Guide to Coats of Arms & Heraldry

Heraldry — the Study of Coats of Arms

Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and their associated elements. It includes both the technical rules and the artistic practice of creating and depicting armorial bearings and heraldic symbols. Heraldry is not only about noble arms. Many people assume coats of arms are reserved for nobility, but in reality heraldry is a living tradition that anyone can take part in.

The Right to Bear Arms

In Denmark, the use of a personal or family coat of arms is not reserved exclusively for the nobility. In practice, anyone may design and use arms, provided they do not infringe upon an existing coat of arms or protected official arms. This custom has deep historical roots and remains an important part of Danish heraldic tradition.

A Tradition Built to Endure

One of heraldry's unique strengths is its ability to adapt to changing artistic styles without losing its identity. Arms created in the Middle Ages can still feel modern when reinterpreted in a new style. This differs from many modern visual identities—such as logos—which are often replaced over time. The reason heraldry can be reinterpreted and personalised is simple: arms are defined not by one single drawing, but by their description.

Blazon — the Written Description

A coat of arms is defined by its blazon: a precise written description of the design. The blazon makes it possible to depict the same arms in different artistic styles without changing their identity. This flexibility is one of heraldry's greatest strengths and helps coats of arms remain relevant across centuries.

Inheritance and Use of Coats of Arms

Traditionally, the right to a coat of arms followed the male line (agnatic inheritance). This meant sons and their descendants inherited the arms, while daughters generally did not. Modern heraldic practice is often more flexible, and many families today choose to combine arms from both parents or adapt them to contemporary norms—especially when the arms are created as a shared family coat of arms for the entire family.

Rules, Customs, and Heraldic Practice

In Denmark, there are relatively few legal rules governing heraldry beyond the protection of the national arms and other official arms. Most heraldic practice is guided by tradition and custom developed and respected by heralds and heraldists over time. Traditional heraldry contains many rules and conventions—and in this guide we focus on the ones most relevant if you wish to create your own coat of arms.

Heraldry is a living and fascinating tradition: it safeguards the past while building bridges to the present. Join this heritage and explore the world of heraldry.

Terminology and the Language of Heraldry

Heraldry's History and the Role of the Herald

In medieval tournaments, the herald was a central figure responsible for structure and order. Among other duties, the herald ensured coats of arms were used correctly and that participants had the right to bear the symbols they displayed. The herald also held a ceremonial role—presenting knights and describing their arms for the audience.

To do this properly, a specialised language was needed: one that could describe arms precisely and concisely. This craft—blazonry—developed to standardise how coats of arms were described so they could be recognised across time and place. The herald's skill and knowledge of armorial bearings laid the foundation for what we now know as heraldry, both as a field of study and as a living practice.

Blazonry and Professional Language

In heraldry, the written description of a coat of arms is called the blazon. Historically, blazonry draws on a specialist vocabulary shaped by English usage and strong influences from Norman French and Latin.

A blazon is traditionally read in a set order: from the upper part of the shield and across, then downwards—moving from the bearer's left to right as the description progresses. Historically, a blazon functioned almost like a trademark record: there was no room for ambiguity, because the description did not only identify the owner, it also enabled reliable reproduction. Even today, heraldic artists and heraldists demonstrate their skill by accurately rendering arms described centuries ago.

Tinctures — Heraldic Colours and Metals

One of the first technical terms you will encounter is tinctures, the collective term for heraldic colours and metals. In English heraldry the standard tinctures are:

• Argent (silver / white)

• Or (gold / yellow)

• Azure (blue)

• Gules (red)

• Sable (black)

• Vert (green)

• Proper (natural colour)

In monochrome depictions, tinctures are often represented using traditional hatching patterns so the colours can still be read without colour.

Heraldic Right and Left

Just as "left" and "right" can be confusing on a door, heraldic directions can be confusing because they are always described from the perspective of the bearer of the shield—not the viewer.

To avoid confusion, heraldry uses these terms:

• Dexter: heraldic right (appears on the viewer's left)

• Sinister: heraldic left (appears on the viewer's right)

Fields and Divisions

A shield can be divided into fields to create variation and to combine multiple symbols or tinctures. Divisions are a fundamental tool in heraldic design, allowing arms to reflect history, values, alliances, or merged family lines.

Common Divisions and Ordinaries

Not every coat of arms requires divisions, but here are some of the most common:

• Quartering: the shield is divided into four main quarters, often representing different families or territories.

