Amphiptere

An Amphiptere (also called Amphithere, Amphitere, or Phipthere; meaning bi-winged, two-winged) is a type of winged serpent found in European heraldry.[1]

Amphiptere by Edward Topsell (1608)

Appearance
A heraldic amphiptere

Amphipteres generally were said to have greenish-yellow feathers, a serpentine body similar to a lindworm, bat-like green wings with feathered bone, and an arrow-tipped tail much like a wyvern's. Others are described as entirely covered in feathers with a spiked tail, bird-like wings, and a beak-like snout. Even more uncommon is the description of one with legs.

Usage

Amphipteres saw infrequent use as heraldic devices. Amphipteres are present on the arms of the House of Potier, which depict a bendlet purpure between two amphipteres or. The Potier heraldry also uses amphipteres as supporters, as do those of the Duke of Tresmes and Duke of Gesvres.[2]

Modern fiction

Amphitheres feature in the Dragonology series of books, which employ a conceit that dragons are real.[3] It also appears in Dracopedia: A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World.

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References
  1. Rose, Carol. (2000). Giants, Monsters and Dragons. Norton
  2. Fox-Davies, Charles (October 4, 2019). A Complete Guide to Heraldry. London: T.C. & E.C. Jack. ISBN 9781858910796.
  3. "Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons". Retrieved June 7, 2019.
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