The figure of hell

 

Hic Noe et filii ejus corpus Christi cum apostolis habens.

Hic aves typum significant martyrum.

Hic oves typum continent virginitate.

Hic animalia quae carnem non comedunt typum coniugii.

Hic animalia quae carnem comedunt, typum ferocium peccatorum.

Hic ubi stercus mittebatur, typus inferni.

The Venerable Bede, Similitudo Arcae Noe

 

Here Noah and his sons embody Christ and the Apostles.

Here the birds signify the figure of the martyrs. 

Here the sheep embody chastity.

Here the non-flesh-eating animals are the figure of wedlock.

Here the flesh-eating animals are the figure of cruel sinners.

Here, where the dung is cast, is the figure of hell.

See also the Buddhist sub-hell Nyôfunjo (Dung Pit) or  shifunsho (place of excrement).