Hedgehog
Hedgehogs were deemed as cute in the medieval period as they are today. People saw them snuffling around hedgerows and orchards and admired their industry, and wondered at their marvelous ability to curl up into a protective ball of spikes. Some folk beliefs about them, however, were less positive, such as the incorrect belief that they would suckle milk from the udders of cows. Such beliefs sadly led to persecution of the species in later periods, from which hedgehog populations in many countries have yet to recover. Its historical popularity, nevertheless, is indicated by the numerous soubriquets for the creature.
The name ‘hedgehog’ refers to its porcine snout and preferred habitat. They can curl up into a ball to protect themselves from predators coming from all sides. Hedgehogs are intelligent creatures, as evidenced in their method of foraging fruit. At the time of the fruit harvest, hedgehogs enter orchards and roll on fallen fruit, thus impaling them on their spines. They carry these to a stash in a hollow tree, ready for the winter months. They do the same in vineyards, but climb up the vines to shake the choicest grapes to the floor before skewering them with their quills.
The hedgehog’s spines inspired a variety of interpretations. Some bestiaries link the hedgehog’s wonderful defensive system to a monk who dedicates himself to prayer, and is thus protected from worldly temptations. Others see the hedgehog as the image of an obstinate sinner, whose spines represent unforgiven sins which surround him. Though he hides from his sins when upbraided for them, still he is enclosed by them sticking into his body. Illustrators of bestiaries however usually focus upon the hedgehog’s fruit-gathering technique and, allegory for the obstinate sinner or not, seem to take great delight in illustrating the act.