tam

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tam, adj: tame, the opposite of wild. (TAHM / ˈtam)

tame
From the British Library Asian and African Studies blog: King Solomon, famed for his justice and wisdom, is seated on a throne with animals at his feet (most likely hinting at his ability to converse with the animal kingdom). Coburg, Germany, c. 1396. British Library, Add MS 19776, f. 54v.

þegen

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þegen, m.n: thane, servant, retainer, follower. (THEH-yuhn / ˈθɛ-jən)

Today is the Feast of St Matthew, the “Saviour’s thane” (nergendes þegen).

matthew
From The Getty Iris: St Matthew, about 1120-1140, Helmarshausen, Germany, from Gospel Book. The J. Paul Getty Museum, MS Ludwig II 3, fols 9v-10.

firigend-strēam

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firigend-strēam, m.n: a mountain-stream, the ocean. (FIH-rih-yend-STRAY-ahm / ˈfɪ-ɹɪ-jɛnd-ˌstɹeːam)

siren
From the British Library medieval manuscripts blog: Detail of a miniature of a siren from a Bestiary, with extracts from Gerald of Wales on Irish birds. England (Salisbury?), 2nd quarter of the 13th century. Harley 4751, f. 47v. The siren has seized a ship and destroyed its mast. One of the sailors is trying to close his ears to her horrible song.