Heraldry Project

In the Middle Ages coat of arms were used on the battlefield to identify a person and their enemies. The symbols used on coats of arms were chosen carefully to represent an individual or a family. The study of the symbols, colors, and patterns used in coats of arms is known as heraldry. The coat of arms contains many parts and you will be creating one part of it: the shield.

Directions: Create your own shield based on your hobbies, interests, personality, character, and family. Read through the list of colors, animals, and symbols on the back of this page. Which represent you? Can you think of more animals or symbols that you could use on your shield?

Resources (posted on Edmodo):

-Heraldry pdf.

-

-

-

Include the following information on your shield:

1)shield colors that represent you (at least two)

2)symbols or pictures to represent interests, hobbies, activities, or sports you enjoy (at least two)

3)at least one animal that represents you (see back)

4)at least one heraldic symbol that represents you (see back)

5)your family name

6)a personal motto (words or a phrase that represent/motivate you)

7)You will need to write an explanation of why you chose what you chose and explain what your shield means. In a well-developed paragraph, include the following:

  • Why you chose your shield colors
  • Why you chose specific symbols to represent your interests
  • Which animal you chose and why
  • An explanation of the heraldic symbol you chose
  • An explanation of your motto

Example Shield as described in Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe:

Heraldic Colors

Yellow or Gold – Generosity

White or Silver – Peace/Sincerity

Black – Constancy & Grief

Blue – Loyalty & Truthfulness

Red – Military Fortitude

Green – Hope, Joy, & Loyalty

Purple – Sovereignty & Justice

Heraldic Animals

Bear – Protectiveness

Bee – Industriousness

Camel – Perseverance

Dog – Loyalty

Dove - Peace

Dragon – Defender of Treasure

Eagle – Leadership & Decisiveness

Falcon or Hawk – Eagerness

Fox – Cleverness

Griffin – Bravery

Horse – Readiness to Serve

Lion – Courage

Pelican – Generosity & Devotion

Raven – Constancy

Snake – Ambition

Stag, Elk, or Deer – Peace & Harmony

Tiger – Fierceness & Valor

Unicorn – Extreme courage

Wolf – Constant vigilance

Heraldic Symbols

Axe – Dutiful

Crescent – Enlightenment

Crosses – Christian sentiments

Crown – Authority

Fire – Enthusiasm

Flaming Heart – Passion

Flower - Beauty

Hand – Faith & Justice

Heart – Sincerity

Horns & Antlers – Fortitude

Leaves - Nature

Lightning – Decisiveness

Moon – Sincerity

Oyster Shell – Traveler

Ring – Fidelity

Scepter – Justice

Star – Nobility

Sun – Glory

Sword – Warlike

Tree - Nature

Castle – Protectiveness

Wings - Honor

NAME: ______CLASS PERIOD: _____

Heraldry Project Rubric

Shield (Quiz Grade) / Possible Points / Points Earned
Includes colors that represent you (at least two) / 15 points
Includes symbols or pictures to represent interests, hobbies, activities, or sports you enjoy (at leasttwo) / 15 points
Includes at least one animal that represents you / 15 points
Includes at least one heraldic symbol that represents you / 15 points
Your family name / 10 points
A personal motto (words or a phrase that represent/motivate you) / 10 points
Finished product is creative, unique, and reflects time and effort. / 20 points
TOTAL SCORE / 100 POINTS
Explanation (x1 Essay Grade)
Why you chose your shield colors / 15 points
Why you chose specific symbols to represent your interests / 15points
Which animal you chose and why / 15 points
An explanation of the heraldic symbol you chose / 15 points
An explanation of your motto / 15 points
MLA Format: heading, last name page number, title, double-spaced, typed, 12 pt. Times New Roman font MLA citation for textual evidence
Grammar/Mechanics: free of distracting grammar errors. Common errors include: sentence fragments and run-ons; spelling, capitalization, and punctuation errors; slang and unclear word choice; missing lead-ins / 25 points
TOTAL SCORE / 100 POINTS