BEAST Ontology
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BEAST Ontology

Release: 2026-05-01

Latest version:
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology
Authors:
Alice Spadavecchia
Maria Juliana Gamboa Nivia
Miriana Pinto
Sara Roggiani
Publisher:
https://github.com/hexWitches
Download serialization:
JSON-LD RDF/XML N-Triples TTL
License:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Evaluation:
Evaluate with OOPS!
Cite as:
Gamboa Nivia, M.J., Pinto, M., Roggiani, S., Spadavecchia, A. (2026). BEAST Ontology. https://w3id.org/beast/ontology
Vocabulary maintained at:
https://github.com/hexWitches/beast
Ontology Specification Draft

Abstract

The BEAST ontology provides a formal representation of creatures, whether inspired by real or imaginary, focusing on their context origin, their textual attestations and their physical and symbolic evolution across different periods of time.

Introduction back to ToC

The BEAST Ontology is a formal framework designed to model, track, and analyze real and imaginary creatures across historical texts and modern media. It is structured in three interconnected modules: Provenance, Biological and Symbolic. Linking the biological aspects with the deep cultural/symbolic meaning, allowing us to understand the changes in the general collective mentality. The ontology maps a symbolic evolution of the beasts with a cross-domain reasoning, in compliance with the latest standards of the Semanti Web by utilizing OWL (Web Ontology Language).

Namespace declarations

Table 1: Namespaces used in the document
beast <https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#>
cito <http://purl.org/spar/cito/>
dcterms <http://purl.org/dc/terms/>
fabio <http://purl.org/spar/fabio/>
owl <http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#>
prov <http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#>
rdf <http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#>
rdfs <http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#>
schema <https://schema.org/>
skos <http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#>
vann <http://purl.org/vocab/vann/>
xml <http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace>
xsd <http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#>

BEAST Ontology: Overview back to ToC

This ontology has the following classes and properties.

Classes

Object Properties

Data Properties

Named Individuals

BEAST Ontology: Description back to ToC

The BEAST ontology is structured into three interconnected modules. The Provenance Module documents the historical and textual footprint of creatures, distinguishing between the universal concept of a beast (Creature) and its source-specific manifestations (Interpretation) across bestiaries, literary works, visual artworks, and cinematic works; it also tracks the diachronic evolution of creature terminology through Nomenclature and Etymology. The Biological Module defines the morphological and behavioural traits of both real and imaginary beings: it catalogs anatomical composition, habitats, diets, and abilities, and documents anomalies in real animals through a structured vocabulary of absence, duplication, and modification. The Symbolic Module provides a multidimensional framework for the analysis of creatures as cultural and archetypal figures. It integrates two analytical layers: Gilbert Durand's anthropological structures of the imaginary (DurandImaginary scheme) and an archetype and narrative function layer that distinguishes the universal psychological patterns creatures embody from the contextual roles they perform in specific sources. Together the three modules enable the ontology to trace a creature from its historical attestation in a primary text, through its biological description, to its deepest symbolic resonance in the collective imagination.

Cross-reference for BEAST Ontology classes, object properties and data properties back to ToC

This section provides details for each class and property defined by BEAST Ontology.

Classes

Abilityc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Ability

A specific behavior, movement, or activity performed by a creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
is in domain of
belongs to imaginary structure op, embodies archetype op, embodies imaginary symbol op, has narrative function op, is governed by op, symbolizes op
is in range of
additional ability op, governs op, has ability op, has divergence op, removed ability op

Anatomical partc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#AnatomicalPart

An anatomical component of a creature's body, such as a head, limb or tail.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
is in domain of
belongs to imaginary structure op, embodies archetype op, embodies imaginary symbol op, has narrative function op, is governed by op, symbolizes op
is in range of
additional part op, governs op, has absence of op, has anomaly op, has divergence op, has duplication of op, has modification of op, has part op, removed part op

Archetypec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Archetype

A universal, primordial pattern or character prototype residing in the collective human imagination. Within the ontology, the class serves as the ultimate analytical anchor that bridges the historical world with the symbolic world, linking a source-bound Interpretation of a Creature directly to its deeper allegorical, spiritual, or psychological meaning.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
is in domain of
has meaning dp, related to op
is in range of
embodies archetype op, related to op, symbolizes op

Bestiaryc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Bestiary

A specific type of compendium cataloging various animals and imaginary creatures.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has super-classes
Source c
is in domain of
has genre op

Bestiary Typec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BestiaryType

The thematic or functional classification of a bestiary.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
is in range of
has genre op
has members
Literary Metafiction ni, Moral Allegory ni, Scientific Taxonomy ni

CinematicWorkc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#CinematicWork

A cinematographic work serving as a modern source for creature depictions.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has super-classes
Source c
is disjoint with
Literary work c, Visual artwork c

Citationc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Citation

A structured reference to a specific passage within a Source that documents a creature's appearance in a particular Interpretation, capturing both the precise textual location and the quoted or paraphrased content.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
is in domain of
extracted from op, has passage text dp, has sequence identifier dp, is Textual Reference Of op
is in range of
has textual reference op

