Gryf coat of arms


Gryf, also known as Jaxa, is a Polish coat of arms that was used by many noble families in medieval Poland and later under the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, branches of the original medieval Gryfita-Świebodzic family as well as families connected with the Clan by adoption at ennoblement or even by error.

History

Legend

, legendary Prince of Poland, 805?, had 14 sons, of whom the oldest was Popiel I his successor to the throne. Leszek assured special parts of the realm to the remaining sons within his lifetime, obligating them by oath not to make the sovereignty of Popiel contentious. This ensured the safety and liberty of the country with a united army.
All these sons united under one war flag given by Leszek. The Lechites originally had a young lion on its war flag, then around 550, the white eagle appeared as a realm flag. The combination of both animal pictures into one figure has developed. Hence a lion's body and an eagle's head, which appears on and above the Gryf shield.
file:Wierzbięta z Branic 1425.JPG|200px|thumb|right|The Gryf coat of arms on the left side next to the Leliwa coat of arms, on the painting Epitafium Wierzbięty z Branic, 1425

Notable bearers

Notable bearers of this coat of arms have included:

Related coat of arms