Panther (legendary creature)
From Open Encyclopedia
In the traditions of heraldry some animals are not presented naturalistically but filtered though centuries of folklore. The panther is presented that way unless specified otherwise, as has recently been done for some African countries.
The creature looks quite like a big cat, but is considered multi-colored. Legend has it that it is of a gentle disposition, with its only enemy is the dragon. But the most curious thing about the creature from the standpoint of the present day is that it is supposed to have a sweet smell. It is heraldically inscribed surrounded by flames as a way of representing its smell. Perhaps the origin of this notion of a carnivore smelling that way relates to the violet gland of foxes.
Other names for this creature are pantera, pantere, and love cervere.
