Shields of this shape were inspired by Hungarian light- cavalry shields and were adopted in Germany and Austria for the Hussarisch Turnier (tournament in Hungarian-style costume). The German motto around the owl reads in translation, "Although I am the hated bird, I rather enjoy that." Below this are the quartered arms of the Tänzl and Rindscheit families, which were united by marriage in 1499.
I've been trying to decide what, if any, real owl this is. Little Owl (Stone Owl, Steinkauz to the Germans) or Eurasian Pygmy (Sparrow Owl, Sperlingskauz) are closest, but I'm curious as to why they picked a small owl instead of Uhu/Eagle Owl, especially if it is in homage to the Hussars, who supposedly wore eagle and other raptor feathers as part of their winged armor. The little guys are cute, not scary.
6 Comments
Pechente@feddit.org · 9 pts · 310d
The owl looks like it has seen a few too many lances.
anon6789@lemmy.world · 9 pts · 310d
From The Met
Perfect owl motto!
LadyButterfly@piefed.blahaj.zone · 8 pts · 310d
That's incredible 😲
pseudo@jlai.lu · 4 pts · 309d
He was probably my favorite in tournament.
pseudo@jlai.lu · 3 pts · 309d
This looks strangly like a spectacle owl. I'm the only one to see it?
anon6789@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 309d
It's that black and yellow motif that does it.
I've been trying to decide what, if any, real owl this is. Little Owl (Stone Owl, Steinkauz to the Germans) or Eurasian Pygmy (Sparrow Owl, Sperlingskauz) are closest, but I'm curious as to why they picked a small owl instead of Uhu/Eagle Owl, especially if it is in homage to the Hussars, who supposedly wore eagle and other raptor feathers as part of their winged armor. The little guys are cute, not scary.
Owls of Germany