Tradition: Greek Mythology, Roman Mythology, Italian Mythology
Alternative Names: Hare-Footed Ptarmigan, Lagopus
Category: Rabbit

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The Myth

According to Pliny the Elder, the lagopus, whose name means “hare-foot,” is a bird about the size of a pigeon, entirely white, with feet covered in hair resembling those of a hare. Its flesh is considered delicious, but the bird cannot be tamed or kept outside its native habitat. Pliny also states that it putrefies rapidly after being killed.

Thomas de Cantimpré misinterpreted Pliny’s reference to the bird’s native land, concluding instead that the lagopus does not feed in the open air. From this, he reasoned that it must carry its food into a cave to eat. Albertus Magnus extended this interpretation further, deducing that the bird could not fly well.

Although the original description mentions only hare-like feet, later depictions often give the lagopus a hare’s head as well. It is frequently illustrated standing in front of a cave, reflecting the medieval interpretations of its feeding habits.

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Sources

“Lagopus.” A Book of Creatures. https://abookofcreatures.com/?s=Lagopus

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