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Coat of Arms

The meaning and mystery of medieval coats of arms — from their historical role as symbols of identity and lineage to their legendary use in Arthurian romance as instruments of disguise, humility, and transformation.

Table of Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Heraldry in Historical Practice
    1. The Birth of Heraldry
    2. Rules and symbolism
    3. Identity and Honor
  • Names and Terminology
    1. Historical Usage
      1. Arms
      2. Device
      3. Blazon
      4. Bearing(s)
      5. Esutcheon
      6. Achievement
  • In Arthurian Romance
    1. Blank or Plain Shields
    2. Borrowed Shields
    3. Unmarked Shields
  • Etymology
  • Symbolism and Legacy
  • Heraldic Symbols and Their Meanings
    1. With Arthurian and Medieval Examples
  • Heraldic Colors (Tinctures)
  • Common Heraldic Charges (Figures and Motifs)
    1. <strong>Bear</strong>
    2. <strong>Boar</strong>
    3. <strong>Dragon</strong>
    4. <strong>Eagle</strong>
    5. <strong>Fish</strong>
    6. <strong>Griffin</strong>
    7. <strong>Horse</strong>
    8. <strong>Lion</strong>
    9. <strong>Phoenix</strong>
    10. <strong>Stag (Hart)</strong>
    11. <strong>Unicorn</strong>
    12. <strong>Wolf</strong>
    13. <strong>Bow and Arrow</strong>
    14. <strong>Cross (various forms)</strong>
    15. <strong>Crescent</strong>
    16. <strong>Crown</strong>
    17. <strong>Helmet</strong>
    18. <strong>Shield</strong>
    19. <strong>Spear or Lance</strong>
    20. <strong>Sword</strong>
    21. <strong>Laurel</strong>
    22. <strong>Lily (Fleur-de-lis)</strong>
    23. <strong>Moon</strong>
    24. <strong>Crescent</strong>
    25. <strong>Oak Tree / Acorn</strong>
    26. <strong>Rose</strong>
    27. <strong>Star / Estoile / Mullet</strong>
    28. <strong>Sun</strong>
    29. <strong>Tree</strong>
    30. <strong>Thistle</strong>
    31. <strong>Wheat / Garb</strong>
    32. <strong>Anchor</strong>
    33. <strong>Book</strong>
    34. <strong>Bridge</strong>
    35. <strong>Chalice</strong>
    36. <strong>Key</strong>
    37. <strong>Tower / Castle</strong>
    38. <strong>Chain</strong>
    39. <strong>Checkered Pattern</strong>
    40. <strong>Chevron</strong>
    41. <strong>Fess / Bend / Pale</strong>
    42. <strong>Hand</strong>
    43. <strong>Heart</strong>
    44. <strong>Bear</strong>
    45. <strong>Boar</strong>
    46. <strong>Dragon</strong>
    47. <strong>Eagle</strong>
    48. <strong>Fish</strong>
    49. <strong>Griffin</strong>
    50. <strong>Horse</strong>
    51. <strong>Lion</strong>
    52. <strong>Phoenix</strong>
    53. <strong>Stag (Hart)</strong>
    54. <strong>Unicorn</strong>
    55. <strong>Wolf</strong>
    56. <strong>Bow and Arrow</strong>
    57. <strong>Cross (various forms)</strong>
    58. <strong>Crescent</strong>
    59. <strong>Crown</strong>
    60. <strong>Helmet</strong>
    61. <strong>Shield</strong>
    62. <strong>Spear or Lance</strong>
    63. <strong>Sword</strong>
    64. <strong>Laurel</strong>
    65. <strong>Lily (Fleur-de-lis)</strong>
    66. <strong>Moon</strong>
    67. <strong>Crescent</strong>
    68. <strong>Oak Tree / Acorn</strong>
    69. <strong>Rose</strong>
    70. <strong>Star / Estoile / Mullet</strong>
    71. <strong>Sun</strong>
    72. <strong>Tree</strong>
    73. <strong>Thistle</strong>
    74. <strong>Wheat / Garb</strong>
    75. <strong>Anchor</strong>
    76. <strong>Book</strong>
    77. <strong>Bridge</strong>
    78. <strong>Chalice</strong>
    79. <strong>Key</strong>
    80. <strong>Tower / Castle</strong>
    81. <strong>Chain</strong>
    82. <strong>Checkered Pattern</strong>
    83. <strong>Chevron</strong>
    84. <strong>Fess / Bend / Pale</strong>
    85. <strong>Hand</strong>
    86. <strong>Heart</strong>
  • Coats of Arms in Legend and Romance
    1. Disguise, Anonymity, and Test
    2. Lancelot's Many Disguises
    3. The Blank Shield
    4. Tokens and Favors
  • Symbolism of Hidden Arms
  • Comparison
    1. Historical vs. Legendary Coats of Arms
      1. Purpose
      2. Regulation
      3. Symbolism
      4. Blank Shield
      5. Borrowed Arms
      6. Favors and Tokens
  • Conclusion

