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Symbolism > martlet

martlet

The martlet, or heraldic swallow, is a bird perceived as being swift and elegant, and is a device for someone prompt and ready in the dispatch of his business. The martlet signifies nobility acquired through bravery, prowess or intelligence.The heraldic martlet is consistently drawn without feet, a perpetuation of the Medieval myth that the swallow had no feet. As such, the martlet also represents one who has to subsist on the wings of his virtue and merit alone. On English arms it was a mark of cadency signifying the fourth son. If the feet are drawn, the symbol becomes a swallow, which is less common than the martlet. The swallow is a vanguard of spring and represents a bearer of good news.

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