Amphiptere
Winged serpent from European heraldry.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
The amphiptere, also known as the amphithere, amphitere, or phipthere, is a two-winged serpent from European heraldry. Its name translates to "bi-winged" or "two-winged."
Descriptions of its appearance vary. Some accounts depict it with light, sunrise-colored feathers, a lindworm-like body, bat-like wings whose forearms are mostly covered in greenish feathers, and a long tail similar to a wyvern's. Other versions describe a creature entirely covered in feathers, with a spiked tail, bird-like wings, and a beak-like snout.
As a heraldic device, the amphiptere was used only occasionally. It appears on the coat of arms of the House of Potier, which features a purple bendlet between two amphipteres. The same family also used amphipteres as supporters, a practice shared by the arms of the Duke of Tresmes and the Duke of Gesvres.
The creature has appeared in modern fiction. In the *Dragonology* book series, the amphithere is presented as a real dragon species that inspired myths about Quetzalcōātl. The Digimon character Airdramon is modeled after an amphiptere. In the 2021 film *Godzilla vs. Kong*, Kong fought amphiptere-like creatures called Warbats in the Hollow Earth. The board game *Wyrmspan* includes several dragon cards classified as amphipteres.
- type
- Mythical creature
- origin
- European heraldry
- also known as
- Amphithere, Amphitere, Phipthere
- meaning
- Bi-winged, two-winged
- appearance
- Light-colored feathers like a sunrise, serpentine body similar to a lindworm, bat-like wings with feathers covering most of the forearm, often greenish coloration, long tail like a wyvern's tail; alte
- usage
- Infrequent use as heraldic devices
Lore & Background
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.
Amphipteres saw infrequent use as heraldic devices. They 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.
In modern fiction, amphipteres appear in various 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. In the board game Wyrmspan, several playable dragon cards are classified as amphiptere.
Reader's Guide
The amphiptere holds a modest but distinct place in European heraldry, appearing on the arms of the House of Potier and as supporters for the Duke of Tresmes and Duke of Gesvres. Its infrequent use suggests it was a less common heraldic charge compared to other mythical beasts. In modern fiction, the amphiptere has been reimagined in various media, from the Dragonology series linking it to Quetzalcōātl to digital creatures like Airdramon in Digimon and the Warbats in Godzilla vs. Kong. Its appearance in the board game Wyrmspan further demonstrates its continued presence in contemporary fantasy. The creature's dual depictions—either with bat-like wings and a wyvern-like tail or fully feathered with a beak-like snout—reflect the variability typical of heraldic and mythical descriptions. Overall, the amphiptere serves as a niche but enduring symbol in both historical heraldry and modern storytelling.
Did You Know?
- The name amphiptere means 'bi-winged' or 'two-winged.'
- Amphipteres are present on the arms of the House of Potier, which depict a bendlet purpure between two amphipteres.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Amphiptere?
The Amphiptere is a two-winged serpent beast found in European heraldry. It goes by several alternate names, including Amphithere, Amphitere, and Phipthere, depending on the source you consult.
What does the name Amphiptere actually mean?
The term translates to "bi-winged" or "two-winged," which is a straightforward description of the creature's most defining trait. It essentially names the beast for its pair of wings.
What does an Amphiptere look like?
Depictions vary, but a common version shows a serpentine, lindworm-like body with bat-like wings whose forearms are mostly sheathed in greenish feathers, plus a long tail similar to a wyvern's. Other renditions describe a fully feathered body, a beak-like snout, and a spiked tail.
Where does the Amphiptere come from?
It is a creature of European heraldic tradition, appearing in coats of arms rather than in any single national mythology. It has no one fixed cultural origin but belongs to the broader pan-European bestiary of heraldic beasts.
How common is the Amphiptere in heraldic usage?
It was employed only occasionally as a heraldic charge, making it a noticeably rarer sight than staples like the griffin or the dragon. Its infrequent appearance is one reason it feels obscure to most people encountering heraldry for the first time.
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