Human figures were represented mostly in a stylized form in the medieval manuscripts. Pagan laws forbade the realistic representation of living creatures. The monks constructed zoomorphic and semi-abstract designs to counter these laws. Because the Saints, Apostles and the Angels were not living they could be represented as straightforward human figures with no twists or distortions to the limbs and features. In mythology the figures were not living or real and so there were no limits; the artists were free to interpret at will. Imagination hooked up to the fantastic stories.
