Amphiptere

Amphiptere by Edward Topsell (1608)

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

Appearance

A heraldic amphiptere

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)