Composite creaturec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#CompositeCreature

A creature composed of disparate parts, whether those parts are from different animals or distinct materials.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-classes
Imaginary being c
has sub-classes
Hybrid creature c

Creaturec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Creature

Any living entity, whether based in biological reality or imagination, described within a Source. It serves as the central node tying together all historical, biological and symbolic variations.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has sub-classes
Imaginary being c, Real animal c
is in domain of
belongs to imaginary structure op, embodies archetype op, embodies imaginary symbol op, has ability op, has alternative name dp, has diet op, has distinctive trait dp, has etymology op, has habitat op, has interpretation op, has narrative function op, has origin context op, has part op, is governed by op, symbolizes op
is in range of
governs op, involves parent op, is etymology of op, of creature op
is disjoint with
Genesis c, Interpretation c, Mythological Figure c, Source c

Dietc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Diet

The standard food consumption habits of a creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
is in domain of
diet category op
is in range of
alternative diet op, diet category op, has diet op, has divergence op
has members
Carnivorous ni, Elemental ni, Hematophagous ni, Herbivorous ni, Lithophagous ni, Omnivorous ni, Scavenger ni

Diurnal Regimec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#DiurnalRegime

has super-classes
Regime c
is disjoint with
Nocturnal Regime c
is also defined as
named individual

Etymologyc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Etymology

The documented linguistic origin of the name used to identify a Creature, capturing its root term, source language, and original meaning.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
is in domain of
has meaning dp, has root term dp, is etymology of op
is in range of
has etymology op

Genesisc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Genesis

A source-specific account of a creature's origin or birth, capturing the parent(s) or progenitor(s) involved, and/or a circumstantial or causal explanation. Because genealogical and origin narratives frequently vary or conflict across sources, Genesis is modelled at the level of Interpretation rather than Creature, allowing multiple, potentially divergent, origin accounts to coexist for the same universal creature concept without asserting a single canonical explanation.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
is in domain of
has genesis description dp, involves parent op, is genesis of op
is in range of
has genesis op
is disjoint with
Creature c, Interpretation c, Mythological Figure c, Source c

Geographic placec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#GeographicPlace

A specific, real-world named location (e.g. a country, region, or city) that serves as a creature's habitat or place of origin, as distinct from a general ecological biome type.
has super-classes
Real-world place c

Habitatc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Habitat

The natural or mythological environment in which a creature lives or is commonly found.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has sub-classes
Imaginary place c, Real-world place c
is in domain of
habitat category op
is in range of
alternative habitat op, habitat category op, has divergence op, has habitat op

Hybrid creaturec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#HybridCreature

A specific type of imaginary being composed of anatomical parts from two or more distinct real animals.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-classes
Composite creature c

Imaginary beingc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ImaginaryBeing

A creature that does not exist in the natural world, originating from folklore, myth, or literary invention.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-classes
Creature c
has sub-classes
Composite creature c
is in domain of
has body of op, has head of op, has lower body of op, has part derived from op, has tail of op, has upper body of op
is disjoint with
Real animal c

Imaginary placec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ImaginaryPlace

A conceptual, magical, or purely literary space (e.g. the Garden of Eden or Hades). As noted by Borges, these spaces follow the laws of imagination rather than biology.
has super-classes
Habitat c
is in domain of
has origin context op
is disjoint with
Real-world place c

Inanimate elementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#InanimateElement

Non-living matter or material (e.g. stone and metal) that forms part of a creature's physical anatomy.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
is in range of
has body of op, has head of op, has lower body of op, has part derived from op, has tail of op, has upper body of op
is disjoint with
Plant c, Real animal c

Interpretationc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Interpretation

A specific conceptualization, reading, or artistic depiction of a creature as conceived by a particular creator within a specific Source. It distinguishes the universal concept of a Creature from its specific variations, allowing researchers to document how a single beast's anatomy, behavior, or allegorical meaning mutates when handled by different authors, artists, or historical periods.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
is in domain of
additional ability op, additional part op, alternative diet op, alternative habitat op, appears in op, belongs to imaginary structure op, embodies archetype op, embodies imaginary symbol op, has distinctive trait dp, has divergence op, has genesis op, has meaning dp, has narrative function op, has personal name dp, has textual reference op, is governed by op, of creature op, removed ability op, removed part op, symbolizes op
is in range of
contains interpretation op, governs op, has interpretation op, is Textual Reference Of op, is genesis of op
is disjoint with
Creature c, Genesis c, Mythological Figure c, Source c

Literary workc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#LiteraryWork

A written source text, such as a poem or novel, in which a creature is described, cited, or appears.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has super-classes
Source c
is disjoint with
CinematicWork c, Visual artwork c

Modulec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Module

Top level class for organizing the ontology architecture into three distinct layers (Provenance, Biological, Symbolic).
has members
Biological Module ni, Provenance Module (the Anchor) ni, Symbolic Module ni

Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic)c back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#MysticalStructure

has super-classes
Imaginary Structure c
is disjoint with
Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) c, Synthetic Structure (or Dramatic) c
is also defined as
named individual

