For reasons unknown, the heraldic panther is usually shown
as a spotted lion with flames issuing from its ears and mouth.
My theory is that an early drawing showed the beast with
tufted ears and that this was cheerfully misinterpreted by later heraldic
artists.
I have, however, discovered a variation on this beast.
Whilst I was investigating the blazoning of the central
inescution of the arms of Bavaria, I found that the beast in the third quarter
is charged as a “panthier”( to be pronounced as if it is French).
This is described as
a lion with a dragon’s head and neck.
Until next time
Adieu
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