Martlets

The practice of assigning meaning to tinctures and charges goes back to the time when heraldry became a science. Though not considered a legimate part of this science, it has not stopped practitioners from trying to ascribe meaning to every part of the coat of arms. However, in the case of the martlet, the story of this little bird is not without merit.

Since the ancient days of heraldry the martlet has been a common charge emblazoned upon coats of arms. It is considered to be the heraldic equivalent of the swallow or swift. Like many other heraldic animals it has aquired its form and a unique meaning based on an inaccurate zoologic assumption.

The martlet is always drawn without feet. The legs are represented by two tufts of feathers. It was believed that the swallow never came to ground nor perched on limb. Since, it spent its entire life in flight it must not have needed feet. Thus, the marlet was not given any.

Obviously, the swallow has feet, but this fallicy has lead to the martlet acquiring a meaning which is not entirely arbitary like many of the meanings which people try to apply to heraldic charges. In English cadency, the fourth son displays a martlet for difference on his shield. Since the chance of the forth son inheriting any of the family's land is practically nil, he doesn't have the proverbial leg to stand on. Thus, he must fly off on his own to make his way. It has also been said that those not of the noblility lack a proper foundation and the martlet is suitable for their arms. Despite these meanings it can be found on shields in all the social ranks.

In addition to being drawn sans feet, the martlet is most often drawn close. That is with it's wings against it's body. This is considered to be the default attitude is as such is not required to be blazoned. Many heraldic texts and dictionaries also state that the martlet is drawn without beak. According to A.C Fox-Davies in The Art of Heraldry he had never seen a martlet depicted this way on an official coat of arms.

This simple bird is one of the few heraldic charges which has earned it's meaning. However ironically, it has gained this from a misguided assumption.

1. A Dictionary of Heraldry. Friar, Stephen. Harmony Books, 1987. ISBN: 0-517-56665-6.
2. The Art of Heraldry an Encyclopedia of Armory. Fox-Davies, A.C. Bloomsbury Books, 1986. ISBN: 0-906223-34-2.