The Voynich Ninja

I recently felt it was worth focusing more closely on the manuscript’s figures rather than on the text itself.

For some time, I’ve been exploring the historical context of Northern Italy and Central Europe in the early fifteenth century, with particular attention to Barbara of Cilli, Sigismund of Luxembourg, the Order of the Dragon, and related figures.

I realise this line of research may seem speculative, but I think this historical context is worth investigating.

I’ve already written quite a lot about this. After all, the Voynich Manuscript itself is what led me down this path.

I’d be very interested in discussing this further. The chronology appears broadly compatible, and several of the figures and motifs have caught my attention.

Even if this line of investigation ultimately turns out to be wrong, I think the figures themselves deserve closer attention, especially when compared with early fifteenth-century Central and Northern European material.

I’d also be interested to know what others think about the so-called “pangolin” figure. Could it possibly be related to, or inspired by, imagery associated with the Order of the Dragon?

At this stage, I’m treating this only as a visual and historical comparison, not as an identification.

[attachment=17637][attachment=17638]

MS 408, fol. 80v.

The Order of the Dragon is mentioned in relation to the Voynich Manuscript, with one theory suggesting that the "Voynich armadillo" resembles the official insignia of the Order of the Dragon. [18] This connection is further supported by the observation that the classical Voynich crown matches that of Queen Barbara of Cilli, who founded the Order of the Dragon. [18] Additionally, the Order of the Golden Fleece, founded in 1430, has been proposed as a possible interpretation for an illustration on You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. of the manuscript, with Rudolf II later being a member of this order. [20] Vlad Dracul, father of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), became ruler of Wallachia in 1436. [1] Recent proteomic analysis of Vlad III the Impaler's documents has been conducted to draw conclusions about his state of health. [2][6] Sigismund of Luxembourg, who was King of Hungary and Croatia from 1404, King of Germany from 1411, and Holy Roman Emperor from 1433, is also discussed in relation to crowns depicted in historical chronicles and potentially the Voynich Manuscript. [4][10][13][16][45]

Sources:
[1] Historically significant events in Europe between 1404 and 1438 — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[2] Proteomic Analysis of Vlad III the Impaler’s Documents — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[4] Historically significant events in Europe between 1404 and 1438 — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[6] Proteomic Analysis of Vlad III the Impaler’s Documents — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[10] Some Voynichy crowns — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[13] The crowns of the Zodiac — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[16] The crowns of the Zodiac — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[18] A match for the famous Armadillo? — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[20] Dragons, Dogs & Amadillos? — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
[45] Some Voynichy crowns — You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

Great summary @You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

Barbara of Cilli is an interesting person, without doubt, but is she relevant to the VMs?

Is the VMs critter a dragon, armadillo, fleece, or something else? Why is there a nebuly line underneath?

The crown is also problematic. The VMs examples appear to be an Eastern crown, with a triangular points rising from the headband. Illustrations of Barbara show a "cloverleaf-style" element instead. Basing the comparison on the presence of imperial arches is much less precise. Eastern crowns are found in Austria. Possibilities exist, but nothing specific without new evidence, AFAIK.

(17-09-2026, 05:49 PM)R. Sale Wrote: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.Why is there a nebuly line underneath?

Rafal's chameleon, eating nothing but air.
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

Der kosmische Schlummerhund.

Thanks for all this information, it's really amazing! I'm looking forward to checking it all out! Thanks again!