Westminster Abbey Bestiary (War Elephant)

In medieval manuscripts, animals typically occupy the margins with observations. Many works of literature, including bestiaries, are dedicated to animals. The Westminster Abbey Bestiary, built between 1275 and 1290 AD, is one of the bestiaries of the Middle Ages. It has more than 100 images of both exotic and local animals. 

Nevertheless, others were more concerned with creating symbolic animals than accurately depicting animal species. They sought to give the creatures meaning for them to become symbols. As a result, these symbols were employed in the manuscripts to communicate a specific message and to allude to a certain action or behavior that the writers want readers to partake in.