Amphiptere Explained

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

Appearance

Amphipteres generally were said to have light-colored feathers like a sunrise, a serpentine body similar to a lindworm, bat-like wings with feathers covering most of the forearm and often greenish in coloration, and a long tail much like a wyvern's tail. Others are described as entirely covered in feathers with a spiked tail, bird-like wings, and a beak-like snout.

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. The Potier heraldry also uses amphipteres as supporters, as do those of the Duke of Tresmes and Duke of Gesvres.[2]

Modern fiction

Amphipteres appear in other modern fictional works.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Rose, Carol . 2000 . Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth . . 978-0874369885.
  2. Book: Fox-Davies, Charles . October 4, 2019 . A Complete Guide to Heraldry . registration . London . T.C. & E.C. Jack . 9781858910796.
  3. Web site: Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons . 7 June 2019.