• Fess: a horizontal band across the centre of the shield.

• Pale: a vertical band down the centre of the shield.

• Chief: the upper portion of the shield (often described as the top third).

• Base: the lower portion of the shield.

• Bend: a diagonal band (typically running from dexter chief to sinister base).

Beyond these, shields can feature more complex line treatments and patterns (for example engrailed, indented, wavy, and many others). There are many specialised terms—enough to fill pages on their own—and many coats of arms combine several divisions to create a unique design.

Inspiration and Going Deeper

If you want to explore how divisions and fields are used historically and today, we recommend looking at Danish armorials (collections of coats of arms). You can find them here:
👉 Danish armorials at kongehuset.dk

Because the number of possible divisions and terms is vast, covering everything would require many pages. If you want to go deeper, we recommend online resources or consulting a heraldic expert. Over time, we will also build our own collection of symbols, divisions, and terminology here:
👉 Heraldic Symbols (work in progress)

The Elements of a Full Achievement of Arms

A coat of arms consists of multiple elements that together form the complete heraldic achievement. These elements can be combined in many ways to create arms that reflect identity, values, and history. Danish heraldry has its own traditions, but many terms and structures are shared across European heraldic practice.

Here is an overview with correct English terminology:

• Shield: the central element. Importantly, the shape of the shield is not part of the blazon—it functions as the "frame" around the design. This allows the armiger (the person who bears the arms) and the heraldic artist to choose the shield shape that best fits the intended style and period. The shield carries the main motifs, known as charges.

• Helmet: placed above the shield; sometimes used to suggest rank or status by convention (custom varies widely by country and period).
  Common helmet types (English terms used broadly):

• Great helm (also called a barrel helm / tournament helm)

• Visored helm (often "close helm")

• Frog-mouth helm (a jousting helm; often associated with the Stechhelm tradition)

• Barred helm (often used in certain traditions for higher ranks; conventions differ regionally)

• Torse (also called the wreath): a twisted roll of fabric between the helmet and the crest (in Danish: vulst). It traditionally shows two tinctures, often taken from the arms. Some British conventions (such as specific twists and ordering) are not necessarily Danish practice.

• Mantling: the decorative cloth flowing from the helmet (in Danish: hjelmklæde). Originally practical protection from sun and heat, later purely decorative.

• Supporters: figures (animals or humans) standing on either side of the shield (in Danish: skjoldholdere). In Denmark they appear mainly in royal and noble arms and became more common from the Renaissance onward.

• Compartment: the base on which the supporters stand (in Danish: postament). This can be grass, rocks, waves, etc.

• Motto: a short phrase or device, often shown on a scroll beneath the shield.

Charges, Symbols, and Meaning

In heraldry, charges (symbols on the shield) are essential for expressing history, virtues, and identity. Each symbol can carry meaning and helps tell a story. By selecting specific charges, a coat of arms can be tailored to reflect both family history and the qualities you wish to emphasise.

Some meanings are widely recognised in heraldic tradition—for example, a lion often represents courage and royal authority, while an eagle can signify strength, sovereignty, or elevated vision. At the same time, heraldry is flexible: symbols may also be interpreted personally to reflect the bearer's unique story and values.

Canting Arms

One of the most fascinating aspects of heraldry is the possibility of creating canting arms (in Danish: talende våben). Canting arms use visual wordplay where the charge refers directly to the bearer's name, profession, origin, or a defining aspect of their story.

For example, a rose might appear in the arms of someone whose name relates to "rose." In the same way, other symbols can reference a family's profession, geographic roots, or significant events—creating arms that speak far beyond standard symbolic meanings.

Heraldry offers an extraordinary range of possibilities for communicating meaning through a unique visual identity—whether using traditional symbolism or a deeply personal interpretation.

Animal Attitudes — Position and Direction Matter

In heraldry, animals are powerful symbols, and their attitude (pose) and direction carry specific meaning.

• Rampant: standing on one hind leg with forelegs raised (a classic sign of courage, strength, and readiness for action).

• Statant: standing on all four legs (stability, vigilance, steadfastness).

• Displayed: used mainly for birds with wings spread (power, protection, watchfulness; an eagle displayed is a famous example).

• Passant: walking with one forepaw raised (controlled strength, dignity, forward motion).

• Guardant: facing the viewer (often implying watchfulness or direct authority).

By convention, an animal typically faces dexter unless otherwise stated in the blazon.