Mythological Figurec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#MythologicalFigure

A deity, hero, personified force, or other agent from myth or tradition.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
is in range of
involves parent op
is disjoint with
Creature c, Genesis c, Interpretation c, Source c

Narrative Functionc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#NarrativeFunction

A symbolic or thematic role that a creature fulfills within a specific Source, independent of its biological traits. Narrative functions capture the cultural and literary work that a beast performs in a given tradition — e.g. acting as a guardian or an emblem of divine power. Where :Archetype captures the universal psychological pattern, NarrativeFunction captures the contextual, source-specific role that pattern takes within a narrative or iconographic programme.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
is in domain of
has meaning dp, related to op
is in range of
has narrative function op, related to op, symbolizes op

Nocturnal Regimec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#NocturnalRegime

has super-classes
Regime c
is disjoint with
Diurnal Regime c
is also defined as
named individual

Plantc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Plant

A living organism belonging to the botanical kingdom, often serving as a biological component in composite creatures (e.g. roots or branches).
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
is in range of
has body of op, has head of op, has lower body of op, has part derived from op, has tail of op, has upper body of op
is disjoint with
Inanimate element c, Real animal c

Real animalc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#RealAnimal

A scientifically recognized biological animal that exists or existed in the natural world.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-classes
Creature c
is in domain of
has absence of op, has anomaly op, has duplication of op, has modification of op, is of species op
is in range of
has body of op, has head of op, has lower body of op, has part derived from op, has tail of op, has upper body of op, is of species op
is disjoint with
Imaginary being c, Inanimate element c, Plant c

Real-world placec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#RealWorldPlace

A geographic or ecological habitat that exists in the physical world. Class influenced by J. L. Borges' distinction between biological reality and the imaginary spaces.
has super-classes
Habitat c
has sub-classes
Geographic place c
has members
Aerial ni, Aquatic ni, Terrestrial ni
is disjoint with
Imaginary place c

Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic)c back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SchizomorphicStructure

has super-classes
Imaginary Structure c
is disjoint with
Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic) c, Synthetic Structure (or Dramatic) c
is also defined as
named individual

Sourcec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Source

A primary text, manuscript, or artifact where a creature is described or depicted.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has super-classes
Creative Work c
has sub-classes
Bestiary c, CinematicWork c, Literary work c, Tradition c, Visual artwork c
is in domain of
cites op, contains interpretation op, was influenced by op
is in range of
appears in op, cites op, extracted from op, has origin context op, was influenced by op
is disjoint with
Creature c, Genesis c, Interpretation c, Mythological Figure c

Synthetic Structure (or Dramatic)c back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SyntheticStructure

has super-classes
Imaginary Structure c
is disjoint with
Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic) c, Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) c
is also defined as
named individual

Traditionc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Tradition

A cultural, mythological, or folkloric tradition functioning as the origin context for a creature, predating or existing independently of any identifiable written source.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has super-classes
Source c

Visual artworkc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#VisualArtwork

A visual representation, such as an illumination, painting, or sculpture, depicting a creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has super-classes
Source c
is disjoint with
CinematicWork c, Literary work c

Object Properties

additional abilityop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#additionalAbility

Links a source-specific Interpretation to an Ability that the creature possesses in that Source but which is absent from or not part of its standard biological description (Creature). Records additions to the creature's standard behavioural repertoire introduced by a specific author, artist, or tradition — e.g. a serpent that in one source is additionally credited with the power of hypnosis.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
has divergence op
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Ability c

additional partop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#additionalPart

Links a source-specific Interpretation to an AnatomicalPart that the creature possesses in that Source but which is not part of its canonical morphology. Records additive anatomical divergences introduced by a specific tradition — e.g. a lion that in one illumination is given wings absent from the standard description, shifting it toward a composite or hybrid morphology.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
has divergence op
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Anatomical part c

alternative dietop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#alternativeDiet

Records a diet attributed to a creature in a specific interpretation that departs from its canonical diet, documenting how a particular source or tradition reimagines what the creature consumes. It captures source-specific dietary divergence at the level of the individual interpretation.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
has divergence op
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Diet c

alternative habitatop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#alternativeHabitat

Records a habitat attributed to a creature in a specific interpretation that departs from its canonical habitat, documenting how a particular source or tradition relocates the creature. It captures source-specific habitat divergence at the level of the individual interpretation.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
has divergence op
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Habitat c

appears inop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#appearsIn

Links an Interpretation to the specific Source where it is mentioned.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule

has characteristics: functional

has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Source c
is inverse of
contains interpretation op

belongs toop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#belongsTo

Specifically links an Imaginary Symbol to the broader Imaginary Structure.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
symbolizes op
has domain
Imaginary Symbol c
has range
Imaginary Structure c
is inverse of
has imaginary symbol op

belongs to imaginary structureop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#belongsToImaginaryStructure

Specifically links a creature, an ability, a part or an interpretation to Durand's structures of the imaginary.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
symbolizes op
has domain
Ability c or Anatomical part c or Creature c or Interpretation c
has range
Imaginary Structure c

citesop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#cites

Indicates an explicit intertextual relationship where one primary Source directly mentions, quotes, copies, or references an earlier primary Source.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has super-properties
cites op
has domain
Source c
has range
Source c

contains interpretationop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#containsInterpretation

