page_title: Lynx (mythology)
section_title: Lynx stone
hierarchical_section_title: Lynx (mythology) / Lynx stone
caption_attribution_description: English: MS. Douce 88 , Manuscript on paper, Bestiary, English Date: 13th century, end Folio or page no.: fol. 008r Whole page or detail: detail Image description: Lynx. Roll title: MS. Douce 88, parts B-C (Bestiary texts). As is usual in bestiaries, the lynx is shown urinating, the urine turning to the mythical stone lyngurium
context_page_description: The lynx, a type of wildcat, has a prominent role in Greek, Norse, and North American mythology. It is considered an elusive and mysterious creature, known in some American Indian traditions as a 'keeper of secrets'. It is also believed to have supernatural eyesight, capable of seeing even through solid objects. As a result, it often symbolises the unravelling of hidden truths, and the psychic power of clairvoyance.
context_section_description: It is claimed by Theophrastus (c. 371 – c. 287 BC) that the lynx's urine hardens into a precious stone with attractive properties akin to amber. Known as lapis lyncurius or lyngurium, the mythical lynx stone was later mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Ovid; the story was related in almost every medieval lapidary, and bestiary until it gradually disappeared from view in the 17th century. It was believed that the Latin name for amber, 'Lyncurium', was derived from this superstition. Other medieval scholars pointed out that this amber was mined extensively in Liguria, which may hint at a more plausible etymology.
caption: A late 13th-century English bestiary showing the lynx's urine transforming into stone
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