Small Knight fighting Snail - Medieval Marginalia - Tote Bag

A knight fighting a Snail from the Fieschi Psalter, France, 1275-1300. Drawings of snails are a recurring theme in the margins of medieval manuscripts. They are often depicted fighting knights. While their meaning remains uncertain, several theories exist. While their meaning remains uncertain, several theories suggest they could symbolize cowardice, death, female sexuality, the common people, or the Lombards, who were reputed to be slimy and dishonorable in the Middle Ages.