Home -> Step by step guides -> Heraldic terms and their meanings
- Lion: Arguably the most common heraldic symbol, the lion represents courage and nobility.
- Eagle: A common symbol in the heraldry of many countries, usually symbolizing power and strength.
- Griffin: A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle; represents valour and vigilance.
- Unicorn: Usually symbolizes purity and strength.
- Dragon: A symbol of power, wisdom, and protection.
- Stag: Also known as a Hart, commonly used to symbolize peace and harmony.
- Horse: Represents readiness for all employments for king and country.
- Falcon/Hawk: Represents someone who is hot or eager in pursuit of an object much desired.
- Serpent: Represents wisdom and defiance.
- Boar: Represents bravery and fights to the death.
- Wolf: Represents valiant captains that eventually become great commanders, renowned for their loyalty and hard work.
- Bear: Represents strength, cunning, and ferocity in the protection of one’s kindred.
- Fox: Represents one who will use all that he/she may possess of wisdom and wit in his/her own defense.
- Dolphin: Symbolizes swiftness, diligence, salvation, charity, and love.
- Swan: Symbolizes light, love, grace, sincerity, and perfection.
- Martlet: Symbolizes one who subsists on wings of virtue and merit, having not land.
- Raven: Represents one who, not of the fairest character, yet has still acquired, by industry and economy, great riches.
- Tiger: Represents fierceness and valour, and an unwillingness to engage in combat unless provoked.