Amphiptere: a winged dragon without legs

This winged serpent, without legs or feet, is astonishing. Not only is it an imaginary and fantastical creature from mythology and ancient tales, but it's also a hybrid. The fusion of two species creates a single entity: in this case, the serpent and the bird. The result is an extraordinary creature that could be adapted for the big screen.

Origin of the Amphiptera

The amphiptera is a dragon -like creature whose origins can be traced back to Greek and Roman mythology , legends , and folklore. In particular, accounts of its existence first appeared in Pliny the Elder's "Natural History" (a work reputed to have linked and confused the creature with the jaculus), Herodotus's "Histories," and Aelian's "Characteristics of Animals." Later, it also became associated with the medieval era. 🐲

This type of dragon is found in Great Britain, the Middle East, Egypt, and several Latin American countries such as Peru. Their appearance is similar to that of a gigantic, jade-colored serpent with multicolored feathered wings , and some also possess a single pair of front legs. In European and Middle Eastern countries, the amphitera is believed to know all but one of the world's secrets and to possess fantastic powers such as hypnotic eyes, which are generally used to guard the earth's treasures, such as myrrh trees, gold, and other riches.

Even the body parts of an Amphitera are special. If its teeth are driven in, an army of battle-ready warriors appears, eager to aid its companion. Its blood, when drunk, grants the power to understand animals, and a potion made from dried Amphitera eyes mixed with honey cures headaches. The most famous of the Latin American Amphitera is Quetzalcoatl ( quetzal-serpent) , whose name means "most precious serpent." This dragon is thought to be modeled after the quetzal bird, which has a beautiful multicolored tail nearly 60 cm long.

Heraldic Amphiptere

The amphiptera is a hybrid from European heraldry, half serpent and half bird. Throughout Europe, the amphiptera was widely feared, so any family that displayed it on their coat of arms was perceived as particularly formidable in battle.

Despite the word's origin, amphiptera are found all over the world before their European counterpart. For example, ancient Egypt had many amphiptera, and the Mesoamerican feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl sometimes takes the form of an amphiptera.

Appearance of the Amphiptera

Described as a small, legless, winged serpent , the amphiptera (spear serpent) was detailed by Pliny the Elder (Roman naturalist) as having two tongues: one serpentine and the other arrow-shaped. The amphiptera also resembles the wyvern of French folklore and heraldry. It is rarely depicted in European heraldry. The amphiptera, as a creature, was greatly feared.

The amphiptera is often compared to a winged serpent . Furthermore, its shape varies depending on the snake species, as well as the bird species it resembles. 🐍 Depending on the mythology, it can be, for example:

• A cobra with falcon wings
• An anaconda with condor wings
• A black mamba with eagle wings 🦅
• An asp viper with hummingbird wings

In some cases, an amphiptera may even have feathers in places other than just its wings, including on its body. It may even have bat-like or dragon-like wings instead of bird-like wings. And with these variations, the species, race of bat, or dragon it resembles also varies.

American Amphiptera

The American Amphiptera (Draco americanus tex), also known as the dragon moth because it hunts only at night, is not known for its optimism. On the contrary, it bites relentlessly. American Amphiptera can reach over 4 meters in length and 2 to 3 meters in height. Their color is generally iridescent purple, with a yellow belly and wings, although red, blue, and green have been observed. American Amphiptera have an unusual high-pitched call and gather in large groups.

These nocturnal amphibians eat all large mammals, including unwary cowboys. They can breathe fire and fly, their preferred dens being high up in valleys like Oljato-Monument Valley in Utah. Amphiptera eggs are a bright green with phosphorescent, paler green markings. Baby amphibians can fly from birth, but are rather hesitant for a few years. 🐱‍🐉

Mexican Amphiptere

The Mexican Amphiptera (Draco americanus Mex) is an enigmatic dragon that may have inspired the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. It measures 1.5 to 3 meters tall and 14 meters long. Its color is a shimmering turquoise with a slightly paler green belly. The wings of this amphibian turn purple, while its mane and tail feathers become golden during the breeding season.

It moans like a parrot 🦜 and feeds on large land animals, such as llamas. Its dens are located near water, their nests resembling coracles containing three hard-boiled eggs. The eggs are buoyant and brown with orange markings. The chicks must wait in rocky holes for three years until their wings grow. Aveloca, the most famous amphiptera, lived up to 223 years.

The article is coming to an end, young Dragon. Before you go, tell me what you think of the impressive Amphiptere. By the way, our dragon shirts are available below. 🔥