Messenger Longsword Society
Lesson 4 - Charges
These are usually types of animals, whether real or mythical is of no consequence. Also used are crosses, flowers and stars though this is by no means an exhaustive list. The charge used and its colouring will usually be dictated by family precedent, though a knight who was knighted for battlefield valour is allowed, with advice from heralds, to choose his own design.
The most common animals are lions, leopards, martlets, eagles, gryphon's, fish, boars or dolphins. There are dragons and unicorns as well, but they are not nearly as common as most people suppose
| Animal | Meaning |
| Leopard | Valiant and hardy warrior who enterprises hazardous things by force and courage |
| Lion | Dauntless courage, bravery, strength, ferocity and valour |
| Eagle | Noble nature, strength and alertness; or one who is ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious. If wings "displayed," it signifies protection |
| Boar | Bravery, fights to the death |
| Dragon | Valiant defender of treasure; valour and protection |
| Fleur-de-lis | Purity and light |
| Gryphon | Valour and death-defying bravery; vigilance |
| Fish | A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, unity with Christ, spiritual |
| Martlet | Symbol of the fourth son, signifies one who has to subsist by virtue and merit, not inheritance |
| Heraldic Name | Meaning |
| Rampant | Standing on hind legs |
| Rampant Guardant | Standing on hind legs, head turned to face the viewer |
| Passant | Walking |
| Couchant | Lying down |
| Sejant | Sitting |
| Salient | Leaping |
| Naiant | Swimming |
| Volant | Flying |
| Dexter | Standing facing the viewers left |
| Langue | Tongue sticking out |
You will not encounter, however, swimming lions or flying boars. An animal must be capable of the action before it can be depicted performing it!
| Back to Lesson 3 | Lesson 5 - Divisions of Field |