Links a Source to the interpretations of creatures that appear within it.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Source c
has range
Interpretation c
is inverse of
appears in op

diet categoryop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#dietCategory

Assigns a specific diet to its broader dietary class, grouping particular diets under a general category (such as Carnivorous). It provides the higher-level classification through which fine-grained diets are organised.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has domain
Diet c
has range
Diet c

embodies archetypeop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#embodiesArchetype

Links a source-specific Interpretation to the universal psychological pattern or primordial image that the creature instantiates. Where :hasNarrativeFunction captures what role the creature plays in a given text, :embodiesArchetype asserts what deep collective structure it expresses across all its manifestations — e.g. the Dragon as the Archetype of Chaos, the Phoenix as the Archetype of Renewal, the Unicorn as the Archetype of Purity.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
symbolizes op
has domain
Ability c or Anatomical part c or Creature c or Interpretation c
has range
Archetype c

embodies imaginary symbolop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#embodiesImaginarySymbol

Specifically links a creature, an ability, a part or an interpretation to Durand's symbols of the imaginary.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
symbolizes op
has domain
Ability c or Anatomical part c or Creature c or Interpretation c
has range
Imaginary Symbol c

extracted fromop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#extractedFrom

Links a Citation to the Source from which its passage was drawn. Where :hasTextualReference connects an Interpretation to a Citation, :extractedFrom connects that Citation upward to the Source document — completing the three-level provenance chain: Interpretation → Citation → Source. This property allows the ontology to answer questions such as 'which Sources contain direct textual evidence for this creature' by traversing the chain rather than asserting a direct link between Interpretation and Source.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Citation c
has range
Source c

governsop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#governs

Inverse of :isGovernedBy. Links a Regime to the structures, symbols, creatures, parts, abilities, or interpretations it governs.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has domain
Regime c
has range
Ability c or Anatomical part c or Creature c or Imaginary Structure c or Imaginary Symbol c or Interpretation c
is inverse of
is governed by op

habitat categoryop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#habitatCategory

Assigns a specific habitat to its broader environmental class, grouping particular places under a general category (such as Aquatic). It provides the higher-level classification through which individual habitats are organised.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has domain
Habitat c
has range
Habitat c

has abilityop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasAbility

Links a creature to a specific behavior or physical action it is known for.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has domain
Creature c
has range
Ability c

has absence ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasAbsenceOf

Indicates that a real animal, in a given Source or Interpretation, is missing an anatomical part that would normally be expected for its species. Records cases where the absence itself constitutes the anomaly — e.g. a serpent without a tongue, a bird without wings, or a humanoid creature lacking a face. Subproperty of :hasAnomaly.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-properties
has anomaly op
has domain
Real animal c
has range
Anatomical part c

has anomalyop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasAnomaly

Links a RealAnimal to an AnatomicalPart that exhibits a monstrous or pathological irregularity in a specific Source. For cases where the nature of the anomaly itself needs to be documented (e.g. whether it is a duplication, absence, or modification), use the subproperties :hasDuplicationOf, :hasAbsenceOf, and :hasModificationOf.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has sub-properties
has absence of op, has duplication of op, has modification of op
has domain
Real animal c
has range
Anatomical part c

has body ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasBodyOf

Specifies the main torso or body structure of a creature. May be asserted directly for creatures with a single undivided body source, or indirectly through its subproperties hasUpperBodyOf and hasLowerBodyOf for creatures whose body is split into distinct segments.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-properties
has part derived from op
has domain
Imaginary being c
has range
Inanimate element c or Plant c or Real animal c

has dietop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasDiet

Specifies the feeding classification (e.g. carnivorous) of the creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule

has characteristics: functional

has domain
Creature c
has range
Diet c

has divergenceop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasDivergence

has sub-properties
additional ability op, additional part op, alternative diet op, alternative habitat op, removed ability op, removed part op
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Ability c or Anatomical part c or Diet c or Habitat c
is also defined as
data property

has duplication ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasDuplicationOf

Indicates that a real animal, in a given Source or Interpretation, possesses a duplicated or multiplied instance of an anatomical part — e.g. a two-headed calf, a creature with six limbs, or an animal with a forked tail where one is canonical. Subproperty of :hasAnomaly.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-properties
has anomaly op
has domain
Real animal c
has range
Anatomical part c

has etymologyop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasEtymology

Links a Creature directly to the documented history of its name's linguistic origin.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Creature c
has range
Etymology c
is inverse of
is etymology of op

has genesisop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasGenesis

Links a source-specific Interpretation to the account of the creature's origin or birth as told in that Source.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Genesis c
is inverse of
is genesis of op

has genreop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasBestiaryType

Defines the primary intent or literary genre of the bestiary
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Bestiary c
has range
Bestiary Type c

has habitatop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasHabitat

Connects a creature to the environment it natively inhabits.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has domain
Creature c
has range
Habitat c

has head ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasHeadOf

Specifies the head structure of a creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-properties
has part derived from op
has domain
Imaginary being c
has range
Inanimate element c or Plant c or Real animal c

has imaginary symbolop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasImaginarySymbol

