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Location:
Europe
Description:
The amphitere is a type of winged serpent-dragon found in European heraldry. It usually
has two wings and no legs. There are other heraldic serpent-dragons that fit this
description, such as some heraldic lindworms. This is a case where an amphitere is known
from people saying that is what it is. There are a number of alternative spellings
such as amphiptere and amphithere.
There has been a tendency in modern times to misuse the word as a general
term for any type of winged serpent, particularly those from the Americas. This
is not accurate. These serpents have their own names, mythology and symbolism,
seperate from the amphitere.
Selected References: Rose, C (2000)
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