Thunderbolt (heraldry)
The thunderbolt , often shortened to thunder , is a common figure in heraldry as a heraldic figure . Siebmacher mentioned this figure in his book as early as 1889 .
A spindle-shaped body with jagged lightning bolts and / or flames at both ends, reminiscent of a cigar, is shown in the shield or field . All colors of heraldry can be used as tinging . The metals silver and gold are preferred. Attention should be paid to the ornamentation of the body that is given for the figure. The thunderbolt is shown in the shield or field as a pole , bar or at an angle. A larger number greater than one is rare. The symbolism goes back to the lightning bolts of the mythological gods Jupiter , Zeus , Thor and Baal. Two examples from the few representations: The Danish family Blixen carried this coat of arms. The thunderbolt is also known from Napoleonic heraldry . Here the eagle held the flashing thunderbolt in the French coat of arms.
literature
- Johann Siebmacher: Siebmacher's large and general book of arms. Introductory volume, section B: Principles of heraldic art combined with a manual of heraldic terminology. Bauer and Raspe, Nuremberg 1889.
- Gert Oswald : Lexicon of Heraldry. (From apple cross to twin bars). 2nd, unchanged edition. Battenberg, Regenstauf 2006, ISBN 3-86646-010-4 , p. 101.
Web links
- Thunderbolt (Heraldry) in the Heraldry Wiki