Inverse of :belongsTo. Links an Imaginary Structure to the imaginary symbols that belong to it.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has domain
Imaginary Structure c
has range
Imaginary Symbol c
is inverse of
belongs to op

has interpretationop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasInterpretation

Links a universal creature concept to its specific occurrences in a Source.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Creature c
has range
Interpretation c
is inverse of
of creature op

has lower body ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasLowerBodyOf

Specifies the lower body, hindquarters, or posterior segment of a creature characterized by a segmented body structure.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-properties
has part derived from op
has domain
Imaginary being c
has range
Inanimate element c or Plant c or Real animal c

has modification ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasModificationOf

Indicates that a real animal, in a given Source or Interpretation, exhibits an anatomical part in an altered or aberrant form — neither simply absent nor duplicated, but substantially changed in shape, size, material, or function. Examples include reversed feet, crystalline horns, or scales in place of fur. Subproperty of :hasAnomaly.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-properties
has anomaly op
has domain
Real animal c
has range
Anatomical part c

has narrative functionop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasNarrativeFunction

Links a source-specific Interpretation to the symbolic or thematic role that the creature fulfills within that Source. Unlike :embodiesArchetype — which asserts a universal psychological identity — :hasNarrativeFunction captures the contextual, plot-level, or iconographic function the beast performs in a particular text or artwork: guardian, omen, divine messenger, embodiment of sin, etc. The same creature may carry different narrative functions across different Interpretations.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
symbolizes op
has domain
Ability c or Anatomical part c or Creature c or Interpretation c
has range
Narrative Function c

has origin contextop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasOriginContext

Links a creature or an imaginary place to their earliest known or most culturally foundational source, whether a specific written text or a broader mythological tradition. This property acknowledges that for many creatures a single primary source cannot always be identified.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Creature c or Imaginary place c
has range
Source c

has partop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasPart

Links an ImaginaryBeing to a specific AnatomicalPart that constitutes its body, without asserting the biological origin of that part. Where :hasPartDerivedFrom links a CompositeCreature to the real animal or material from which a part originates, :hasPart simply records which anatomical components are present — useful for imaginary beings whose parts have no clear real-world derivation or whose source is not documented in the available sources.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has domain
Creature c
has range
Anatomical part c

has part derived fromop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasPartDerivedFrom

Indicates that a composite creature possesses anatomical or morphological features derived from a specific real animal, a plant or an inanimate element.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has sub-properties
has body of op, has head of op, has lower body of op, has tail of op, has upper body of op
has domain
Imaginary being c
has range
Inanimate element c or Plant c or Real animal c

has tail ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasTailOf

Specifies the tail structure of a creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-properties
has part derived from op
has domain
Imaginary being c
has range
Inanimate element c or Plant c or Real animal c

has textual referenceop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasTextualReference

Links a source-specific Interpretation to a Citation node that captures the precise textual or visual evidence on which that interpretation rests. Where :appearsIn links an Interpretation directly to a Source at the document level, :hasTextualReference provides the finer-grained link to the exact passage and location within that Source.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Citation c
is inverse of
is Textual Reference Of op

has upper body ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasUpperBodyOf

Specifies the upper body, torso, or anterior segment of a creature characterized by a segmented body structure.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has super-properties
has part derived from op
has domain
Imaginary being c
has range
Inanimate element c or Plant c or Real animal c

involves parentop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#involvesParent

Links a Genesis account to a Creature or MythologicalFigure identified as a parent or progenitor within that account.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Genesis c
has range
Creature c or Mythological Figure c

is etymology ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#isEtymologyOf

Links an etymological origin back to the modern or targeted term it resulted in.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Etymology c
has range
Creature c
is inverse of
has etymology op

is genesis ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#isGenesisOf

Links a Genesis account back to the Interpretation it describes the origin of.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Genesis c
has range
Interpretation c
is inverse of
has genesis op

is governed byop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#isGovernedBy

Links one of Durand's Imaginary Structures to its overarching Regime (Diurnal or Nocturnal).
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has domain
Ability c or Anatomical part c or Creature c or Imaginary Structure c or Imaginary Symbol c or Interpretation c
has range
Regime c
is inverse of
governs op
has sub-property chains
belongs to op o is governed by op
belongs to imaginary structure op o is governed by op
embodies imaginary symbol op o is governed by op

is of speciesop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#isOfSpecies

Links a real animal individual to the base biological species it belongs to, used particularly for creatures that exhibit anomalies or deformities but remain fundamentally members of a recognizable species.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has domain
Real animal c
has range
Real animal c

is Textual Reference Ofop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#isTextualReferenceOf

