Amphiptere (also called Amphithere, Amphitere, or Phipthere; meaning bi-winged, two-winged) is a type of winged serpent found in European heraldry.
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.
Modern fiction
Amphipteres appear in other modern fictional works.
- The Dragonology series of books employ a conceit that dragons are real and that the amphithere is a species that inspired myths about Quetzalcōātl.
- In the Digimon franchise, Airdramon is modeled after an amphiptere.
- In the 2021 film Godzilla vs. Kong, Kong fought against Amphiptere-type creatures called Warbats in the Hollow Earth.
See also
- Amphitheatre
- Feathered Serpent
- Lindworm
- Wyvern
- Jaculus
- Winged serpent
- Flying serpent (disambiguation)
References
- Rose, Carol (2000). Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-0874369885.
- Fox-Davies, Charles (October 4, 2019). A Complete Guide to Heraldry. London: T.C. & E.C. Jack. ISBN 9781858910796.
- "Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons". Retrieved 7 June 2019.
- Godzilla vs. Kong theater program, 2 July 2021, p. 14
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