    • Introduction#

    In both history and legend, a coat of arms was far more than decoration – it was a visual declaration of identity, lineage, and honor. To recognize a knight by his arms was to know his heritage, allegiance, and reputation. Yet in Arthurian romance, knights often conceal or exchange their arms, exploring themes of humility, secrecy, and transformation.

    From the strict heraldic codes of medieval Europe to the symbolic shields of romance, the coat of arms stands at the crossroads of identity and mystery.

    Heraldry in Historical Practice#

    The Birth of Heraldry#

    By the 12th century, as armor and helmets obscured the faces of warriors, the coat of arms emerged as a vital means of recognition in battle and tournament. Displayed on shields, surcoats, and banners, heraldic devices allowed allies to distinguish friend from foe and proclaimed family lineage and feudal loyalty.

    Rules and symbolism#

    A true coat of arms followed the strict codes of heraldic law. Colors (tinctures) carried meaning, and charges (symbols) expressed identity. Heralds recorded and regulated arms to prevent duplication or fraud, ensuring that a knight’s device was as unique as his name.

    Identity and Honor#

    To bear false arms was a grave offense – a deception against the knightly order. In contrast, a blank or unmarked shield symbolized a knight newly dubbed or one yet to earn his device. Arms were inherited, granted, or won in combat, reflecting both birth and merit. They proclaimed a knight’s public self – who he was, what he valued, and whom he served.

    Names and Terminology#

    The term “coat of arms” originates from the practice of wearing one’s heraldic device on the surcoat (a cloth garment worn over armor), as well as painting it on the shield. Over time, this emblem came to symbolize a knight’s identity, lineage, and honor. But in both history and romance, several other names were used to describe these symbols and their meaning.

    Historical Usage#

    In heraldic tradition, several precise terms were used. In formal heraldry, every color, figure, and arrangement followed rules that allowed trained heralds to recognize and record each noble’s identity.

    Arms#

    The most common shorthand for a knight’s heraldic design, as in “He bore the arms of his house.”

    Device#

    The specific emblem or symbol on the arms, such as a lion, cross, or star.

    Blazon#

    The formal description of the arms in heraldic language, detailing colors (tinctures) and symbols.

    Bearing(s)#

    Often used synonymously with “arms,” referring to the design a knight “bore” on the field.

    Esutcheon#

    The shape of the shild upon which the arms were displayed.

    Achievement#

    The full heraldic display, including the shield, crest, supporters, and motto.

    In Arthurian Romance#

    In the Arthurian romances, heraldic detail often plays a dramatic or symbolic role. Coats of arms are less about genealogy and more about chivalric identity or mystery.

    Writers such as Chrétien de Troyes and Sir Thomas Malory often describe characters being recognized or misidentified by their shield or arms, emphasizing the tension between appearance and true worth.

    Thus, the language of arms in romance blend heraldic fact with narrative symbolism. A shield could serve as a mask or a mirror, concealing or revealing a knight’s identity and virtue.

    Blank or Plain Shields#

    Often white or red, signifying a young or unknown knight.

    Borrowed Shields#

    Used to hide identity, as when Lancelot took Kay’s arms.

    Unmarked Shields#

    Used by villainous knights to device or by noble knights to prove their skill without reputation.

    Etymology#

    The word “arms” derives from the Latin arma (weapons), while “coat of arms” refers to the garment (the coat) bearing the emblem. Over time, the arms became a permanent symbol of lineage, passed down through generations.

    Symbolism and Legacy#

    The coat of arms was far more than decoration – it embodied a knight’s identity, virtues, and lineage. Each color and figure carried symbolic meaning.

    Animals and emblems told further stories: the lion for bravery, the eagle for vision, the cross for faith, the star for divine guidance. In romance, these symbols might also reflect a knight’s personal quest – a white shield for purity, a red one for passion or battle.

