UPDATE: For an extended explanation of what this text actually means, walk this way.

Email: I lent the third manga to my friend the other day and…He asked me what the phrase on Alucard’s coffin meant. “The bird of Hermes is my name, eating my wings to make me tame.” To be honest, I’m stumped…

Erin: I don’t blame you, as it’s from a 15th-century alchemical manuscript of which less than two dozen copies exist.

It’s called the Ripley Scroll, and you can find the text online, but it’s mostly long and rambling in this sort of way. Plus it has pretty pictures. (That’s the Bird of Hermes here in the background.) I’ve highlighted the relevant bit for you all.

The specific phrase on Alucard’s coffin shows up as well. But as for what it means…you’ll have to draw your own conclusions.