Calygreyhound
The calygreyhound is a mythical creature that appears on
Earls of Oxford, used the calygreyhound in their coat of arms in the 15th and 16th centuries.[1] The calygreyhound may be unique to the de Veres,[2] and unlike most heraldic monsters, it made no attempt to seem realistic.[3]
Description
The calygreyhound is described consistently as having the head of a wildcat,[4] the torso of a deer or antelope,[5] the claws of an eagle on its forefeet, ox hooves, antlers or horns, the hind legs of a lion or ox, and its tail like a lion or poodle. On some rare occasions, the Calygreyhound may be seen as depicted with the wings of an eagle.[4] It is said to represent speed or swiftness.[5] It is generally accepted that the calygreyhound is simply a figment of the artist's imagination, but some parts of it are based on reality. When it is depicted, it does not have a consistent position.[6]
References
- ^ "Fabulous Beasts in Tudor Heraldry" (PDF). Dragonlore (31). The Journal of The College of Dracology: 4. 2003-04-01. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
- ^ Matthews, Lowell R. "ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NOVI: HERALDRY". Archived from the original on 2007-10-30. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
- ^ Wood, Anthony (April 2004). "Proportions". The Armiger's News. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
- ^ a b "Memorabilia" (PDF). Notes and Queries. Oxford University Press. July 1955. Retrieved 2008-10-08.[dead link]
- ^ a b "Unknown Explorers - Calygreyhound". Unknownexplorers.com. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
- ^ "SCA - West Kingdom College of Heralds - Heraldic Templates". West Kingdom College. Archived from the original on 2008-10-28. Retrieved 2008-10-08.