    Over time, as warfare changed and armor lost its individuality, heraldry became increasingly ceremonial. Coats of arms were displayed on banners, tombs, stained glass, and seals, preserving noble identity and prestige. Families inherited and adapted their arms, and heralds recorded them in rolls to prevent duplication and dispute.

    The ideals once borne on shields lived on in civic arms, guild insignia, and university crests – symbols of honor, heritage, and belonging. Even in modern times, coats of arms remain powerful emblems of lineage and identity, reflecting the same longing for recognition and meaning that inspired the knights of old.

    Heraldic Symbols and Their Meanings#

    With Arthurian and Medieval Examples#

    Heraldic Colors (Tinctures)#

    In romance, color often carried poetic weight: A knight in white might signal purity or anonymity; Black could signify mourning or secret intent; Red often marked vengeance or passion.

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Sable
    Old French: sable = black fur

    Meaning
    Constancy, grief, wisdom

    Virtues/Associations
    Prudence, wisdom, mystery

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Azure
    Old French: azur = blue

    Meaning
    Symbol of loyalty and truth

    Virtues/Associations
    Faith, steadfastness

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Or
    Old French; or = gold

    Meaning
    Represents generosity and elevation of the mind

    Virtues/Associations
    Nobility, wisdom, faith

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Vert
    Old French: vert = green

    Meaning
    Hope, joy, loyalty in love

    Virtues/Associations
    Renewal, youth, abundance

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Sanguine
    Latin/French: sanguis = blood

    Meaning
    Patient in battle, victorious

    Virtues/Associations
    Courage through suffering

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Tenné
    Medieval French: tanné = tawny, tanned

    Meaning
    Worthy ambition, endurance

    Virtues/Associations
    Energy, endurance

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Gules
    Old French; gueules = throat/red fur

    Meaning
    Warrior, martyr, military strength

    Virtues/Associations
    Courage, zeal, magnanimity

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Purpure
    Latin/French; purpura

    Meaning
    Sovereignty, justice

    Virtues/Associations
    Royalty, high rank, temperance

    Heraldic Term and Language Origin
    Argent
    Old French; argent = silver

    Meaning
    Denotes peace and sincerity

    Virtues/Associations
    Purity, truth, innocence

    In medieval blazons (formal descriptions of coats of arms), these French terms were used exclusively. For example: “Gules, a lion rampant Or” = A gold lion on a red field.

    These tinctures are still the standard terms used in blazons. So while they describe colors, heralds don’t usually say “red” or “blue” – they say gules and azure.

    Common Heraldic Charges (Figures and Motifs)#

    Blank shields in romance often represent anonymity or humility – Lancelot, for instance, fought under a plain shield to earn unrecognized glory.

    Bear#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Strength, endurance, courage, and ferocity in defense of one’s kin or territory.

    Historical Use: Common in northern European heraldry, especially in Scotland, Norway, and Germany.

    Arthurian Example: Possibly linked to the etymology of “Arthur” (artos = bear), symbolizing the king as a powerful defender. Though not often depicted directly on shields, bear-like qualities are attributed to knights known for their physical might and defensive valor, such as Gawain in his strongest noon-hour phase or Balin, whose fierce courage borders on tragic.

    Boar#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Bravery, ferocity, and willingness to fight to the death.

    Arthurian example: Sir Gromer Somer Joure bears a boar device; Twrch Trwyth, a monstrous boar, is hunted in Welsh legend.

    Dragon#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Power and protection, but sometimes ferocity or the enemy of the faith.

    Historical Use: Appears in Welsh heraldry (e.g. Y Ddraig Goch – the Red Dragon), as a guardian or conqueror symbol.

    Arthurian example: Uther Pendragon’s name means “Head of the Dragon”; Arthur’s prophetic banner bears a golden dragon.

    Eagle#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Leadership, vision, and divine favor; the bird of Jupiter, symbolizing lofty spirit.

    Historical Use: Associated with imperial power, particularly in Roman, Byzantine, and Holy Roman Empire heraldry. The double-headed eagle symbolized dominion over east and west.

    Arthurian example: The eagle as a heavenly symbol appears in visions and prophecies; linked to sovereignty and divine mission.

    Fish#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Faith and abundance.

    Historical Use: Christian families or towns near water adopted fish motifs, e.g. Salmon of Glasgow.

