords. These rabbits often attack knights or sit smugly on the battlefield, victorious. As a pet? Fluffy, silent, and mildly terrifying.
🐇 Behavioural note: Don’t give them access to your cutlery drawer.
3. The Butt-Trumpet Demon
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a demon playing a trumpet with its bottom. These bizarre beings often symbolised sin or foolishness—but let’s be honest, they’d be the life of any party.
🎺 Warning: May cause embarrassment at polite gatherings.
4. The Fish-Lion Hybrid
A lion with the tail of a fish? Why not. These aquatic hybrids, sometimes called sea lions (not the modern kind), appear in bestiaries and margins alike. Fierce, majestic, and definitely a handful in the bathtub.
🦁 Best habitat: Your medieval-style fountain, naturally.
5. The Bird-Headed Man
Often wearing robes and caught mid-conversation, these humanoid birds look like professors from a gothic Hogwarts. They might represent scholars, scribes, or just someone having a really weird day.
🐦 Ideal for: Philosophical debates and creepy bedtime stories.
Why These Weird Pets Still Matter
Medieval marginalia wasn’t just decoration—it was a subversive form of expression, poking fun at politics, religion, and even the artists themselves. At Ars Jocularis, we’re obsessed with breathing new life into these overlooked characters. That’s why you’ll find snail knights, murderous rabbits, and trumpet-bottomed fiends proudly parading across our phone cases.
🐉 Explore our latest designs inspired by medieval madness - because life’s too short for boring pets.