The inverse of :hasTextualReference. Links a Citation back to the Interpretation it documents, allowing navigation from a specific passage in a Source to the interpretive claim it supports. This inverse direction is useful for querying which interpretations are grounded in a particular passage — for example, retrieving all creature readings that depend on a single chapter of a bestiary.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Citation c
has range
Interpretation c
is inverse of
has textual reference op

of creatureop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ofCreature

The property linking an interpretation with a creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Creature c
is inverse of
has interpretation op

related toop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#relatedTo

A symmetric associative property linking two NarrativeFunction or Archetype individuals that share thematic, structural, or symbolic overlap without one being a specialisation of the other. For example, the function of Guardian and the function of Threshold-Keeper are related but distinct; the Archetype of the Devourer and the Archetype of the Transformer share symbolic territory without subsumption. This property enables lateral navigation across the symbolic vocabulary of the ontology.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule

has characteristics: symmetric

has domain
Archetype c or Narrative Function c
has range
Archetype c or Narrative Function c

removed abilityop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#removedAbility

Links a source-specific Interpretation to an Ability that the creature typically possesses but which is deliberately absent in that particular Source. Documents reductive divergences from the standard behavioural description — e.g. a dragon that in a given medieval text lacks the ability to fly, inverting the conventional image.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
has divergence op
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Ability c

removed partop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#removedPart

Links a source-specific Interpretation to an AnatomicalPart that the Creature canonically possesses but which is deliberately absent or suppressed in that particular Source. Documents reductive anatomical divergences — e.g. a griffin depicted without its eagle wings in a specific manuscript tradition, fundamentally altering its composite identity.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has super-properties
has divergence op
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Anatomical part c

symbolizesop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#symbolizes

The primary semantic bridge connecting the biological domain to the symbolic domain. It asserts that a specific physical attribute (AnatomicalPart), a behavior (Ability), a Creature or its Interpretation serves as a vehicle for a broader conceptual meaning (Archetype, Structure, etc.).
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
has sub-properties
belongs to op, belongs to imaginary structure op, embodies archetype op, embodies imaginary symbol op, has narrative function op
has domain
Ability c or Anatomical part c or Creature c or Interpretation c
has range
Archetype c or Imaginary Structure c or Imaginary Symbol c or Narrative Function c

was influenced byop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#wasInfluencedBy

Indicates that a Source drew thematic, stylistic, or conceptual inspiration from an earlier work, even without a direct citation.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule

has characteristics: transitive

has super-properties
was Influenced By op
has domain
Source c
has range
Source c

Data Properties

has alternative namedp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasAlternativeName

An alternative proper name or alias by which a creature is known across different sources or traditions, distinct from its canonical label and source-specific terminology.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Creature c
has range
Literal

has distinctive traitdp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasDistinctiveTrait

Records a short, characterizing description of the most defining features of a creature. It captures a headline characterization rather than the structured anatomical, dietary, or symbolic data modelled elsewhere.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
has domain
Creature c or Interpretation c
has range
Literal

has genesis descriptiondp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasGenesisDescription

A free-text narrative summary of a creature's origin as told in a specific Interpretation.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Genesis c
has range
Literal

has meaningdp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasMeaning

The literal string translation or definition of a term, concept, or archetypal figure.
has super-properties
top Data Property dp
has domain
Archetype c or Etymology c or Interpretation c or Narrative Function c
has range
Literal

has passage textdp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasPassageText

The transcribed text of the passage extracted from a Source in which a creature is described, named, or depicted. Stored as a plain literal, this property preserves the exact wording of the primary source evidence that grounds a given Interpretation, enabling philological comparison across different textual witnesses of the same creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Citation c
has range
Literal

has personal namedp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasPersonalName

Records the proper name given to a creature in a specific interpretation, distinguishing a named individual from the generic species to which it belongs. It applies at the level of the interpretation, since a personal name is typically conferred by a particular source rather than shared across all manifestations of the creature.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Interpretation c
has range
Literal

has root termdp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasRootTerm

The literal string representation of the original word.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has domain
Etymology c
has range
Literal

has sequence identifierdp back to ToC or Data Property ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#hasSequenceIdentifier

The specific locator identifying the position of a Citation within its Source — such as a page number, folio reference, chapter, canto, stanza, or verse. Declared as a subproperty of fabio:hasSequenceIdentifier, aligning the ontology with the FRBR-aligned bibliographic vocabulary. This property allows precise scholarly referencing and enables the comparison of how different editions or translations of the same work locate their creature passages differently.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
has super-properties
has Sequence Identifier dp
has domain
Citation c
has range
Literal

Named Individuals

Aerialni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Aerial

A physical habitat located in the sky, clouds, or upper atmosphere.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Real-world place c

Aquaticni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Aquatic

A physical habitat located in or around bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, or lakes.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Real-world place c

Ascensional Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#AscensionalSymbol

Ascensional symbol embodies heroic symbols of elevation, verticality, and transcendence. It represents the upward movement to escape the degradation of time and the symbolic refusal of death. In this structure, height is synonymous with the pure and the divine; the wing is the ascensional instrument that contradicts gravity. These symbols manifest a quest to regain lost power through movement toward metaphysical spaces (e.g., mountains), dazzling imagery (arrows, wings), and virile archetypes of celestial royalty and the warrior.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
broader ap Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Ascensional Symbol"@en

