Lion (heraldry)
A common heraldic charge symbolizing courage, nobility, and royalty.
The lion is a common charge in heraldry, traditionally symbolizing courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness, and valour, as it has been regarded as the 'king of beasts.' It also carries Catholic symbolism, notably appearing as the Lion of Judah in the coat of arms of Jerusalem. The lion as a heraldic charge is present from the very earliest development of heraldry in the 12th century, with one of the earliest known examples on the tomb of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, who died in 1151.
- symbolism
- Courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness, valour
- earliest_known_example
- Tomb of Geoffrey Plantagenet (died 1151)
- earliest_english_crown_evidence
- Seal of future King John (before 1189)
- notable_coats_of_arms
- England, Scotland, Denmark, Bohemia, León, Flanders, Norway, Hesse, Luxembourg, Ruthenia, Habsburg, Bulgaria, Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
- common_attitudes
- Rampant, passant, sejant, couchant, salient, statant, coward, guardant, regardant, contourné, affronté
Lore & Background
The lion as a heraldic charge derives from the animal style of the Viking Age, ultimately from Scythian art from about the 7th century BC. Symmetrically paired animals continued from Migration Period art through Insular and Romanesque art into heraldry. The lion's association with royalty was influenced by the Physiologus, an early Christian book on animal symbolism written in Greek in the 2nd century and translated into Latin around AD 400. Few Europeans at the time had seen actual lions, so painters relied on traditional depictions.
Reader's Guide
The lion's significance in heraldry is profound, appearing from the 12th century onward in the coats of arms of numerous kingdoms and noble houses, including England, Scotland, Denmark, Bohemia, and León. Unlike the eagle, which was reserved as an imperial symbol, the lion became a symbol of chivalry and was not restricted to royal arms. The Zürich armorial of the 14th century shows many lions used by ministeriales of the House of Habsburg. Attitudes and variants proliferated over time for differentiation, including positions such as rampant, passant, and sejant, and features like forked tails (queue fourchée) or being armed and langued in specific tinctures. The lion remains a central figure in heraldic tradition, with its symbolism of courage and nobility enduring.
Did You Know?
- The lion in the coat of arms of Bohemia is depicted with two tails (à la queue fourchée), reportedly due to a jest by Emperor Frederick.
- Richard the Lionheart is believed to have been the first to bear the arms of three lions passant-guardant, still the arms of England.
- The winged lion is the traditional symbol of Venice, whose patron saint is Mark the Evangelist.
- A lion 'morné' has no teeth nor claws, while a lion 'éviré' has no sign of sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lion in heraldry?
The lion is one of the most widely used charges in heraldic tradition, representing the 'king of beasts.' It has appeared on coats of arms since the 12th century and remains a staple of European heraldic design.
What does the heraldic lion symbolize?
It traditionally conveys courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness, and valour. In Catholic contexts it also carries religious meaning, most notably as the Lion of Judah on the arms of Jerusalem.
When did the lion first appear in heraldry?
One of the earliest known examples is found on the tomb of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, who died in 1151. In England, the lion appears on the seal of the future King John, dating to before 1189.
Which nations or regions feature the lion in their heraldry?
The lion appears on the arms of England, Scotland, Denmark, Bohemia, León, Flanders, Norway, Hesse, Luxembourg, Ruthenia, the Habsburg lands, Bulgaria, and the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. It is one of the most broadly shared charges across European heraldry.
What are the common attitudes (poses) of the heraldic lion?
The lion can be depicted rampant, passant, sejant, couchant, salient, statant, coward, guardant, regardant, contourné, or affronté. These varied poses allow heralds to distinguish different charges and convey specific nuances in meaning.
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