Oriflamme
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Oriflamme was the sacred banner of the Abbey of St. Denis, a monastery near Paris. The banner was red or orange-red and flown from a lance. Its color stems from the legend of it being dipped in the blood of the recently-beheaded St. Denis. The oriflamme later became the royal standard of the King of France, and it was carried at the head of the king's forces whenever they met another army in battle. The bearer of the standard, the Porte Oriflamme, became an office (like that of Marshal or Constable) and a great honour, as it was an important and very dangerous job to take charge of such a visible symbol in battle.
Originally Latin, aurea flamma, it translates to "flame of gold."
[edit] Notable Bearers of the Oriflamme
- Geoffroi de Charny - 14th century knight and author of several works on chivalry. died at Poitiers defending the banner.
- Arnoul d'Audrehem - 14th century former Marshal of France.