    Arthurian example: Appears in symbolism of The Fisher King and Grail-related tales.

    Griffin#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Vigilance and valor; combines the strength of a lion with the vigilance of an eagle.

    Arthurian example: Appears in Gawain’s heraldry in some texts; symbolizes courage in dual realms (chivalric and spiritual).

    Horse#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Readiness for service, speed, and strength; emblem of the knight-errant.

    Historical Use: Seen in arms of knightly families emphasizing chivalric ideals. Horses were valued symbols of the mounted warrior class. Appears in Scandinavian heraldry and civic arms.

    Arthurian example: The knight’s companion in battle and quest; often named and honored in romance. Knights like Lancelot and Galahad are often depicted with noble steeds, reflecting their calling.

    Lion#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Courage, nobility, strength, leadership, and valor; often associated with kingship and guardianship.

    Historical Use: One of the most popular heraldic beasts in Europe. Prominent in the arms of England, Scotland, Norway, and Bohemia. The rampant lion was especially popular among high nobility to assert royal descent or divine right.

    Arthurian example: Lancelot is sometimes described bearing three lions argent; often associated with Sir Yvain/Owain (Ywaine), who tames and fights beside a lion; also symbolizes Arthur’s royal strength.

    Phoenix#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Resurrection and immortality; triumph over death.

    Arthurian example: Echoes of the Grail knights’ spiritual rebirth.

    Stag (Hart)#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Peace, harmony, and purity; associated with spiritual pursuits (as in the White Hart).

    Historical Use: Favored by families emphasizing virtue, piety, and noble hunting traditions. In Christian symbolism, the stag pursued by hounds represented soul seeking God.

    Arthurian example: The White Hart appears as a symbol of Arthur’s reign and in quests testing the knight’s virtue.

    Unicorn#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Purity, virtue, and chivalric honor; tamed only by a virgin in medieval symbolism.

    Arthurian example: Linked with ideals of Galahad and spiritual knighthood.

    Wolf#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Loyalty, perseverance, and valor; can also symbolize a dangerous adversary.

    Historical Use: Appears in Germanic, Irish, and Scottish heraldry, often representing clans of fierce independence or families known for loyalty.

    Arthurian example: Rare in direct heraldry but resonates with solitary questing knights or those outside the courtly order.

    Bow and Arrow#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Dexterity, precision, and focus.

    Cross (various forms)#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Faith, service to Christendom, and participation in the Crusades.

    Historical Use: Most universal Christian symbol in heraldry. Different forms (Latin, cross pattée, cross moline) denote different orders or houses.

    Arthurian Example: Worn by pious knights like Galahad, symbolizing spiritual purity.

    Crescent#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Hope, enlightenment, and second sonship (in cadency).

    Historical Use: Adopted in Crusader heraldry after encounters with Islamic emblems; also denotes new beginnings.

    Arthurian Example: Sometimes used in tournaments to signify a knight on a new quest or vow.

    Crown#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Royal authority, victory, and divine sanction.

    Helmet#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Wisdom in defense, nobility, and preparedness.

    Shield#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Protection, defense, and faith.

    Spear or Lance#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Martial readiness, knightly prowess, and sometimes spiritual quest (as in the Holy Lance).

    Sword#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Justice, military honor, and leadership in battle.

    Historical Use: Common among knightly orders and families of martial renown. Swords are often depicted upright for justice, or crossed for battle.

    Arthurian Example: The sword is central – from Excalibur to the swords borne by Galahad and Balin.

    Laurel#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Triumph and eternal glory.

    Lily (Fleur-de-lis)#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Purity, light, and association with the Virgin Mary and French royalty.

    Moon#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Growth, new beginnings, and service in hope of greater honor.

    Crescent#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Hope, enlightenment, and second sonship (in cadency).

    Historical Use: Adopted in Crusader heraldry after encounters with Islamic emblems; also denotes new beginnings.

    Arthurian Example: Sometimes used in tournaments to signify a knight on a new quest or vow.

    Oak Tree / Acorn#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Strength, endurance, and steadfastness.

    Rose#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Beauty and hope; the red rose for courage, the white for purity.

    Star / Estoile / Mullet#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Divine guidance, noble aspirations, and celestial favor.

    Historical Use: Common symbol for celestial favor; used in arms to denote fame or achievement.

