Lions in Scotland??

**Riverkilt** · 22nd November 07, 10:05 AM

Okay, cool...but how does a 12th Century dude in Scotland know what a lion is? Even if he went on a Crusade he wouldn't have been in lion country.

Its not like he ever saw one (??) maybe just heard about them and they were something neat for him?

One would think they'd use something local, like a salmon.

Richard the Salmonhearted....

We Macdonalds have salmon on our crest I think...or one of them.

But anyhow. How would William I have encountered a lion to get the idea to add to the crest back then?

Thanks

Ron

**macwilkin** · 22nd November 07, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Okay, cool...but how does a 12th Century dude in Scotland know what a lion is? Even if he went on a Crusade he wouldn't have been in lion country.

Its not like he ever saw one (??) maybe just heard about them and they were something neat for him?

One would think they'd use something local, like a salmon.

Richard the Salmonhearted....

We Macdonalds have salmon on our crest I think...or one of them.

But anyhow. How would William I have encountered a lion to get the idea to add to the crest back then?

Thanks

Ron

Lions are a common creature in heraldry, Ron -- one of the articles above mentioned that William's arms were most likely based on the arms of England.

http://bestiary.ca/beasts/beast78.htm

Hopefully this article will answer some of your questions.

T.

**Riverkilt** · 22nd November 07, 10:35 AM

I can see where William I would be aware of lions....just as Alaskan Natives may be aware of palm trees.

I can see why he'd adopt the lion for heraldry.

But what are the odds that he ever saw a real live lion eyeball to eyeball?

Did the equivalent of today's circus tour. Did William I travel to where he might see a lion in a zoo-type situation? Did he roam Africa or Asia in Lion Country?

Ron

**Amoskeag** · 24th November 07, 09:00 AM

One would think they'd use something local, like a salmon.

Do I spy a tongue planted firmly in a cheek?

Salmon Rampant? I don't know, just doesn't seem to strike much fear into my heart. Maybe if you put some claws on the fins. I'm just trying to picture North Conway with "The Scottish Salmon"

Bob

**James MacMillan** · 24th November 07, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Amoskeag

Do I spy a tongue planted firmly in a cheek?

Salmon Rampant? I don't know, just doesn't seem to strike much fear into my heart. Maybe if you put some claws on the fins. I'm just trying to picture North Conway with "The Scottish Salmon"

Bob

I don't know about Salmon Rampant - But Bass Rampant?