Masonic, Occult and Esoteric Online Library
Fictitious and Symbolic Creatures in Art
By John Vinycomb
Fictitious Creatures of the Sea- The Sea-Lion
Sea-lion or Lion poisson, a mythical sea-creature, frequently used in heraldry as an emblem of bold actions achieved on the ocean in the country's service. It is depicted as the fore part of a lion with webbed feet, the hinder part ending in a fish's tail.
Two such animals support the arms of Viscount Falmouth.
The Earl of Howth has for supporters a sea-lion argent, and a mermaid, proper. The crest also is a sea-lion.
The crest of Duckworth is a tower, the battlements partly demolished, from
the top flames issuant proper; on the sinister side a sea-lion erect azure, pressing against the tower.
Silvestre.—Argent, a sea-lion couchant azure, crowned armed and langued gules.
When the sea-lion or other compounded creature of this kind is erect, it should be clearly blazoned as "a sea-lion erect on his tail," to distinguish it from naiant, the swimming position natural to it.
