magpie

The magpie and its similar relative, the jay, also occur in heraldry, as for instance in the coat of arms of Otto de Cazeneuve, a participant at the battle of Falkirk in 1298. The magpie symbolized loquacity, confidence, and creativity.

martlet

The martlet (not to be confused with the duck-like merlette) was the heraldic representation of the swift. Based on a medieval misapprehension, the martlet is always represented without feet. This is because the swift is never seen to land anywhere, save to nest, so medieval people believed the bird had no feet. The martlet represents the fourth son because he will never inherit land from either his father or his mother (unlike the first or second son). Therefore, he must strike out on his own and find his own fortune, unrooted in his native land. This charge is also believed to represent pilgrims, because they wander from land to land, and because the swift was a common bird in the Holy Land. The martlet is shown rising, volant, or trussed, despite its lack of feet. Demonstrating the reliance a fourth son or pilgrim must have on his or her own resources, and their lack of a home, the martlet's main traits are footlessness, merit and promptness.

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martlet (swallow)

Imagine a bird resembling a swallow, with thighs but no visible legs. It is said that the use of a martlet indicates that the first bearer of the arms had acquired nobility through his own efforts or by patronage. The absence of feet on the heraldic martlet perhaps signifies the lack of ancestral foundations for one's nobility. There is some indication that this charge is actually a French blackbird called a "merlette" that rarely alights, flies very fast, and eats while flying. They do build nests under the eaves of houses and churches in the summer however and are highly protective of their nests. Shakespeare, in the famous play Macbeth, makes note of this lovely creature when he writes, "The guest of summer/The temple-haunting martlet." This little creature is the vanguard of spring and represents a bearer of good news. It is swift and elegant and someone who is prompt and ready in the dispatch of his business and is a hard worker, not a quitter, would be keen to have this symbol.

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mascle

The mascle takes the form of a voided lozenge and has the shape of a diamond. It stands for virtue, persuasion and prudence.

masculy

A field described as `masculy' is patterned with mascle-like figures - bearings similar to voided lozenges and reminiscent of chainmail armor.

millrind

The millrind, represented in heraldry through an x-shaped figure, supports two millstones. It therefore symbolizes stability, support and protection.

moor / moor's head

A frequent charge during the time of the crusades and the Reconquista, the moor/ moor's head appears as a charge in order to symbolize the bearer's military victory against foreign powers which fought under the Islamic flag.

morne

When a lion is described as `morne', it is depicted without tongue, claws or teeth, and therefore appears as an image of peace, obedience and temperance.

mullet

Celestial bodies such as the stars, moon and sun have provided inspiration for heralds: the mullet represents a five-pointed star, and symbolizes virtue and piety.

mullet irradiated / mullet of six points

This variant of the mullet or star has six points rather than five, which are emblazoned `irradiated' or wavy rather than straight. Another term for it is the French `estoile'. It symbolizes chivalry and virtue.

mullet of six points

This charge was the French equivalent to the five-pointed star (mullet) found in English heraldry. It symbolized merit and honour.