Salamander (heraldic animal)

Salamander with flame halo

As a heraldic animal , the salamander is a rare common figure .

It is a special symbol of fire . The animal is always represented with a "halo" consisting of flames, the flame halo . As a heraldic animal, it is shown exaggerated as a reptile-like large monster in the coat of arms. This is due to the ancient view that animals can live in fire and do not burn.

The salamander is more common in French coats of arms. He has been in the shield of Franz I since 1517. The king also referred to the salamander in the pictorial motto.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Gert Oswald : Lexicon of Heraldry. VEB Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig 1984.

Web links

Commons : Salamanders in Heraldry  - Album with pictures, videos and audio files