A falcon on a coat of arms is a meaningful symbol that conveys certain attributes about the bearer. Falcons have long been used in heraldry to represent courage, strength, and nobility. The specific meaning depends on the type of falcon depicted, as well as its position and pose. Generally, falcons symbolize someone who is bold, ambitious, and pursues lofty goals.
Types of Falcons in Heraldry
There are several types of falcons that appear in coats of arms, each with their own significance:
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is one of the most common types used in heraldry. It is known for its speed and aerial acrobatics when hunting prey. In a coat of arms, the peregrine falcon represents honor, adventure, and decisiveness in war. It suggests someone who acts quickly and decisively when faced with conflict or adversity.
Gyrfalcon
The gyrfalcon is a larger, more powerful falcon species. Its presence on a coat of arms denotes royalty, strength, and courage. In the medieval period, gyrfalcons were reserved for kings and princes who used them for hunting. Only the most worthy and virtuous nobles could possess a gyrfalcon.
Merlin
The merlin is a small species of falcon. Although tiny, it is fierce, speedy, and difficult to tame. In heraldry, the merlin symbolizes an independent spirit, tenacity, and determination. It represents someone small in stature but abundant in boldness, energy, and bravery. Merlins convey that size does not determine strength of character.
Hobby
The hobby is distinctive for its eagerness to pursue prey and its rapid, acrobatic flying maneuvers. In coats of arms, the hobby signifies an energetic, enthusiastic nature. It represents someone who charges headlong into life’s challenges and adventures with zest and vigor. The hobby suggests a brave warrior who eagerly faces every test.
Position and Posture
In addition to the type of falcon, its position and posture in a coat of arms also carry meaning:
Displayed
When a falcon is depicted with its wings spread outward as if in flight, this is known as ‘displayed.’ It signifies honorable military action and success in bold undertakings. A displayed falcon represents unhindered ambition.
Rising
A falcon rising with its wings uplifted means the bearer is emerging victorious from conflict or difficulty. It conveys that the possessor can overcome adversity through strength and determination. The rising falcon represents someone with fortitude and resilience.
Close
‘Close’ refers to a falcon with folded wings as if perched or at rest. This suggests the bearer is dignified, calm, and watchful. It represents a prudent nobleman who does not take rash action but waits for the right moment to advance his interests. The close falcon signifies patience, foresight, and circumspection.
Belled
A falcon fitted with small bells on its legs was used for hunting small birds and winged quarry. In heraldry, the belled falcon represents a war leader who launches effective surprise attacks against the enemy. The sound of bells disorients the unsuspecting prey just as the bearer cunningly launches offensives that bewilder his opponents.
Jessed
Jesses are thin straps attached to the falcon’s legs to secure it to the handler’s glove. A jessed falcon on a coat of arms signifies someone who has been gentled and made obedient through moral instruction and self-discipline. It represents nobility of the soul and the triumph of wisdom and restraint over baser passions.
Falcon Symbolism in Different Cultures
While there are some common falcon meanings, their symbolism also varies across cultures:
| Culture | Falcon Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Native American | Clarity, vision, spiritual connection, guardianship |
| Ancient Egypt | Light, nobility, rising above earthly matters |
| Middle East | Superiority, courage, hunting skill, war |
| Roman Empire | Strength, valor, victory in battle |
| Celtic | Cunning, aggressiveness, solar energy |
Famous Examples
Falcons appear prominently on many famous coats of arms and emblems:
Holy Roman Empire
The black double-headed eagle with golden beaks on the Imperial coat of arms grips an orb, scepter, and sword in its claws. On its breast is a shield with a black falcon representing the Emperor. This symbolized the Emperor’s sovereignty and authority across the Empire’s vast territory.
Sir Francis Drake
The Elizabethan admiral and explorer Sir Francis Drake’s coat of arms consists of a standing golden falcon, wings displayed. This highlights Drake’s daring voyages and military exploits against the Spanish which brought him fame and fortune.
Charles V of France
The medieval French king Charles V adopted the falcon as his personal emblem, portraying himself as a swift and fierce defender of the royal interests. Falcons appeared on his banners, coins, architecture, and other symbols of power.
Louise de Keroualle
The coat of arms granted to Louise de Keroualle, a mistress of Charles II of England, depicts a white falcon standing on a nest. The falcon referred to de Keroualle’s cunning ambition in securing the King’s lasting favor and rewards through the birth of his son.
Sir Balin
In Arthurian legend, Sir Balin, the Knight with Two Swords, had a crest consisting of a falcon perched on a lady’s severed hand and wrist. This gruesome image represented Balin’s tragic violence against the Lady of the Lake which led to his downfall.
Conclusion
With their speed, aerial skill, and deadliness, falcons have long embodied ideals like mastery, ambition, and martial prowess. Used thoughtfully in a coat of arms, the noble falcon’s appearance and pose can eloquently symbolize the virtues and aspirations of the bearer. Whether proudly displayed, rising in triumph, or patiently waiting to strike, the heraldic falcon is a mark of fierce determination, lofty aspirations, and an indomitable heart.