Amphisbaena, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230

The amphisbaena is a lizard or serpent with two heads, one at the front as normal, and another at the end of its tail.

It can move in both directions. It is often depicted with feathered wings and scaled feet and horns on its head. It has no fear of the cold, and is the first to come out from hibernation.

Transcription

Translation

Est serpens duo habens capita. unum in cau-
da. et alterum in loco suo. et ex utroque ca-
pite currit. Unde dicitur amphivena. quasi ex am-
babus partibus currens. Hec sola serpentium frigori se com-
mittit. it ut hieme eximiam deponat. Unde lu-
canus. Est gravis ingeminum vergens capud am-
phivena. Cuius oculi lucent velut lucerne.

There is a serpent with two heads, one in its tail, and the other in its place, and running from each head. Whence it is said to be amphibious, as if running from both sides. Alone this serpent commits himself to the cold, he goes to lay down the great winter. Hence Lucanus. It is a heavy-headed amphibian. Whose eyes shine like a lamp.