I have been reading George R. R. Martin’s series called A Song of Ice and Fire, a rather well written epic fantasy. One of the key features of Mr. Martin’s plot is pervasive political intrigue between powerful families and houses. Each house, big or small, is represented with what he calls a Sigil, essentially a fast and loose coat of arms. He isn’t very good at following the rules (especially the tincture rules) but he has created a rather extensive armorial of his massive cast of characters.
Below are a few of the more important houses "sigils". There is an amazingly extensive list available HERE. Just thought you’d all enjoy.
house Targaryen
http://www.westeros.org/Graphics/Heraldry/her_targaryen.gif
House Stark of Winterfell
http://www.westeros.org/Graphics/Heraldry/her_stark.gif
House Greyjoy of Pyke
House Frey of the Crossing
http://www.westeros.org/Graphics/Heraldry/her_frey.gif
House Lannister of Casterly Rock
http://www.westeros.org/Graphics/Heraldry/her_lannister.gif
House Baratheon of Storm’s End
I’ve read this series as well, although it was before I truly learned very much about heraldry. This makes me want to go back and re-read the series so that I can see how well Martin did on the heraldry.
Let’s face it, by the time he’s done, we’re going to go back and re-read it anyway, so another reason (heraldry) will just make it a more interesting read the second time around! =)
Kyle=
The fantasy term ‘sigils’ comes from sigillium, the Roman term for the figures cut into a signet ring constituting a personal seal. In English the term sigilliography is the study of seals.