Biological Moduleni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule

The Biological Module catalogs the physical and behavioural traits of creatures — whether real or imaginary — as described in Bestiaries and other Sources. It distinguishes real animals from imaginary beings, and further classifies the latter into composite and hybrid creatures whose anatomy is derived from two or more biological sources. For real animals it documents deformities and monstrous irregularities through a structured vocabulary of anatomical anomaly: absence of a canonical part, duplication, and modification. For imaginary beings it records the anatomical parts they possess and the real animals, plants, or inanimate elements from which those parts are derived. Across all creatures the module captures habitats — distinguishing real geographic environments from mythological or imaginary spaces — diets, and abilities. This layer serves as the primary morphological record that the Symbolic Module then interprets as archetypal and cultural meaning.
belongs to
Module c

Carnivorousni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Carnivorous

A diet consisting primarily of animal meat.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Diet c

Catamorphic Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#CatamorphicSymbol

Catamorphic symbol embodies falling, gravity, and the physical degradation of flesh. These dynamic images of transience represent the dazzling acceleration of time during a downward plunge. Catamorphic symbol captures the existential anxiety of the fall, where movement signifies the inescapable and rapid passage of time toward death.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
broader ap Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Catamorphic Symbol"@en

Cyclical Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#CyclicalSymbol

Cyclical symbol represents the archetype of the Eternal Return and time as a series of phases. Using the moon as a primary model - being the first to die and the first to be reborn - these symbols suggest that time is a series of phases where opposites (life/death, light/dark) coexist. This 'lunar optimism' does not negate death but reintegrates it as an essential stage of an incessant, evolving movement where every sunset is a prelude to a new dawn. The repetition of opposites is also linked to evolution: it is not merely a continuous repetition of the same events. Things that change may also evolve or move forward; they may progress.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Synthetic Structure (or Dramatic) ni
broader ap Synthetic Structure (or Dramatic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Cyclical Symbol"@en

Diaretic Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#DiareticSymbol

Diaretic symbol embodies figures of cutting, weapons, and purification, derived from the Greek term 'diairesis' (division). They represent the human need for analysis, categorization, and absolute separation to overcome natural chaos. The hero's weapon is a dual symbol of power and purity; by cutting through confusion and separating the real from the imaginary, or good from evil, the hero gains mastery over the world. In this structure, the act of separation is the primary source of intellectual and spiritual power.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
broader ap Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Diaretic Symbol"@en

Diurnal Regimeni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#DiurnalRegime

belongs to
Concept c
is disjoint with
Nocturnal Regime ni
is also defined as
class

Durand Imaginaryni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#DurandImaginary

A conceptual scheme providing a framework for the symbolic and anthropological analysis of creatures within bestiaries. It acts as the theoretical pivot of the Symbolic Module, allowing for the classification of beasts and their attributes based on their relationship with human anxiety regarding time and death. By applying Gilbert Durand's regimes and structures defined in 'Les Structures Anthropologiques de l'Imaginaire', 'beast' can map how physical biological traits - such as wings - serve as archetypal responses to mortality, transforming the creature from a mere biological entity into a profound cultural symbol.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept Scheme c
has facts
title ap "Durand's structures of the Imaginary"@en
has Top Concept ap Imaginary Structure ni
has Top Concept ap Regime ni
was Derived From ap "Durand, G. (1972). Le Strutture Antropologiche dell'Immaginario: introduzione all'archetipologia generale"

Elementalni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Elemental

Creatures that eat things like fire, air, or even human souls.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Diet c

Hematophagousni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Hematophagous

Blood-drinkers.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Diet c

Herbivorousni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Herbivorous

A diet consisting primarily of plant matter.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Diet c

Imaginary Structureni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ImaginaryStructure

belongs to
Concept c
is also defined as
class

Imaginary Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ImaginarySymbol

belongs to
Concept c
is also defined as
class

Intimacy Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#IntimacySymbol

Intimacy symbol represents the center, the home, and the magical cradle. This symbol reduces the vast, terrifying world into a controllable, safe microcosm - such as a shell, a tomb seen as a place of rest, or a secret dwelling. It marks an inversion toward interiority and the soul, where the essence of the creature is protected within a restful and familiar space. It embodies the transition from the fear of being 'swallowed' to the comfort of being 'contained'.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic) ni
broader ap Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Intimacy Symbol"@en

Inversion Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#InversionSymbol

Inversion symbol exorcises the fear of time by turning negative images into positive ones. Through an involutive process, the devouring mouth of the Diurnal Regime is transmuted into a protective nest. Instead of a heroic battle against darkness, there is a mystical union with it. This defensive mechanism employs doubling and reassuring symbols of intimacy to transform a dangerous fall into a controlled descent into the secrets of becoming.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic) ni
broader ap Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Inversion Symbol"@en

Literary Metafictionni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#LiteraryMetafiction

A post-modern or highly stylized genre where the bestiary is used as a narrative or literary device (e.g. Borges).
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
belongs to
Bestiary Type c

Lithophagousni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Lithophagous

Stone-eaters.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Diet c

Moral Allegoryni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#MoralAllegory

