| HERALDIC BEASTS | |||
| Name | Meaning | Image | Irish Example |
| Lion |
Fierce Courage.
In Ireland the Lion represented the 'lion' season, prior to the full arrival of Summer. The symbol can also represent a great Warrior or Chief. |
|
Lawlor
Dillon Condon |
| Tiger | Fierceness and valour |
|
|
| Fish |
Of Regal origin, one of high nature.
In Ireland the Fish is associated with the legend of Fionn who became the first to taste the 'salmon of knowledge'. The Celtic 'Otherworld' was often a place of water, a lake or sea, where would dwell Gods represented by fish. |
|
Roche
O'Neill |
| Bear | Fierce Protection |
|
McKee |
| Wolf | Perseverance in siege or effort |
|
Callaghan
Wilson |
| Leopard | Valiant and enduring warrior |
|
Wheeler
Price Rice |
| Horse | Readiness for duty |
|
O'Halloran
Rush |
| Bull | Valour and magnanimity |
|
Buckley |
| Boar |
Fierce fighter, fights to the death.
In Ireland the boar is one of the most popular charges. The meat of the boar was considered to be food of the Celtic Gods. The symbol of the boar was worn in battle as a charm against injury. |
|
Hanley
Sweeney |
| Boars Head | Hospitality |
|
Pierce
Healy |
| Conies (Hares and Rabbits) | Peace-loving |
|
Gaffney
|
| Fox | Wise defence, wisdom |
|
|
| Dog (Talbot, Greyhound) | Courage, fidelity, loyalty |
|
Allen
Gaffney |
| Dolphin | Affection, charity |
|
O'Regan |
| Tortoise | Invulnerability |
|
Conlon |
| Griffin |
Valiant soldier - to the death, Vigilance.
In Ireland the worship of the sun in pre-Christian times was often represented by the Griffin. It later became a symbol of gold - 'yellow light'. |
|
Lowe
Griffin |
| Dragon | Valiant defender |
|
McGillycuddy
|
| Stag, Buck or Deer |
Skillful, Politic, lover of harmony.
In Ireland the Stag was one of the most ancient of charges and was regarded as the most handsome. The Stag represents the very ancestors of the Celtic race. |
|
Green
Hennessy |
| Snake. |
Wisdom.
In Ireland the Snake was a symbol of fertility and renewal, and also, because of its forked tongue, was associated with lightning and the sun. |
|
Donovan
Hayes O'Dea |
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