Those that believe 'myth' is a distant historical invention are misled. Myth is an ever-present aspect of our imagination and brings spirit and vision to our everyday lives. Such is the story of the mythical 'Water-Pegasus' of the British Dominion of West Florida, and which is portrayed on the fourth quarter of the National Coat of Arms as a heraldic beast. Perhaps vaguely related to the Greek Poseidon's 'Winged-Pegasus' the 'Flying Sea-Horse' of Florida bears much in common with the Scottish 'Kelpie' or the 'Hippocampus.'
All reputable nations have an important symbolic animal to represent their cultural heritage, and such examples are the Lion of England, the Bear of Russia, the Scottish Unicorn, or the Dragon of Wales. Unlike its European counterpart the Floridian Pegasus is comfortable in both a sea and airborne role, much like any semi-aquatic creature that also possesses the capacity to fly. The story of the Flying Sea-horse is related thus by men of wisdom, who tenderly nurture the knowledge of the ancients;
When Britannia first gazed upon the low, flat woodlands and beautiful white-sparkling beaches of the Dominion, and further observed its clean and bubbling surf, she knew instantly that this would be no place for the renowned creatures of the Old-World. For this was a demi-paradise fit only for creatures that could stand between two realms, of the Heavens and Earth. Not Lions, Unicorns, Gryphons, Mermaids, but a special creature that would unite all the diverse and complex elements of Florida's sky, waters, tropical forest, deep glades and forceful winds. After long consideration, Poseidon granted her leave to magically transform a graceful specimen of Pegasi into a marvelously crafted 'Flying Sea-Horse' which would frolic in the sea rather than the vale.
Such is the tale that is related. It is also often said that moonlit lovers wandering across the Dominion's sands beneath the star-twinkled sky have chanced to sea this mythical equine grace cavorting amidst the rolling waves, but none as yet have been able to capture the animal on film, such is its rarity, uniqueness and shy manner. It remains quite an enigma, waiting in silence for Britannia to return and unfurl her flag on this bejeweled realm!!
Her Majesty, Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Dominion of British West Florida, and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, has not yet granted our Petition, nor authorized this web site.