The traditional medieval genre where creatures are described primarily for Christian theological or moral lessons.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
belongs to
Bestiary Type c

Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic)ni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#MysticalStructure

belongs to
Concept c
is disjoint with
Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni, Synthetic Structure (or Dramatic) ni
has facts
is governed by op Nocturnal Regime ni
is also defined as
class

Nocturnal Regimeni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#NocturnalRegime

belongs to
Concept c
is disjoint with
Diurnal Regime ni
is also defined as
class

Nyctomorphic Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#NyctomorphicSymbol

Nyctomorphic symbol encapsulates the temporal symbolism of darkness, blindness, and shadows. Linked to the voracity of the night, it often incorporates the element of water - viewed here not as a source of life, but as an elusive, dark surface that doubles the abyss and reflects the formless terror of the unknown.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
broader ap Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Nyctomorphic Symbol"@en

Omnivorousni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Omnivorous

A diet consisting of both animal and plant matter.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Diet c

Provenance Module (the Anchor)ni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule

The Provenance Module documents the historical and textual footprint of every creature in the ontology. It distinguishes between the universal, abstract concept of a beast (Creature) and its source-specific manifestations (Interpretation), allowing the ontology to track how a single entity is described, depicted, or reinterpreted across different authors, periods, and media — from medieval manuscripts to contemporary film. It anchors each Interpretation to the primary Source in which it appears and classifies Sources by their genre and intertextual relationships through :cites and :wasInfluencedBy.
belongs to
Module c

Regimeni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Regime

belongs to
Concept c
is also defined as
class

Scavengerni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Scavenger

Creatures that eat dead organic matter.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Diet c

Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic)ni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SchizomorphicStructure

belongs to
Concept c
is disjoint with
Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic) ni, Synthetic Structure (or Dramatic) ni
has facts
is governed by op Diurnal Regime ni
is also defined as
class

Scientific Taxonomyni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ScientificTaxonomy

A genre focused on the scientific categorization and biological documentation of animals (e.g. Aldrovandi and Paré).
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#ProvenanceModule
belongs to
Bestiary Type c

Spectacular Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SpectacularSymbol

Spectacular symbol relates to intense light, vision, and the heroic gaze. Standing in direct opposition to darkness, it emphasizes the triumph of clarity and the 'solar power' that makes the world intelligible and thus controllable. Sight is the supreme sense of the hero, as clear vision allows for the differentiation of things and the definition of clear boundaries. In this context, light functions as a sword, cutting through obscurity to define reality.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
broader ap Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Spectacular Symbol"@en

Symbolic Moduleni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule

The Symbolic Module represents the analytical and interpretive layer of the ontology, where art history, literary theory, depth psychology, and anthropology converge. It provides two interlocking frameworks for the symbolic analysis of creatures and their source-specific Interpretations. First, the DurandImaginary scheme applies Gilbert Durand's anthropological structures of the imaginary to classify creatures according to the Regime (Diurnal or Nocturnal) and structural logic (Schizomorphic, Mystical, or Synthetic) that governs their symbolic imagery. Second, the archetype and narrative function layer — through :Archetype, :NarrativeFunction, :embodiesArchetype, and :hasNarrativeFunction — distinguishes between the universal psychological pattern a creature instantiates across all its manifestations and the specific contextual role it performs within a given Source. The module also captures symbolic divergences at the level of Interpretation: the properties :additionalPart, :removedPart, :additionalAbility, :removedAbility, :alternativeDiet and :alternativeHabitat document how a specific author or tradition departs from the canonical image of a creature, and what symbolic meaning those departures carry.
belongs to
Module c

Synthetic Structure (or Dramatic)ni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SyntheticStructure

belongs to
Concept c
is disjoint with
Mystical Structure (or Antiphrastic) ni, Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
has facts
is governed by op Nocturnal Regime ni
is also defined as
class

Teriomorphic Symbolni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#TeriomorphicSymbol

Teriomorphic symbol represents the terrifying aspect of animals, embodying biting, devouring, and feral chaos. As 'enemy symbol' of anxiety and darkness, it is linked to the restlessness caused by rapid, undisciplined movement. It captures the chaos of fleeing from 'devouring time' and the archetype of the predatory jaws ready to strike.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#SymbolicModule
belongs to
Concept c
Imaginary Symbol c
has facts
belongs to op Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
broader ap Schizomorphic Structure (or Heroic) ni
in Scheme ap Durand Imaginary ni
pref Label ap "Teriomorphic Symbol"@en

Terrestrialni back to ToC or Named Individual ToC

IRI: https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#Terrestrial

A physical habitat primarily located on solid ground or within the earth.
Is defined by
https://w3id.org/beast/ontology#BiologicalModule
belongs to
Real-world place c

Legend back to ToC

c: Classes
op: Object Properties
dp: Data Properties
ni: Named Individuals

References back to ToC

Acknowledgments back to ToC

The authors would like to thank Silvio Peroni for developing LODE, a Live OWL Documentation Environment, which is used for representing the Cross Referencing Section of this document and Daniel Garijo for developing Widoco, the program used to create the template used in this documentation.