Fantastic Heraldry Trivia Quiz

Answer: Phoenix

The phoenix of mythology was the bird that would die of spontaneous combustion, then be reborn from the ashes. As pertains to heraldry, the phoenix typically represents that which has been lost and then regained, possibly in even greater splendour (like a country or a dynasty).

Answer: Dragon

The mythology of European dragons involved treasure hoards and quests of valour to slay the beasts (like the legend of St. George). Thus the association for heraldic symbology is not unexpected.

There are two common depictions of dragons in heraldry - four-footed and two-footed, with the latter called wyverns.

Answer: Griffin

The mythological griffin is a combination of a lion and an eagle, and thus in heraldry it represents aspects of both: the 'soaring eagle' and the 'king of beasts'. The griffin is so fierce that it is considered the symbol of the valiant hero who will never yield, and who will face the greatest dangers.

Answer: Hydra

Much rarer to appear than the more common dragon, the hydra was the multi-headed, serpentine water monster from the legend of Heracles. In the same manner that this was a truly difficult beast to defeat, the hydra in heraldry represents the overcoming of a very powerful enemy (by a family or town/city).

Answer: Centaur

Centaurs in mythology are typically portrayed as great warriors, and often depicted with a bow and arrow (called a sagittarius). But this is not the only meaning associated with centaurs. Other attributes include wildness/lust and education/didactics.

Answer: Unicorn

Unicorns have always been associated with the idea of purity and virtue, but also have aspects of courage and strength with its deadly horn. It is even the National Animal of Scotland, and according to TransCeltic.com, "In Celtic mythology, the Unicorn of Scotland is said to symbolise bravery, innocence, purity, healing powers, pride, intelligence, joy and virility."

Answer: Sphinx

The sphinx of Greek mythology (body of a lion and head of a woman, and wings of an eagle) plagued the town of Thebes and would devour any who could not solve her riddle. A variant of the sphinx also came to be representative of the pharaohs of Egypt, and thus is associated with both omniscience and secrecy.

Answer: Mermaid

As you might expect, mermaids (and mermen) were most often associated with seafarers or coastal towns and cities. Typically depicted as beautiful women or handsome men (with fish tails, of course), the association of eloquence is understandable.

Answer: Pegasus

The high-flying and beautiful white horse of Greek mythology became the servant of Zeus and became immortalized as a constellation. As a heraldic symbol, the aspiration to great honour due to the activity and energy of the mind and the connection to deity is clear.

Answer: Harpy

In Greek mythology, the harpy represented the spirit of the wind, especially the ferocious hurricane. They were depicted as women with wings and talons of a vulture or eagle.