DRAGONS IN HERALDRY

To the Gnostics the dragon represented chaos, while in Hebrew tradition the deepest meaning of the mystery of a dragon must remain a secret. In other legendary tales, the dragon was driven to extinction because humans didn't understand the dragon and because of its size and ferocious appearance were feared and sought to be destroyed.

Arms of the City of London.—Two dragons are the supporters of the arms of the City of London, the crest a dragon's sinister wing. They are thus blazoned: Argent a cross gules, in the first quarter, a sword in pale point upwards of the last. Supporters, on either side a dragon with wings elevated and addorsed, argent, and charged on the wing with a cross gules.

As you might expect of the world's most majestic and powerful creatures, dragons are featured in all manner of heraldic devices and coats of arms. Though culture in the world isn't monolithic enough for widespread, unified systems of heraldry, everyone is familiar with the traits of dragons. Images of dragons can appear as charges (appearing in one of the divisions of a shield) or supporters (figures that stand to either side of the shield and appear to be holding it upright). Dragons are also used as crests. small figurines that top helmets.

Each variety of dragon symbolizes different qualities or virtues. Chromatic dragons in heraldry are viewed as martial, aggressive devices and usually belong to individuals or families who made themselves known through battle. Metallic dragons are regarded as devices signifying dominion and status, and they often reflect titles bestowed for loyalty and accomplishment. However, exceptions abound, and the dragons featured carry no real connotation of the owners' alignment or trustworthiness. A family whose coat of arms features a red dragon is as likely to be honorable and good as one whose coat of arms includes a gold dragon.

The dragons most commonly used in heraldry, and their heraldic qualities, are these:

Adamantine: Pride, immovability, or stoicism. Heroes who successfully defend some place against attack are often associated with this device.

Black: Death, tragedy, or terror. A black dragon device usually bears a negative connotation, but families that endure curses or heroes renowned for fearlessness In the Face of the supernatural sometimes choose this device.

Blue: Ambition, superiority, knowledge. The blue dragon device often suggests arcane magic, but might also suggest arrogance. Families that include famous wizards often choose this device.

Copper: Wealth, prosperity, or mercantile Interests, possibly also luck or good fortune. Families that have roots as merchants often choose copper dragons.

Gold: Divine right, nobility, or law. Gold dragon devices are considered royal in many lands and are usually reserved for the highest levels of the nobility.

Green: Cunning, revenge, beauty, or fey. Families sworn to overturn some ancient wrong might bear this device, as might those who claim eladrin or elven kinship.

Iron: Determination, courage, or zeal. The iron dragon connotes single-mindedness and ardor for battle, but it can also stand for mercilessness.

Red: Strength, power, or destruction. Families that took their lands by conquest often feature a red dragon in their heraldry.

Silver: Honor, duty, or sacrifice. The silver dragon is a favorite of families that Include famous knights or paladins.

White: Rage, ferocity, or the hunt. The white dragon device often connotes a willingness to feud or a refusal to overlook slights.