    Arthurian Example: Sometimes used in tournaments to signify a knight on a new quest or vow.

    Sun#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Glory, enlightenment, and life

    Tree#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Growth, lineage, and steadfastness.

    Historical Use: Represents noble families with deep roots; oak, pine, and palm were popular.

    Arthurian Example: May symbolize the line of kings or the spiritual life in allegorical tales.

    Thistle#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Defense and resilience

    Wheat / Garb#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Plenty, harvest, and prosperity

    Anchor#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Hope and steadfastness

    Book#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Learning and faith

    Bridge#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Connection and overcoming obstacles

    Chalice#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Faith and devotion (sometimes mystical in Grail symbolism)

    Key#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Authority, guardianship, and knowledge

    Tower / Castle#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Fortitude and protection; a stronghold of faith.

    Chain#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Reward for service, or sometimes captivity overcome

    Checkered Pattern#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Constancy and wisdom in governance

    Chevron#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Protection (roof of a house), often awarded for faithful service.

    Fess / Bend / Pale#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Honor borne across the shield; each has structural meaning in heraldic design.

    Hand#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Faith, sincerity, and justice

    Heart#

    Meaning/Symbolism: Charity, sincerity, and love

    Coats of Arms in Legend and Romance#

    Disguise, Anonymity, and Test#

    In Arthurian tales, coats of arms become instruments of drama and symbolism. Knights often borrow or conceal their arms – sometimes to test their worth, sometimes to hide their identity from rivals or lovers. This disguise invites misunderstanding, honor gained without recognition, and moral testing in a world where appearance and essence often diverge.

    Lancelot’s Many Disguises#

    Lancelot frequently rode incognito:

    “He saved Sir Kay from attackers, then took Kay’s arms as he slept. Riding under another’s device, he fought unrecognized and gained new honor.”

    Mistaken for the unpopular Kay, he faced more challengers, allowing his unmatched prowess to shine. Only later did his true identity bring astonishment and acclaim.

    The Blank Shield#

    A plain white shield often marked a knight in his first year – untested, unnamed in glory. Yet seasoned knights sometimes bore blank shields to mask their renown. Plain white shields were also used by the Queen’s Knights, a sort of secondary company (secondary, that is, to the Round Table) of Arthur’s court.

    For Lancelot, it was a sign of humility and a lure to battle; for Breuse Sans Pitie, it was a deceitful trick. Thus, the same gesture could carry opposite meanings depending on the knight’s character.

    Tokens and Favors#

    Because shields could deceive, knights relied on tokens of love or fellowship – ribbons, badges, or favors – to recognize one another. Queen Guenevere gave Lancelot her favor to prevent tragic confusion when his own kin unknowlingly fought him.

    Symbolism of Hidden Arms#

    The motif of concealed or borrowed arms reflects deeper romance themes. Arthurian romance thus turns heraldry from a static emblem into a living symbol of character and destiny.

    Humility Before Pride
    True virtue revealed through deeds, not heraldry.

    Transformition
    A knight’s identity reborn through trial.

    Misrecognition
    The tragedy or comedy of unknown greatness.

    Comparison#

    Historical vs. Legendary Coats of Arms#

    Purpose#

    Historical Heraldry: Identification in battle, display of lineage and loyalty.
    Arthurian and Legendary Use: Narrative device for disguise, humility, or revelation.

    Regulation#

    Historical Heraldry: Strict heraldic law, recorded by heralds.
    Arthurian and Legendary Use: Fluid; often disregarded for dramatic purposes.

    Symbolism#

    Historical Heraldry: Reflects family, virtues, or lordship.
    Arthurian and Legendary Use: Reflects personal quest, spiritual state, or moral trial.

    Blank Shield#

    Historical Heraldry: Worn by newly made knights.
    Arthurian and Legendary Use: Used for disguise or to attract challengers.

    Borrowed Arms#

    Historical Heraldry: Rare, sometimes dishonorable.
    Arthurian and Legendary Use: Common, often heroic or ironic.

    Favors and Tokens#

    Historical Heraldry: Secondary symbols.
    Arthurian and Legendary Use: Vital for recognition and love plots.

    Conclusion#

    In both history and romance, a coat of arms proclaimed who a knight was – yet in legend, it also hinted at who he might become. Whether carved in heraldic law or veiled in secrecy, the shild remains a mirror of chivalric identity – part truth, part mystery, always bound to the knight’s honor and fate.

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