Thursday, October 3, 2019

The many names of the sea-dog

While researching heraldry and monsters, I was surprised to learn that creatures like the alphyn, enfield, and sea-dog (or water-dog) were actually variations on the same thing.

The onchĂș (literally "water-dog," probably from on "water" + cĂș "hound") appears to be either an otter or a mythologized version thereof. Through assimilation with the heraldic sea-dog and phonetic mutation into the alphyn and enfield, it acquired features like a fishy mane and avian talons.
  • The sea-dog is a canine beast with fishy features including scales and fins.
  • The alphyn is a vaguely lupine beast with avian talons and a long knotted tail.
  • The enfield is a vulpine beast with avian talons.

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