Heraldric Animals and Objects

Introduction:

 * This page covers some of the many heraldric animals and objects used in armorial imagery.
 * These animals and objects may be used both as Charges and as Crests.
 * I have written beside the name of the animal or object the symbolisms and descriptions attached to that symbol. One symbol does not necessarily mean that the bearer has all the qualities attached to it. Having a Falcon on their Arms may for one bearer mean Power, while for another it may symbolise Eagerness.

Animals:

 * Bee - Efficient industry
 * Boar - Fight to the end
 * Talbot (Hunting dog of quick and eager pursuit) - Courage, Vigilance and Loyal fidelity
 * Fox - Strategic talents, Fertility of resources, Willing to use all that he possesses of wisdom and wit
 * Goat - A warrior who wins through politics rather than war
 * Black Horse - Disastrous war or engagement
 * Lamb - Gentleness and Patience
 * Lamb carrying a banner with a cross - Faith, Innocence, Bravery, Gentleness, Purity, Resolute spirit
 * Leopard - Valiant and hardy warrior, Force and courage
 * Leopard's head swallowing a Fleur-de-lis - The Lion of England swallowing the Lily of France, victory over the French
 * Lion - Bravery, Strength, Ferocity, Valor
 * Ram - Authority, Leader
 * Reindeer - Policy, Peace and harmony, One who will not fight unless provoked
 * Sea Horse - Power of the water
 * Sea Lion - Dauntless courage at sea
 * Seal - Dauntless courage at sea
 * Serpent - Wisdom
 * Shark - Persistence and perseverance as they have to swim bladder and must swim constantly to keep from sinking.
 * Tiger - Great fierceness and valor when enraged to combat, One whose resentment will be dangerous if provoked, Authority, Power
 * Wolf - Denotes valiant captains that in the end gain their attempts after long sieges and hard enterprises, One whom it is dangerous to assail or thwart, Perseverance and hard work
 * Cock (Male bird) - Courage and perseverance, Hero, Able man in politics, Always ready for battle, Ready to fight to the death
 * Cornish Chough (A crow with red legs, feet and beak) - A strategist in battle, Watchful for friends, Divine providence
 * Falcon - Majesty, Power, Bravery, Foresightedness, Leadership, Eagerness, In hot pursuit of a much desired object, One who doesn't rest until the objective is achieved
 * Hawk - One eager or hot in the pursuit of an object much desired, one who does not rest until objective achieved
 * Hawk holding a rock - Vigilance

Objects:

 * Arm or Hand In Armour or Embowed - A person with qualities of leadership
 * Arrow or Arrow's Head - Readiness for battle
 * Axe - Execution of military duty
 * Banner - Refers to a significant engagement/battle that the bearer won or lost.
 * Baton - Token of authority
 * Bay leaves - Poet, Orator
 * Book (Open) - Manifestation
 * Book (Closed) - Counsel
 * Bow - Readiness for battle
 * Bow and Arrow - War, Power, Ability to hit a target
 * Cannon - One who has used such a weapon in battles
 * Cannon balls (Shown as black dots) - One who has used such a weapon in battles
 * Carpenter's Square - Conforming one's actions to the laws of right and equity
 * Chapeau (A sort of hat/cap) - Granted British peers and Scottish barons
 * Chess Rook - Strategic thinking
 * '''Clarion (Brass war-horn) - Ready for war
 * Compass - Direction
 * Dagger - A just and generous pursuit of honor and virtue in warlike deeds, Justice, Military honour
 * Falcon's Bells - One who do not fear to signal his approach in either peace or war
 * Helmet - When depicted on the shield, denotes wisdom and security in defense, Strength, Protection, Invulnerability
 * Hydra (Dragon with seven heads) - The conquest of a very powerful enemy
 * Javelin - Perfection of martial affairs, Knightly service, Devotion to honour